Strictly Come Dancing 2017: what time does it start tonight, and who are the contestants?

Telegraph Reporters
Updated
Debbie McGee and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice on last week's show - PA
Debbie McGee and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice on last week's show - PA

After last week's first live show, the 15th series continues this weekend, as the contestants face elimination for the first time. Here's everything we know about it so far.

When is Strictly Come Dancing on TV this weekend?

The next episode of Strictly is on BBC Onethis Saturday, September 30, from 6.45pm to 8.50pm. This weekend will see the celebrity contestants come under the scrutiny of the judging panel for the very first time.

It's sure to be nerve-wracking, but they shouldn't be too worried just yet: none of the 15 stars will be be leaving the show this weekend. Instead, their scores will be carried across to next week, when viewers will have the chance to vote for their favourite dancers.

What are this week's songs and dances?

  • Alexandra Burke and Gorka will perform a Paso Doble to On The Floor by Jennifer Lopez

  • Charlotte Hawkins and Brendan will Cha Cha to Sugar by Maroon 5

  • Chizzy Akudolu and Pasha will Foxtrot to I’m a Woman from Smokey Joe’s Cafe

  • Debbie McGee and Giovanni will perform a Viennese Waltz to She’s Always A Woman by Billy Joel

  • Gemma Atkinson and Aljaz are Waltzing to an Italian version of A Time For Us by Josh Groban

  • Mollie King and AJ will Tango to Addicted To Love by Tina Turner

  • Ruth Langsford and Anton will perform a Charleston to 'The Charleston' by Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys

  • Susan Calman and Kevin will perform a Charleston to  If You Knew Susie by Enoch Light and The Charleston City All-Stars 

  • Aston Merrygold and Janette will Salsa to Despacito (Remix) by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft Justin Bieber

  • Brian Conley and Amy will Cha Cha to Shake Your Groove Thing by Peaches and Herb

  • Davood Ghadami and Nadiya will perform a Quickstep to Last Nite by The Strokes

  • Joe McFadden and Katya will Tango to Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran

  • Jonnie Peacock and Oti will Jive to Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry

  • Rev. Richard Coles and Dianne perform an American Smooth to Love Really Hurts Without You by Billy Ocean

  • Simon Rimmer and Karen will Waltz to You'll Never Walk Alone by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Who is judging this year?

New head judge Shirley Ballas - Credit: Steve Schofield/BBC
New head judge Shirley Ballas Credit: Steve Schofield/BBC

Tragically, everyone's favourite head judge, the charming Len Goodman, decided to retire at the end of last series leaving a rather large gap to be filled. The person tasked with taking on this task is professional dancer Shirley Ballas, who is known as "The Queen of Latin." 

Ballas will be joining the traditional Strictly judge line-up, which consists of Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell.

Who are this year's contestants?

Rev. Richard Cole showing off his moves - Credit: Paul Gower/The Telegraph
Rev. Richard Cole showing off his moves Credit: Paul Gower/The Telegraph

Strictly 2017: Who are this year's contestants?

  •  Join former Strictly Come Dancing stars Kristina Rihanoff and Ian Waite for Waltzing down the Danube, a wonderful eight-day cruise into the artistic highlights of the river and watch a private ballroom dance in the Palais Liechtenstein by Rihanoff and Waite. Book now at telegraph.co.uk/tt- waltzingdanube

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