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Strictly Come Dancing makes big change for most accessible season ever

This year's 20th anniversary season will be the first ever to include the option for live signing.

Claudia Winklemanm and Tess Daly watch on as Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu spin on the dancefloor

BBC/Guy Levy

Published: Thursday, 22 August 2024 at 3:15 pm

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Ahead of this year's season of Strictly Come Dancing, which will also mark the show's 20th anniversary, it has been announced that a major update has been made to ensure it is the most accessible season yet.

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This year's run will be the first ever to include the option for live signing, which will be available on BBC iPlayer and through the red button.

This accessibility option joins other implementations for previous years, including audio description and subtitling, meaning that more of the audience can get involved, vote and enjoy the action during the live Saturday night shows, the Sunday results shows, the launch episode, the Christmas special and the upcoming 20th anniversary programme.

Kate Phillips, director of unscripted at the BBC, said in a statement: "Strictly Come Dancing has always been at the forefront of inclusivity and representation, and I’m delighted that our 20th anniversary series will be the most accessible yet for our audience."

Johannes Radebe with his arms stretched out whilst dancing.

Johannes Radebe for Strictly Come Dancing. BBC/Guy Levy

Phillips continued: "Introducing live signing, alongside audio description and subtitling, means that there are more options than ever for the whole audience to come together to experience the glitz and glamour of our Saturday and Sunday night shows.

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"This is a great launchpad for our exciting new BSL season next year, which will feature special programming and online resources shining a spotlight on the beautiful language of BSL."

The BBC's focus on British Sign Language continues next year with the launch of a BSL season, which aims to celebrate BSL and break down barriers.

This will feature content across BBC platforms, as well as online resources and material to help people learn to sign.

This year's celebrity line-up will include Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, Punam Krishan, Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks and Shayne Ward.

Also taking part are Sarah Hadland, Montell Douglas, Tom Dean, Jamie Borthwick, Nick Knowles, Sam Quek and Paul Merson.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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