The Greatest Dancer: BBC’s new dance show from makers of X Factor and BGT

The Greatest Dancer, a new dance competition, has been announced by BBC One.

The new eight part series will be made by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and Thames (part of FremantleMedia UK), who currently produce both The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent for ITV.

The BBC say the show will feature a host of talent from across the world of dance as they give the performances of their lives in the search for the UK’s Greatest Dancer.

They tease: “From ballet to jazz; hip hop to Bollywood; the show is open to anyone. Expect dramatic auditions, incredible challenges and remarkable live performances as dancers from across the nation swing, swirl and sashay onto the stage each week in the hope of being crowned the winner.”

Details of judges and hosts have yet to be confirmed, but a pilot episode involved Cheryl, BGT judge Alesha Dixon, Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo and Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse and Broadway performer and Glee star Matthew Morrison working on the project.

It’s been reported that the debut series will air in 2019.

Kate Phillips, Controller Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC said: “With the continued success of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC is undoubtedly the home of dance.

“By launching The Greatest Dancer we want to give the vast array of dance talent across the UK the chance to shine. I can’t wait to work with Syco and Thames to uncover the talent out there and let our audience critique and celebrate the nation’s unsung dance heroes.”

Nigel Hall, Global Head of Television for Syco Entertainment, said: “The auditions for the pilot episode saw some of the most jaw dropping, heartfelt and moving auditions I’ve ever seen on a dance show.

“There are some spectacular moments and we are beyond thrilled to have secured this commission over fierce competition. We look forward to working with the BBC team on something just a little bit special.”

Amelia Brown, Managing Director, Thames TV, added: “The Greatest Dancer is such an exciting project and we’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring it to life for everyone at home.

“It’s a fantastic format full of warmth and heart with the pilot revealing some incredibly magical moments. It’s sure to make an unmissable Saturday night treat for the whole family to enjoy.”