Tess Daly leaves fans excited as she gives first glimpse at BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2022 with days to go until launch

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Tess Daly has given fans a first look at the return of Strictly Come Dancing. Fans are currently waiting for the much-anticipated return of the BBC One dance contest which will burst back onto screens with the launch show next Saturday, September 17.

However, filming for the launch gets underway today (Wednesday, September 7) and rehearsals for the debut show began on Tuesday with the professional dancers, celebrities, judges and hosts all together for the very first time.

Taking to Instagram, Tess shared a snap of herself alongside head judge Shirley Ballas who was celebrating her 62nd birthday. The pair wore matching black outfits and looked glam under the ballroom lights. "SO happy to be back in the ballroom and a huge happy birthday to this gorgeous one @shirleyballas," the presenter penned alongside her snap.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton responds to dance experience backlash

She also shared a picture of her dressing room door. A sign reading 'TESS' was hung on it in a pink glittered frame as you'd come to expect from Strictly Come Dancing. And fans were quick to share their excitement.

@noahsarkfamily said: "Oh my goodness this means we are on the road to Christmas! Favourite show! Cannot wait!" @eddo_official wrote: "OMG I am SO EXCITED!!!" @sharman8123 commented: "So so excited. The ray of sunshine we need xxx 2 beauties."

@amanuel_desta said: "Beautiful picture! So excited! Ahhh." @strictly_fan22 replied: "So so excited!!!" @tracy.jacklin added: "I can not wait for it to start Tess, so excited."

Shirley also took to Instagram to see some behind-the-scenes videos and images as she teased how the judges will be involved in the first show with the birthday girl showing she had her speaking