Back in 2013, Sophie danced her way to the Strictly finals, coming in fourth with her dancing partner Brendan Cole but her appearance on the show came at a heavy price, with the expectations weighing heavily on her.
In her 2021 book Spinning Plates, the Murder On The Dancefloor singer said: “We were asked questions such as: ‘Is this the best thing you’ve ever done?’, ‘How incredible has your dance partner been?’, ‘What will you do to fill the hole after Strictly?’
“And I had the epiphany that, oh my God it’s like a cult! Trigger words and the constant repetition of how much it must mean to you.”
While she was massively grateful and proud of her time on the show, she spoke frankly about the difficulties it came with.
So, a return to the Strictly ballroom probably wasn’t quite what anybody would expect.
However, fans were thrilled to see her back on the sparkly stage.
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One on Saturday evenings at 6.25pm.
Next month, each of the celebrity contestants and their professional partners will be performing a routine inspired by their personal musical heroes in the show’s first ever Icons Week.
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A BBC press release explained: “In this brand-new special week, which will be part of this series and beyond, the remaining couples will take to the ballroom floor to honour music icons.
“Our Strictly Come Dancing stars will pay tribute to some of the most recognisable and influential people in the music industry. This new week will be dedicated to music legends from across the decades.”
The special live show will air on Saturday 2 November, a week after Strictly’s annual Halloween special.
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Strictly’s regular themed weeks – Blackpool Week and Musicals Week – will also still go ahead as usual later in the series.
For now, the BBC is keeping each of the celebs’ Icons picks under wraps, but it’s been revealed that the episode will also feature a special routine paying homage to Beyoncé, in which professional dancer Johannes Radebe will take centre stage.
Vito Coppola, Johannes Radebe and Nikita Kuzmin performing a routine inspired by Beyoncé
Retired themes from past seasons of Strictly include Around The World week and BBC 100 Week, in which the contestants performed to theme tunes from iconic BBC shows to commemorate the broadcaster’s centennial.
Last week, the first themed week of the series got underway, with the remaining 14 contestants (minus Nick Knowles, who was absent from the live show due to an injury) paying homage to everything from Barbie and Harry Potter to Mrs Doubtfire and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
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Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones wound up becoming the second pair to be sent home, after landing in the dance-off once again, this time alongside football legend Paul Merson and Karen Hauer.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 12 October on BBC One at 6.20pm.
In the final months of the year, we cosy up in front of the TV with a cuppa and for a couple of hours, we’re suddenly dance experts, choreographers, the Best of the Biz when it comes to dancing.
However, our real expertise comes into play before the show is even back on air. The second that the Strictly contestants are announced, the real judges are us: “Who is that guy?” “Wait, wasn’t he in an advert or something?” “How is she a celebrity?”.
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We know better than not just the dancers but the casting directors, too. We reckon we either don’t know people or they’re long-since washed up celebs.
However, Richard Osman pointed out on his podcast with Marina Hyde, The Rest Is Entertainment, that actually, Strictly is often the making of celebs and our assumptions about them is often wrong.
He said: “A large proportion of the biggest stars on British TV come from reality shows. Strictly has been the absolute making of them. I mean the wonderful late Caroline Flack absolutely went from minor TV presenter to presenting the X Factor and Love Island because she won Strictly.
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″[As an agent] if you have a client who is on the cusp of becoming huge, and they have a personality that people like watching on television, then doing something like Strictly… it’s almost impossible to think of a better show.”
Talent executive at Strictly revealed details behind choosing contestants
Speaking on the Strictly Confidential podcast in 2018, the show’s talent executive Stefania Aleksander revealed that the process is actually quite complicated, saying: “You come up with ideas for the cast of Strictly, present them to the executives and commissioners, and together decide who we want to go for.
“The list is endless. We approach people that we really want to go after and we’d love to see on the show and then we meet them to have a chat about the show, and the commitment, and find out how much they want to learn to dance. Then we present that to the channel between us – it’s a long process.”
Speaking to the Daily Star, Kai shared: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series.
“Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them. Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.”
He added: “Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”
As well as Kai, Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley have also been benched this year, but remain part of Strictly’s troupe of professionals, and will continue to appear in group routines over the course of the series.
