The return date for Strictly Come Dancing has been revealed after the series was engulfed by a number of scandals.
The upcoming 20th series was thrown into chaos when professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice were accused of abusive behavior by celebrity partners, with a verdict on an investigation into the latter expected to be announced within days.
It has now been announced the BBC competition will make a comeback next month, with fans able to apply to be a part of the live audience.
Allocated through a random prize draw, dates are available for September, 21 and 28, October, 5, 12, 19, 26, November, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and December 7 and 14.
Filming will take place at the BBC's Elstree studios in Borehamwood, except from November 16 which will be at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The Strictly scandal erupted in January when actress Amanda Abbington accused her professional partner Giovanni Pernice of abuse after she unexpectedly quit the show just five weeks in.
Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, a has made a series of accusations about Giovanni's teaching methods and has described his behaviour as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. He strongly denies all of the claims.
In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'.
Then, in July, it emerged that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked from Strictly for 'kicking' his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
A Strictly source said: 'Graziano's abuse was ongoing, he kicked and hit her. There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal but all of it was dreadful.
'There were occasions where he did some terrible things, it really was awful. What he did makes Giovanni look like a pussy cat.'
Graziano has since claimed he does not know the full particulars of what he is supposed to have done.
The BBC will not give further details due to the 'confidential nature of the circumstances' in which the information was provided and their 'obligations' to 'third parties'.
The final three celebrity contestants that will compete on the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing were confirmed last week.
DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, former footballer Paul Merson and GB hockey sensation Sam Quek are set for new series, it has been revealed.
Blind comedian Chris McCausland was the first celeb contestant of the 2024 series, to be unveiled, appearing on This Morning on Monday to announce the news.
They will be joined by JLS star JB Gill, singers Wynne Evans and Toyah Willcox, NHS and TV doctor Punam Krishan.
Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, TOWIE's Pete Wicks, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, actors Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland as well as Olympians Montell Douglas and Tom Dean will also join the cast.
