What to watch on TV tonight: Strictly Come Dancing’s launch party and star-studded epic drama The Northman

By Susan Brett

15 new celebrities get glammed up for new Strictly Come Dancing tonight, while over on Channel 4 there's the critically acclaimed 2022 film The Northman, based on Norse mythology.

The National Lottery's Paralympics GB Homecoming

Channel 4, 5.50pm

The Last Leg’s Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe welcome home the UK’s triumphant para-athletes, who finished second in the medals table with a whopping 49 golds. Live from Birmingham's Utilita Arena, the night will be a spectacular mash-up of sport and entertainment, with guest artists including Craig David, Sugababes, Aitch and The Greatest Showman’s Keala Settle.

Katie Derham hosts BBC's Proms (Credit: BBC)

Last Night of the Proms

BBC Two, 7.05pm and BBC One, 9pm

Katie Derham presents coverage of this season’s final Proms concert, live from the Royal Albert Hall. American singer Angel Blue and British pianist Sir Stephen Hough join The BBC Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and Singers for a spectacular send-off to 2024’s musical festivities.

The Strictly Come Dancing judges (Credit: BBC)


Strictly Come Dancing

BBC One, 7.20pm

At last Strictly Come Dancing season is upon us, as the show tries to move past multiple scandals in the wake of Amanda Abbington’s high-profile exit in 2023. This year’s celebrity contestants are Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, Punam Krishan, Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Jamie Borthwick, Tom Dean, Montell Douglas, Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek. Tonight’s launch show will see them partnered with professional dancers, before the competition starts in earnest next week.

The Northman (2022)

Channel 4, 9pm

This star-studded historical epic features a cast of winners: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman and Björk are all in the mix. Based on Norse mythology, Prince Amleth, the son of the murdered Viking King Aurvandill War-Raven, travels to Iceland on a quest for vengeance for his family and kingdom. The film was a big hit with critics when first released in 2022, with plaudits for its stunning cinematography and immersive storytelling.

Strictly Come Dancing has faced a number of scandals over its 20 year run (Credit: Channel 5)

Strictly Come Dancing: Secrets, Sex and Scandals

Channel 5, 9pm

As Strictly finishes broadcasting on BBC One, Channel 5 has lined up a new documentary about the reality series, complete with behind-the-scenes secrets. Judges, professional dancers and celebrity contestants offer their thoughts on what’s made the show great, as well as thoughts on its darker side. From the Strictly ‘curse’ to recent bullying allegations, this is a fascinating inside look at a British TV institution.

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