Strictly Come Dancing launch postponed for Queen’s funeral

STRICTLY Come Dancing’s launch has been postponed for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

This series of the BBC competition was originally due to begin on Saturday evening – but will now air almost a week later than planned.

PA

Strictly Come Dancing will air a week later than planned[/caption]

BBC

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly host Strictly Come Dancing[/caption]

Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest at 11am on Monday, September 19, with Strictly having been scheduled to kick off two days beforehand – on Saturday 17.

The launch has now been moved to the following Friday night at 7pm, with the second episode – the first live show of the season – airing a day later on Saturday.

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has caused much of the TV schedule to be cleared ahead of the historic state funeral.

The BBC and ITV have continued to make changes to their main channel schedule to broadcast the important state events of the coming days, as the UK continues its period of mourning following the death of the Queen.

There have been a number of documentaries about the Queen and the new King Charles in place of regular shows including Loose Women, Dickinson’s Real Deal, Tenebale, Tipping Point and The Chase on ITV.

In a sombre statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had passed away on Thursday age 96 – making her son, Charles, King.

Buckingham Palace announced in a statement: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Union Jacks lined the Mall outside Buckingham Palace today as the King’s Guard rehearsed for the Queen’s funeral.