This year marks Kai’s first year without a partner, having previously been paired up with Big Brother host AJ Odudu, Loose Women anchor Kaye Adams and TV personality Angela Rippon.
He joined Strictly in 2021, having previously been a pro on the Irish version of the show, Dancing With The Stars.
Kai did already have a Strictly connection, though, as he once lived with former professional Giovanni Pernice while the Italian dancer was still part of the show.
Saturday night’s pre-recorded launch show saw the 15 new celebrities in the cast discovering which of Strictly’s resident professional dancers they’ll be performing with for the duration of the series.
Just in case you missed it – here’s the full list of celebrities and their professional dance partners:
These 15 pairings are now in training for the first live show of the series, which is due to air on BBC One on Saturday 21 September.
Meanwhile, Michelle Tsiakkas has received her first ever celebrity partner in EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, having been part of the Strictly team since 2022.
Unfortunately, this also means that – as was previously rumoured – Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley will not be getting celebrity partners in 2024. However, they will remain part of the show’s resident dance troupe, and continue to appear in group dances.
Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
BBC/Guy Levy
The leaves are starting to brown, the dark nights are drawing in and there’s an unmistakeable nip in the air.
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Bit depressing, really, isn’t it?
Well, don’t fret, because the arrival of autumn also means the return of Strictly Come Dancing, the new series of which kicks off on Saturday night with the annual pre-recorded launch show.
The 15 stars getting their dance shoes on this time around were confirmed last month, but just in case you need a quick refresher, here’s our guide to the Strictly 2024 cast…
Chris McCausland
Comedian Chris McCausland is making history on Strictly in 2024
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Comedian Chris McCausland is set to make history as the first blind contestant to ever compete on Strictly Come Dancing.
After becoming the first of this year’s celebrities to be unveiled, he joked: “I don’t dance, I haven’t danced, I can’t dance, I can’t see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong?”
JB Gill
Former Christmas champion JB Gill is returning to the Strictly ballroom this year
Chart-topping singer JB Gill first rose to fame on The X Factor, as part of the boyband JLS. After finishing in second place, the group went on to score a string of hits, including five UK number ones, and two Brit Award wins.
JB is no stranger to the dance floor, having won Strictly’s Christmas special back in 2012. He also competed in ITV’s short-lived Strictly rival Dance Dance Dance back in 2017, finishing in third place alongside his wife Chloe.
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“I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and loved it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me,” he revealed.
“I’m raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!”
Wynne Evans
Wynne Evans is perhaps best known for his very unique alter-ego
All of that is true, of course, but they failed to mention what we best know him for – portraying the operatic Gio Compario in the car insurance site Go Compare’s long-running ad campaigns.
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He said he’d be representing “every portly, middle-aged father out there” on the Strictly dance floor, adding: “Me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I’m not entirely sure how I’ll get along, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction.
“What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I’m definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines.”
Toyah Wilcox
Toyah Wilcox is making her Strictly debut in 2024
British music legend Toyah Wilcox is known for hits including It’s A Mystery, Thunder In The Mountains and I Want To Be Free.
She explained: “This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m here for every sparkly second.”
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“I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me. How I will do? It’s a mystery,” Toyah joked, adding: “I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!”
Dr Punam Krishan
Dr Punam Krishan will be introduced to a whole new audience on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing
GP-turned-TV-personality Punam Krishan will be a familiar face to viewers of the BBC’s Morning Live, where she’s the daytime show’s resident medical expert. She’s also the author of books including How To Be A Doctor And Other Life-Saving Jobs and the upcoming The Superhero’s First Aid Manual.
Punam admitted her forthcoming Strictly stint “still doesn’t feel real”, revealing: “I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show. I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now.
“This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.”
Tasha Ghouri
Tasha Ghouri is the second former Love Island star to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing
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To most of us, Tasha Ghouri is best remembered for her stint on Love Island in 2021, making it all the way to the final alongside her boyfriend Andrew Le Page.
Before entering the Love Island villa, Tasha was already a trained dancer, appearing in one of MNEK’s music videos as part of a dance troupe made up entirely of performers who were deaf or hard of hearing. She also briefly dated departing Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice.
She said she hoped to “represent and make everyone proud” in the Strictly ballroom, sharing: “I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true.”
