'Strictly Come Dancing' will return to television screens on September 9.

Charlotte Hawkins

Charlotte Hawkins

Charlotte Hawkins - who is one of the new celebrities taking part in the new series - has let slip that the launch show for the ballroom and latin programme will air in just over two weeks' time when she and her fellow all-star competitors are partnered up with the professionals.

The 42-year-old presenter made the announcement while presenting 'Good Morning Britain' on Friday (25.08.17) alongside Richard Madeley but, although the launch show will hit screens at the beginning of September, the series won't officially start until the end of the month.

And, judging by the line up, this year looks set to be a good one as viewers will see the likes of This Morning's Ruth Langsford, Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee, Jonnie Peacock, Aston Merrygold, Brian Conley, Mollie King and Davood Ghadami take to the dance floor.

The new series will also feature a special tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth - who sadly passed away at the age of 89 last week - and the dancer have already started rehearsing the "heartfelt" performance to celebrate his life and his 10 years co-hosting the programme.

Louise Rainbow, the show's executive producer, said: "The thoughts of everyone here are still very much with Sir Bruce's family.

"Of course, we will be paying tribute to Sir Bruce at our launch show and this will include a heartfelt performance from our Strictly professional dancers.

"We all want to celebrate him and all that he loved about the show. Sir Bruce was, and will always be, a huge part of 'Strictly Come Dancing'."

Bruce is survived by his wife Lady Wilnelia Forsyth and his six children - daughters Debbie, Julie and Laura from his first marriage with Penny Calvert, Charlotte and Louisa with his second spouse Anthea Redfern and a son with Wilnelia - as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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