When is Strictly Come Dancing back in 2021?

The buzz has already begun for the 2021 series, which is set to air on the BBC later this year.

So far, the Strictly Come Dancing professionals for 2021 have been confirmed, with some of our faves including Giovanni Pernice, Karen Hauer and more returning.

Oti Mabuse - who earned her second win in a row last year with Bill Bailey - has said that this year could be her last, however.

“I love to dance and also I love bringing joy to so many people, but I think that (this year’s Strictly) will be the last one," she revealed as she joins the judging panel of ITV's The Masked Dancer.

"To be part of a show like Strictly – which is so diverse in every sense of the word – is incredible.”

One pro who isn't looking to go anywhere anytime soon is Luba Mushtuk who opened up about her plans to lift the glitterball this year as she revealed her dream celebrity partner.

Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, she said: "I would love to see Michael McIntyre on the show, and I think it would be great entertainment. It would be so amazing and so fun!”

And it sounds like we'll also have Bruno Tonioli back on the judging panel for 2021, following his virtual appearance on series 18 due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Craig Revel Horwood recently revealed Bruno will likely return for the 2021 series, saying during an episode of Good Morning Britain, "We’re hoping Bruno comes back. We really do want him there in the seat – [the question is] whether he stays in the seat or not as he’s generally up and down like a yo-yo!"

As Strictly makes its much anticipated return, here's everything you need to know about the 19th series - from the professionals, to the judges and even some rumoured celebs.

We're so excited already!

When is Strictly Come Dancing back in 2021?

A release date for the new series hasn't been confirmed just yet, but based on previous years we can make an educated guess.

The BBC One dance show has been on our screens for 16 years now, with a total of 18 series aired.

Usually, the series kicks off in September, however, the 18th series started a little later due to the pandemic and had a shorter run.

Providing all is well, it's thought the 19th series could air in its usual September slot in Autumn 2021.

Who is in the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 line-up?

The contestants aren't usually revealed until a month before the show's launch, but some rumours have already started about who might be in the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 line-up, including Christine McGuinness (model and wife of Top Gear host Paddy) and former footballer Rio Ferdinand.

Who are the professionals returning for Strictly 2021?

The professional line-up has now been confirmed for 2021.

You can see a full list below of all the dancers taking part:

• Oti Mabuse
• Janette Manrara
• Amy Dowden
• Aljaž Škorjanec
• Giovanni Pernice
• Anton Du Beke
• Dianne Buswell
• Gorka Marquez
• Graziano Di Prima
• Janette Manrara
• Johannes Radebe
• Karen Hauer
• Katya Jones
• Luba Mushtuk
• Nadiya Bychkova
• Nancy Xu
• Neil Jones

There were some changes to the 2020 professional line-up, with Kevin Clifton and AJ Pritchard hanging up their dancing shoes as they departed from the series.

In March 2020, Kevin Clifton quit Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the show.

A few weeks later, AJ Pritchard quit Strictly following a four-year stint.

Who are the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 judges?

It's believed Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse will return to the panel as Strictly Come Dancing judges.

Bruno Tonioli was unable to make it onto the panel this year due to travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus, and instead appeared virtually for the results show.

It was thought he'd make it back in time for the Strictly Come Dancing final after his work commitments on Dancing with the Stars came to end, however, that wasn't the case.

The judges have high hopes he'll be joining them for the 19th series.

Will Anton become a permanent fourth judge on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021?

Not this year he won't!

Anton Du Beke enjoyed a two week stint on the panel in 2020 as he filled in for Motsi Mabuse, while she isolated following a trip back home.

After his appearance, Strictly fans called for Anton Du Beke to come back as judge. However, he won't be be joining the panel permanently this year, now that he's been confirmed as one of the professional dancers.

That's not to say it couldn't happen in the future. Plus, fans would certainly like to see more of Mr Du Beke on the panel.

After he and his dance partner Jacqui Smith were voted out in Week Two of the 18th series, fans called for Strictly Come Dancing to make Anton a fourth judge on the show.

Some even commented on the chemistry between him and Craig Revel Horwood, with one writing: "COME ON, STRICTLY!!! Everyone KNOWS they’re a perfect team. Now let Anton get back up there. We love him and we love Craig. How long are you going to keep us waiting!!!!”

Where is Strictly Come Dancing filmed?

The Strictly Come Dancing filming location has remained the same since 2013. Following the closure of the BBC Television Centre, the show has always taken place in Elstree Studios.

Despite many Strictly Come Dancing COVID changes, the show stayed at Elstree for 2020.

There is one week many viewers look froward to – Blackpool – where the cast and crew pack their bags and head north to the seaside town for a glitter-filled special.

However, sadly Strictly Come Dancing cancelled Blackpool Week for 2020, due to coronavirus restrictions.

Could we see show back in Blackpool for 2021? We certainly wouldn't say no to this!

Strictly is expected to return to the BBC in Autumn 2021. Want something else to watch? Check out our full TV Guide.