Pete Wicks
Strictly Come Dancing is the latest in a long line of reality TV appearances for Pete Wicks
Reality star Pete Wicks first made a name for himself when he joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex, remaining with the docusoap for seven years.
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His other reality show appearances have included Celebs Go Dating, where he struck up a friendship with fellow media personality Sam Thompson, as well as Celebrity MasterChef, The Celebrity Island, Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls and two seasons of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, after having to pull out of his first run due to an injury.
“Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying,” he confessed. “But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Tom Dean
After his success at the Paris Olympics, the swimmer let slip that he had signed up for the new series of Strictly.
He previously claimed: “I thought it would be really exciting to try something a bit different. I’ll be doing that and straight back into training after it. It’s something to look forward to.
“I’ve not seen [fellow Olympic swimmer and Strictly alum Adam Peaty] yet. He did brilliantly on it so I’ll be getting a few tips from him, for sure.”
In the more formal (read: not accidental) announcement, Tom said, “I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024!”
He added: “You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!”
Shayne Ward
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Former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward has appeared on Coronation Street as Aidan Connor, and is currently the lead in Channel 5′s The Good Ship Murder.
Announcing his upcoming Strictly appearance on Lorraine, the That’s My Goal singer said: “I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life.”
He added: “I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.”
“No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!”
Sarah Hadland
You probably know her best as Stevie in the hilarious sitcom Miranda (although if you loved CBBC’s Horrible Histories show as much as we did, you might recognise the actor from her long-running role in that, too).
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She’s also appeared in The Job Lot, Quantum of Solace, and multiple plays.
“I cannot believe I am part of Strictly,” the star gushed. “I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!”
Jamie Borthwick
The actor, who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, has already won the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special ― so hopes are pretty high for his upcoming appearance on the show.
Like Tom Dean’s announcement, the news was revealed on Matt and Mollie’s Show on BBC Radio 1.
The soap legend said: “I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes!”
He added: “This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say.”
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“I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dance floor!”
Montell Douglas
Montell Douglas is best known to Gladiators fans as “Fire”
If the name Montell Douglas doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps her Gladiators alter-ego Fire will.
As well as appearing in the hit BBC challenge show, Montell is also a celebrated athlete competing in the summer and winter Olympics in the sprinting and bobsled events, respectively.
She said: “Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started.
“Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”
Nick Knowles
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Best known for his work on home improvement shows like DIY SOS, Nick Knowles is no stranger to reality TV, having previously participated in I’m A Celebrity back in 2018.
“I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year,” he enthused. “People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure.
“I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything… and try not to embarrass my kids of course!”
Sam Quek
Retired hockey player turned sports pundit Sam Quek is bringing some more Olympic gold to the 2024 Strictly line-up.
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“As a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting!” she admits.
“I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.”
Paul Merson
Completing the line-up this year is Paul Merson, the former footballer who most of us know now for his commentary on the sport.
While joining Strictly is apparently “a whole new ball game for me” (get it? ’Cause football!), he says he’s “going to tackle this challenge” (get it? ’Cause football!) head on (GET IT? ’CAUSE FOOTBALL! A pun hat-trick, you might say…).
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He added: “I’m ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!””
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 14 September on BBC One.
During a new interview with The Times, Craig was asked about the fact that “some have called for it to be cancelled”, a suggestion he branded “ridiculous”.
“It’s a wonderful show that’s in 61 countries,” he insisted, before noting that he “like everyone else” is eager to “know the results of the investigation”.
Craig went on to say he was “shocked” to read reports about certain allegations behind the scenes of Strictly, explaining: “At every rehearsal there is lighting and sound, a crew member, as well as the pro, celeb and a choreographer, so there’s a lot of people in those rooms. And they have windows too.”
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“That’s why I can’t wait for the investigation because it could be all blown out of proportion or it could be… anything,” he added. “But we want the results sooner rather than later.”
The Strictly Come Dancing judging panel as of 2021
BBC/Ray Burmiston
Elsewhere in the interview, Craig said he welcomes new measures being introduced to the show aiming to protect both its celebrity contestants and their professional partners.
“All I can say is that, first, chaperones are a good idea. Second, thank goodness things have changed,” he said, referring to the harshness that has long existed in the world of dance.
Craig claimed last month that he was following the drama “like everybody else, through the press”, and was “just finding out” about the accusations.
