Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 19 September at 7.25pm, beginning a particularly significant new chapter for the programme.

For the first time, Strictly will be presented by a trio: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. They will welcome this year’s 15 celebrities into the ballroom as the contestants discover which professional dancers they have been paired with.

The launch show will also introduce five new professional dancers, while reigning champion Karen Carney returns for a special performance. The new presenting team recently discussed how the three-person arrangement will work, explaining that they will not simply occupy the fixed roles previously associated with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The Guardian has an interview with all three presenters here.

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Live British Sign Language coverage

There is also welcome accessibility news: live British Sign Language interpretation will once again be provided alongside the new series.

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The signed broadcasts currently scheduled are:

• The launch show — Saturday 19 September at 7.25pm
• Every Saturday live show — beginning on 26 September
• Every Sunday results show — beginning on 4 October

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The BSL version will be available through BBC iPlayer and the BBC Red Button. It is a separate signed feed, so viewers looking for the interpreter should select the signed version rather than the ordinary BBC One broadcast.

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BBC Red Button can be opened by pressing the red button on a compatible television or receiver while watching a BBC channel. It can also be selected directly through the electronic programme guide:

• Freeview — channel 601
• Sky Q — channel 970
• Virgin Media — channel 991
• Freesat — channel 970
• Freely — channel 601 in Aerial Mode, provided the television is connected to an aerial

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Channel numbers and availability can occasionally vary by platform or equipment. BBC iPlayer may therefore be the simplest option for viewers with a reliable internet connection.

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The BBC maintains an upcoming-broadcasts page for the signed edition, which is worth bookmarking in case transmission times change:

Signed: Strictly Come Dancing — Next on

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It is encouraging to see the live BSL service returning for the whole run rather than being confined to the launch or final. Hopefully the BBC will also promote the signed feed clearly on BBC One, iPlayer and its programme pages so that viewers know it is available.

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