Strictly Come Dancing 2017: what time does it start on Saturday, and what are this week's songs and dances?

As the world seemingly hurtles from one crisis to another, it's always a relief to many in this country when Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens. After a glitzy launch show, the 15th series continues this weekend, as the contestants face the judges for the first time. Here's everything we know about it so far.

When is Strictly Come Dancing on TV this weekend?

The next episode of Strictly is on BBC Onethis Saturday, September 23, from 6.25pm to 8.45pm. This weekend will see the celebrity contestants come under the scrutiny of the judging panel for the very first time.

It's sure to be nerve-wracking, but they shouldn't be too worried just yet: none of the 15 stars will be be leaving the show this weekend. Instead, their scores will be carried across to next week, when viewers will have the chance to vote for their favourite dancers.

What are this week's songs and dances?

• Alexandra Burke and Gorka are Waltzing to (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin

• Charlotte Riley and Brendan will Foxtrot to The Best Is Yet To Come by Michael Bublé

• Chizzy Akudolu and Pasha will Cha Cha to Boogie Fever by The Sylvers

• Debbie McGee and Giovanni will perform a Paso Doble to Be Italian by Fergie

• Gemma Atkinson and Aljaz will Cha Cha to There’s Nothing Holdin Me Back by Shawn Mendes

• Mollie King and AJ will Jive to Good Golly Miss Molly by Little Richard

• Ruth Langsford and Anton are Waltzing to This Nearly Was Mine (Seth MacFarlane version)

• Susan Calman and Kevin will perform the Viennese Waltz to Mad About The Boy by Dinah Washington

• Aston Merrygold and Janette will Foxtrot to t Had To Be You Harry Connick Jnr

• Brian Conley and Amy will Tango to Temptation by Heaven 17

• Davood Ghadami and Nadiya will Cha Cha to Dedication To My Ex by Lloyd ft. Andre 3000

• Joe McFadden and Katya are Jiving to Rockin’ Robin by Michael Jackson

• Jonnie Peacock and Oti will Waltz to When I Need You by Luther Vandross

• Rev. Richard Coles and Dianne perform the Cha Cha to There Must Be An Angel by Eurythmics

• Simon Rimmer and Karen will perform the Paso Doble to Song 2 by Blur

Which contestant has been feeling a bit wobbly?

Scottish comedian Susan Calman has been having a rough time in rehearsals, struggling with back pain, dizziness and nausea. "I have felt physically sick from the moment I arrived here," she confessed last week, before joking that it was all her professional dance partner Kevin Clifton's fault. Fingers crossed that the News Quiz panellist is feeling a bit steadier on her feet this Saturday night.

Who is judging this year?

Tragically, everyone's favourite head judge, the charming Len Goodman, decided to retire at the end of last series leaving a rather large gap to be filled. The person tasked with taking on this task is professional dancer Shirley Ballas, who is known as "The Queen of Latin." 

Ballas will be joining the traditional Strictly judge line-up, which consists of Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell.

Who are this year's contestants?

• Mollie King, singer from The Saturdays

• Davood Ghadami, EastEnders actor

• Ruth Langsford, ITV daytime presenter and wife to Eamonn Holmes

• Gemma Atkinson, Hollyoaks actress and model

• Reverend Richard Coles, writer, broadcaster and Church of England priest

• Joe McFadden, Holby City actor

• Simon Rimmer, Sunday Brunch chef

• Aston Merrygold, JLS singer

• Susan Calman, comedian and broadcaster

• Brian Conley, comedian and actor

• Charlotte Hawkins, broadcaster and presenter

• Chizzy Akudolu, Holby City actress

• Debbie McGee, TV personality and widow of magician Paul Daniels

• Jonnie Peacock, Paralympic sprinter

• Alexandra Burke, singer and actress