STRICTLY COME DANCING TO BE LIVE SIGNED ON IPLAYER FOR FIRST TIME

This autumn’s 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing will be the most accessible yet for our audience with live signing for the first time available on BBC iPlayer and red button.

This, alongside audio description and subtitling, means that more of our audience will be able to get involved, vote and enjoy the action during the live Saturday night shows, the Sunday results shows, the launch episode, the Christmas special and the upcoming 20thanniversary programme.

The focus on British Sign Language continues next year with the launch of a new pan BBC BSL season which aims to celebrate BSL and break down the barriers between us. There will be content across BBC platforms as well as online resources and material to help people learn to sign. We will announce further details in due course.

Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted says: “Strictly Come Dancing has always been at the forefront of inclusivity and representation and I’m delighted that our 20th anniversary series will be the most accessible yet for our audience. Introducing live signing, alongside audio description and subtitling, means that there are more options than ever for the whole audience to come together to experience the glitz and glamour of our Saturday and Sunday night shows...

"This is a great launchpad for our exciting new BSL season next year which will feature special programming and online resources shining a spotlight on the beautiful language of BSL.”

Strictly Come Dancing is made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions.