Home Entertainment Strictly Come Dancing 2024 FIRST LOOK: Craig Revel Horwood shows off his new beard as he poses alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 FIRST LOOK: Craig Revel Horwood shows off his new beard as he poses alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke

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Strictly Come Dancing has revealed a first look at the judging panel as the hit BBC show prepares for its return on September 14 (L-R Craig Revel Horwood, 59, Motsi Mabuse, 43, Shirley Ballas, 64, and Anton Du Beke, 58)

Strictly Come Dancing has revealed a first look at the judging panel as the hit BBC show prepares for its return on September 14.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood, 59, showed off a new look as he sat alongside fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, 43, Shirley Ballas, 64, and Anton Du Beke, 58.

The dancer and choreographer, who has been with the BBC show since its inception in 2004, looked very different than usual as he debuted his new facial hair.

Craig sported a thick black beard, cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo and smiled as he raised a score of 10.

Meanwhile, Motsi oozed glamour in a cut-out white blazer that featured structured shoulder pads and a V-neckline.

Strictly Come Dancing has revealed a first look at the judging panel as the hit BBC show prepares for its return on September 14 (L-R Craig Revel Horwood, 59, Motsi Mabuse, 43, Shirley Ballas, 64, and Anton Du Beke, 58)

However, judge Craig Revel Horwood was almost unrecognisable as he sported new facial hair and cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo.

However, judge Craig Revel Horwood was almost unrecognisable as he sported new facial hair and cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo.

The dancer and choreographer, who has been with the BBC show since its inception in 2004, looked very different to his usual self (pictured with Len Goodman in 2011).

The dancer and choreographer, who has been with the BBC show since its inception in 2004, looked very different to his usual self (pictured with Len Goodman in 2011).

Judge Shirley will also be making her return to the panel and the ballroom dancer looked nothing short of sensational in a red ruffled dress.

Meanwhile, fan favourite Anton cut a dapper figure in a black and white tuxedo as he proudly held the number 10.

The first look photo comes after Craig said he thinks the show can “move past” the harassment allegations when its 20th season begins.

The ongoing scandal has led to numerous allegations of misconduct and forced professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice to leave the long-running Saturday night show.

Following the scandal, the BBC has put in place a new set of guidelines for the show in the hope of avoiding its cancellation.

But judge Craig has now told Woman’s Weekly that he always looks forward to the series and has “become part of the furniture”.

He said: “I think the show can move on from what’s happened, I really do. It has a certain verve to it and people would be very sad if it meant the show didn’t continue. I always look forward to a new series. I’ve become part of the furniture in a way.”

This comes after BBC bosses slashed Strictly’s budget for the upcoming 20th series amid a series of scandals that could lead to payouts to former stars.

The First Look photo comes after Craig said he thinks the show can

The First Look photo comes after Craig said he thinks the show can “move past” the harassment allegations when season 20 begins (LR Craig, Shirley and Bruno Tonioli)

The ongoing scandal has sparked numerous allegations of misconduct and forced professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice (pictured) to leave the long-running Saturday night show.

The ongoing scandal has sparked numerous allegations of misconduct and forced professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice (pictured) to leave the long-running Saturday night show.

The casting budget for the flagship show has been slashed in the wake of the Strictly bullying scandal, Corporation sources say.

Instead, funds have been diverted to increase welfare measures at the dance performance.

There are concerns among bosses that there will be further financial difficulties as former stars line up to file claims of being mistreated during their time on the show.

A source said: “Money had to be found to pay the escorts and social producers and we still don’t know how much all these allegations are going to cost the show. It’s not going to be cheap. The decision was made to cut back on the cast.”

The shoestring casting budget was noticeable and many Strictly fans were left disappointed when this year’s celebrity shortlist was revealed earlier this month.

Viewers were left scratching their heads as they struggled to recognise little-known TV doctor Punam Krishnan and former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri.

The source said the only contestants making big money among this year’s cast are DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and football pundit Paul Merson.

They added: “The line-up is one of the cheapest we have ever had. We know the public is disappointed, especially considering the quality of our celebrities over the last five years.”

It is a further blow for Strictly bosses who had high hopes for the 20th anniversary series.

