The much-anticipated 20th series of the BBC juggernaut Strictly Come Dancing was originally planned to air on Saturday 17 September with a pre-recorded launch show.

In the wake of the Queen’s passing, Strictly has been postponed, not only as the original launch date was merely two days before the late monarch’s state funeral, but also as a mark of respect as the Queen was a fan of the show.

The first episode of the new season will now screen on Friday 23 September. The first live show of the competition, meanwhile, will follow on Saturday 24 September.

Contestants this year include football manager and former Arsenal player Tony Adams, musician Matt Goss, paralympian athlete Ellie Simmonds and the wildlife cameraman and Countryfile presenter Hamza Yassin.

How the TV schedule is changing on BBC, ITV and Channel 4 following the death of the Queen