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 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.

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 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.

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.