The Greatest Dancer is the brand new dance talent TV show coming soon to BBC One.
From the start date to the judges, here’s all you need to know.
As its name suggests, the new talent contest aims to find the UK’s best dancer across a wide variety of genres.
The show comes from Simon Cowell’s Syco production company together with the makers of The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
The Greatest Dancer air date has been confirmed for Saturday, January 5 at 8PM on BBC One.
The Greatest Dancer judges and hosts
The BBC has however confirmed the three judges, known as ‘Dance Captains’, who will be leading the search for the nation’s best new dance talent.
The headline signing is pop superstar, former Girls Aloud member and experienced performer Cheryl.
Cheryl of course has a close association with Simon, as a former star of The X Factor. She reportedly turned down a return to the ITV show in favour of The Greatest Dancer.
Speaking about her new role, she said: “I’m so excited to be part of The Greatest Dancer! I’m looking for acts with real passion, who are going to push boundaries and give it their all. From my own dance background, I know the dedication and commitment dancing takes. I can’t wait to get started.”
Joining Cheryl is Matthew Morrison, the Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Broadway legend famous for playing Will Schuester in the hit TV series Glee.
“This is such a powerful moment for me. It’s wonderful to continue bringing music and dance into peoples’ lives like we did on Glee,” he commented. “My sincere hope is that I can uplift and encourage all the dancers here reach their greatness.”
Completing the trio is Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, an eight-time Latin American dance champion in her native South Africa.
Oti added: “I’m looking forward to finding a dancer who can elicit emotion from the audience. I’m looking forward to being able to find amazing new talent and help them unlock their greatest potential.
“I can’t explain how excited I am to be a part of this show!”
Alesha Dixon and Diversity member Jordan Banjo were confirmed as the presenters earlier this year.
How does the show work?
The Greatest Dancer promises to be one of the most inclusive, diverse and unique dance competitions around – literally nothing is off limits!
Individual dancers, duos and groups, from the ages of 7 to 70+ in any dance discipline whatsoever are invited to see if they have what it takes to be named The Greatest Dancer and waltz off with £50,000 and perform as a special guest on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
In the auditions, they’ll perform in front of a two day mirror that the audience behind can see through. If more than 75% like the routine, the mirror will open and allow the contestants to perform directly for the audience and judges.
Cheryl, Matthew and Oti will whittle down the contestants, before deciding who they want to mentor for the live shows.
The BBC teased: “Expect dramatic auditions, incredible challenges and remarkable live performances as dancers swing, swirl and sashay onto the stage each week.”
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