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“For us, it’s complete news. Every day that I read about something I think, ‘That can’t be right’, so I’ll wait and see what happens with the investigations, but certainly we have nothing to do with that,” he said.
Last month, the Strictly judge weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the show, after the BBC began investigating complaints made by three of Giovanni’s former celebrity dance partners (including actor Amanda Abbington) about his conduct behind the scenes of the show.
Over the weekend, Shirley and Giovanni took part in a dance workshop together, where the Daily Mail reported that she told those in attendance: “I’ve known him for 10 years and we’re good friends.”
She reportedly added: “I will be one person who will be by his side forever. What you see is what you get with him.”
Giovanni at a Strictly Come Dancing launch event in 2018
Tim P. Whitby / Getty Images
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Two weeks ago, Shirley was quoted by The Mirror as saying: “I don’t condone bullying on any path, but also I don’t believe gossip and what you read in the newspapers, because things get escalated and they are blown way out of all proportion and it can turn into a great big snowball.
“My feeling for Giovanni is, let them do this investigation, or whatever it is they are doing, and the truth will come out. So we don’t judge anybody until I know absolutely 100 percent. I won’t pass on the gossip unless I know 100 percent it is true.”
Insisting she’s “never ever ever experienced any ill will or bad feeling or bad sportsmanship or rudeness” from Giovanni, Shirley apparently added: “I can only talk from my own perspective. He has always been to me – and I will make that clear, to me – a perfect gentleman.”
Giovanni told fans last month: “I am co-operating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.
“As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
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“I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – [your] messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name.”
“It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals,” a spokesperson said. “Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
“Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.
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“If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.”
“This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about,” the statement added.
“Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned.”
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have confirmed that Giovanni Pernice will not be returning to the show for this year’s landmark 20th series.
Giovanni’s future on the show has been in doubt for a number of weeks now, with the BBC currently investigating complaints made about him by a number of his former celebrity partners.
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Prior to this, it was reported by The Sun that the Italian dancer had made the decision to bow out after 10 series, citing an undisclosed “source”, who claimed the former champion had chosen to leave Strictly as a result of the “scrutiny” he had found himself under.
On Monday afternoon, the BBC confirmed the line-up of this year’s Strictly professionals, with Giovanni’s name absent from the list.
Giovanni previously told his Instagram followers: “You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.”
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Meanwhile, the BBC has also issued a rare statement alluding to the matter, which said: “It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals,” a BBC representative said. “Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
“Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.
“If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.”
The statement – which did not mention Giovanni, any of his former partners or Strictly Come Dancing directly – continued: “This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
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“Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned.”
The cast of the Strictly professionals tour in 2022
Dave J Hogan via Getty Images
The rest of last year’s Strictly dancers will all be back for the upcoming season, including reigning champion Vito Coppola and runner-up Nikita Kuzmin, whose future on the show was also previously in doubt following his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother back in March.
Also returning to the show will be Amy Dowden, who missed much of the 2023 run while she underwent cancer treatment.
Strictly Come Dancing has announced it will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in style.
Wednesday marks 20 years since the first episode of Strictly began airing on the BBC, back when Tess Daly was co-hosting with the late, great Sir Bruce Forsyth and the judging panel was made up of Craig Revel Horwood, Dame Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman, who died in April 2023.
To coincide with Strictly’s big birthday, the BBC has announced a one-off special will be airing later in the year celebrating the show’s impact in the last two decades.
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Fresh from Strictly’s win at the TV Baftas over the weekend, a BBC press release has teased that the “unmissable one-off programme” promises “a journey through 20 years of unforgettable entertainment featuring iconic performances and plenty of heart-warming interviews with past celebrity stars, professional dancers, and judges”.
This nostalgic special hopes to “showcase why Strictly Come Dancing has captured the hearts of the nation for the past 20 years”, and helped it become one of the broadcaster’s “best known and well-loved programmes”.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, the BBC’s Head of Entertainment, enthused: “Strictly Come Dancing is more than just a TV show, it has become an integral part of British culture, bringing families together and inspiring viewers of all ages to embrace the joy of dance.
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“Throughout its 20-year history, the show has launched careers, sparked trends, and touched the hearts of millions with its dazzling performances, emotional journeys, and unforgettable moments and we will be showcasing it all in this very special programme.”