The latest series will see a team of new production staff working alongside the famous stars. They will be present in the rehearsal room at all times to monitor any signs of inappropriate behaviour.

BBC bosses have been forced to take “decisive action” to improve the show’s protection of celebrities after contestants including actress Amanda Abbington and former reality TV star Zara McDermott came forward with allegations of abuse.

BBC directors were forced to take

BBC bosses have been forced to take “decisive action” to improve the show’s safeguarding for celebrities after contestants including actress Amanda Abbington and former reality TV star Zara McDermott (pictured) made allegations of abuse.

Giovanni Pernice, Strictly’s longest-serving professional male contestant, was accused by Abbington of harassment during rehearsals last year and the BBC is still investigating. The 33-year-old from Sicily has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

The Mail on Sunday revealed that Giovanni was to be cleared following Amanda’s allegations. BBC sources told the paper there was no evidence he had harassed her.

But the actress is said to be so determined to win her case that she is making what Giovanni’s friends describe as “one last throw of the dice” by telling the BBC about a short video clip he sent her on WhatsApp.

Sources within the Corporation say that it was a “sex-related” matter, but in reality “it was much more of a joke.”

A source said: “This is literally the last thing Amanda has left so of course she hopes it sticks. It’s the only thing she has in any way tangible against Giovanni.”

The report’s findings are not expected to be known until next month.

STRICTLY 2024 LINEUP

Chris McCausland

1723125650 574 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 46

Profession: Comedian

Chris says: “If anyone is thinking, ‘How the hell is he going to do that?’ rest assured, I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”

Dr. Punam Krishan

1723125651 770 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: unknown

Profession: Family doctor and announcer

Punam says: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year and it feels even more special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe it’s me who’s going to be on Strictly.’

Willcox Toy Store

1723125651 908 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 66

Profession: Singer, actor, presenter

Toyah says: “I’m so excited and I love this show. Being a part of it, the spray tan and the glow. It’s a landmark year for me. I came in as a retiree, went to Glasto and now I’m spray tanning.”

Pete Wicks

1723125652 853 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 36

Profession: Reality star

Pete says: “Dancing live in front of the whole country every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.”

Shayne Neighborhood

1723125653 596 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 39

Profession: Actor and singer

Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live television, but dancing Latin and ballroom in front of millions of people is a whole new level.’

Tom Dean

1723125653 424 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 24

Profession: Olympic medal-winning swimmer

Tom says: “I can now officially talk about how excited I am to embark on something new, meet brilliant people and start dancing.”

Nick Knowles

1723501555 856 Kym Marsh breaks her silence on Strictly scandal and defends

Age: 61

Profession: TV presenter

Nick says, ‘I’m going for it. I’m going to give it 100 percent!’

JB Gill

1723125654 536 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 37

Profession: Singer

JB says: “A lot of ballroom dance styles are very foreign to me. I didn’t do those dances as a kid. I’m not a professional dancer.”

Wynne Evans

1723125654 723 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 52

Profession: Opera singer, presenter

Wynne says: ‘The things that make me nervous are the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I get nervous about that.

Tasha Ghouri

1723125655 307 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 25

Profession: Model and reality star

Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little, it’s a Ghouri family favourite so this is totally a dream come true.’

Sarah Hadland

1723125656 49 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 53

Profession: Actress

Sarah says: ‘I’m particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’

Jamie Borthwick

1723125656 613 Strictly Come Dancing confirms EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympian

Age: 30

Profession: EastEnders star

Jamie says: ‘I had a blast making the Christmas special, so when I was asked to take part, the easiest answer was ‘yes!’

Sam Quek

1723501558 997 Kym Marsh breaks her silence on Strictly scandal and defends

Age: 35

Profession: Former Great Britain hockey player and presenter

Sam says: “I’m so relieved that it’s out now. I’ve found it hard to keep a secret! Rumours were spreading and I had to lie. I’m used to dancing on a girls’ night out but I’m going to give it my all.”

Pablo Merson

1723501558 760 Kym Marsh breaks her silence on Strictly scandal and defends

Age: 56

Profession: Former footballer

Paul says: ‘I won’t worry until it starts, but when it does start I’ll be nervous. I’ve only danced three times in my life!’

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