In the first episode, Paul Merson, the footballer, Nick Knowles, the TV presenter, and Sam Quek, the Olympic gold medallist, will take to the dance floor.
Once the pairings have been announced, the celebrities and professionals will perform a group routine, before the live shows begin next week.
Smith stressed that it was “familiarity” with the show’s format that kept audiences returning, saying: “The hosts might change or the judges might change, the celebrities are new, but Strictly is always the same.
“People look forward to the series coming back.”
But while there will be no change to the judging panel and many other aspects of the show – including the usual theme weeks, it remains to be seen whether the programme’s popularity will withstand the latest scandal.
TV bosses may have been reassured by Strictly’s triumph at this week’s National Television Awards where the show was voted Best Talent Show by the public.
The BBC corporation has insisted it would always take any issues seriously, and act when made aware of inappropriate behaviour.
Pernice – who has since signed up as a dancer on the Italian version of the show – added that he is: “looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”