By Jessica Sansome

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has teased some “exciting changes” and “twists and turns” ahead of the new series. The hit BBC One dance show will return to screens this Saturday (September 20) with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as well as 15 new celebrity contestants who are set to take to the dance floor this year The pre-recorded launch show will see the famous faces – including Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, reality TV star Vicky Pattison, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis and Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen – meet their professional partner for the first time. There will also be a number of other Strictly treats and surprises, including a sizzling group routine from the show’s talented pros, before the first live show of the series airs the following week, with the new couples taking to the floor for their first dance and officially kickstarting the competition. Speaking of being back on the show, Shirley said: “Strictly is well and truly back – and more iconic than ever. We’ve got the cast of all casts and I cannot wait to be behind the desk with my fellow judges for my ninth series. “It’s a true honour to be asked to return each year to a show that means so much to the nation. “I get a front row seat to the best show on television, I mean who wouldn’t want that? I’m forever grateful and so very excited to see our brand-new celebrities take to the ballroom.” She continued: “Strictly has and always will be a family show. The ballroom’s been engraved into the nation’s Saturday nights for 21 years. From the grandma and grandad to the little grandchildren, the whole family can sit down and enjoy an evening of glitz and glamour. “They all have their favourites, their opinions and their scores and I think it’s a beautiful way to bring families together. Each year the ballroom brings something new to keep the viewers on their toes, and this year is no different.” Teasing what’s to come, the 65-year-old added: “Expect a few exciting changes and new twists and turns. It’s going to be an iconic series, that’s for sure.” Last year’s series was won by professional dancer Dianne Buswell and comedian Chris McCausland, who became the first blind person to compete on and win the show and the pair will make a return to the ballroom to dance together for a final time. Reflecting on her favourite moment from the series, Shirley said: “Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell’s waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone will forever be etched in my heart. “I often take myself back to that moment, seeing Chris waltz. That partnership was something else and Dianne’s teaching throughout the series was simply phenomenal.” The winning pair also impressed the judges with their dancer’s choice to Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon, a dance that featured a blackout moment, imitating his own experience with blindness. Judge Craig Revel Horwood said: “My standout moment (last year) was when I coached Chris McCausland ahead of the final. I then discovered how difficult it was for him throughout the series. He taught me things I didn’t know after spending time with him.” Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, September 20, at 6.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer