Strictly to get first spin-off show in 22 years featuring quickfire dance duels & famous host to pull in younger viewers

STRICTLY is getting its first spin-off show in 22 years — featuring quickfire “duels” to pull in younger viewers. Called Strictly Pro Dance Off, it is being launched on the BBC to coincide with the new series of the hit ballroom contest, which kicks off on Saturday. Dianne Buswell is a shrewd choice for the spin-off as she has more than three million followers Credit: Getty Katya Jones will find out her celeb partner at the Strictly launch Credit: BBC It is expected to feature new professionals including Maddie Ingoldsby, 23, and will be led by show “veteran” and Strictly’s social media queen, Dianne Buswell, 37. A TV insider said: “This will delight the Strictly fandom and it’s obviously part of the renewed drive to bring in a younger market to the show which, along with hiring more influencers to compete, is seen as future-proofing the contest. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “But there will also, inevitably, be comparisons drawn between this show and the Dancing With The Stars’ spin-off The Next Pro which has just launched in the US. “Though they’re different formats, they both focus on the pros rather than the celebrity contestants of the main shows. “They also both recognise how the pros on the shows capture the imagination of viewers as much as the stars who take part.” The last Strictly spin-off was the weekday companion show It Takes Two which launched in 2004 and is still going strong. The new show will see a pro teaching two others a dance routine, and then they hit the floor to see who does it best. The “teacher pro” will decide the winner who will then go onto the following week’s contest. Most read in TV The spin-off is expected to feature new professionals including Maddie Ingoldsby Credit: Alamy The upcoming Strictly launch will reveal which celebs are teamed with which pros, including Alexis Warr Credit: Getty With each duel lasting just seven minutes, the show provides bite-size entertainment for a generation submerged in social media. Dianne is also a shrewd choice as she has more than three million followers and subscribers across Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube. It will go on air soon on BBC One and iPlayer though an exact date and time has yet to be confirmed. The Strictly launch show is this Saturday, with new presenting team Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdecombe making their debuts. It will reveal which celebs are teamed with which pros, including Alexis Warr and Katya Jones. This series also has five new professionals. Comment now