Strictly Come Dancing is gearing itself up for a big year during the 2024 series, as the BBC show celebrates its 20th anniversary.
With that in mind, a big change is making its way to the dancing competition to mark the milestone, and it’s going to make the new season ‘the most accessible yet’.
In an announcement made by the broadcaster at Edinburgh TV Festival, Strictly is set to be live-signed for the very first time.
The service will be available for audiences on BBC iPlayer and on the red button, allowing viewers to watch the programme with the inclusion of a British sign language (BSL) interpreter.
In addition to the addition of BSL on this year’s series, there will also be online resources and amterial provided to help people learn how to sign.
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This news comes three years after EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first Deaf celebrity to compete on the show, going on to win with Giovanni Pernice.
Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, who was born Deaf, is set to compete in this year’s celebrity line-up.
Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, expressed her excitement over Strictly introducing live signing as the announcement was made at the TV festival.
‘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,’ she said.
‘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.
‘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.’
Several Strictly fans praised the new update, with one called Emma writing on X: ‘This is really great to see Strictly becoming more inclusive for viewers watching at home.
Another user called @TwellyWatcher shared: ‘So great to see more inclusivity on #Strictly,’ while @tvreality93 added: ‘Long overdue 👏👏👏.’
Strictly Come Dancing will return this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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