Strictly to return with tribute to Bruce Forsyth

will be hoping to trump last year’s record-breaking launch-night viewing figure of 9.3 million when it returns tonight in what is expected to be an emotionallycharged comeback.

The popular BBC One dancing show is back for its 15th series boasting a new face on the judging panel and three new professional dancers, and the launch show will feature an emotional tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth following his death aged 89 in August.

Incoming new judge Shirley Ballas, 56, makes her debut as Len Goodman’s replacement. Goodman stepped down from the judging panel last year after 12 years of dishing out “tens from Len”.

The returning professional dancer line-up features originals Brendan Cole and Anton Du Beke as well as other favourites like Gorka Marquez, Aljaz Skorjanec, Karen Clifton, Katya Jones and Oti Mabuse. The three new professional dancers are Australian Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova from Ukraine and Amy Dowden from Wales.

This year’s line-up of celebrities includes

newsreader Charlotte Hawkins, host Ruth Langsford and The Saturdays singer Mollie King. Other musicians hoping to impress with their feet and not their voices are former JLS star Aston Merrygold and winner Alexandra Burke.

Also hoping to shimmy their way to glitterball glory are TV chef Simon Rimmer, Davood Ghadami, star Joe McFadden and actress Chizzy Akudolu.