The BBC has confirmed a big change for the new season of Strictly Come Dancing – and viewers say the change is “long overdue”.

This year’s series, which is set to begin next month, will feature live signing for the first time. The new feature will ensure more deaf viewers can watch the show.

The BBC confirmed that in addition to audio description and subtitles, live signing will also be possible on the Red Button and on iPlayer.

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Kate Phillips, director of Unscripted, said: “Strictly Come Dancing has always been about inclusivity and representation and I am delighted that our 20th anniversary series will be the most accessible yet for our audiences.”

“The introduction of live singing lessons as well as audio description and subtitling means there are more opportunities than ever for all audiences to come together and experience the glitz and glamour of our Saturday and Sunday night shows.”

Strictly viewers have welcomed the news and praised the creators for making the show more accessible.

The BBC press office posted the news on Instagram, writing: “This autumn’s 20th anniversary season of Strictly Come Dancing will be the most accessible yet for our audience, with live signings available for the first time on iPlayer and Red Button.

“Together with audio descriptions and subtitles, this means a larger portion of our audience will have the opportunity to get involved, vote and enjoy the action during Saturday night’s live shows, Sunday’s results shows, the launch episode, Christmas special and the upcoming 20th anniversary programme!”

Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, who becomes the second deaf contestant to take part in the series this year, following in the footsteps of previous winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, said: “This is incredible.”

University Challenge star Bobby Seagull said: “As a teacher, it’s great to see the contribution (Rose) has made to making Strictly more inclusive.”

One viewer commented: “Great news for deaf viewers! (Rose) was amazing on the show with (Giovanni). Together they proved that even though Rose couldn’t hear the music, she couldn’t enjoy dancing or learn to do it.” Another fan wrote: “Long overdue.”

A third wrote: “Excellent idea. I always use the subtitles.”

This year’s Strictly celebrities include Olympian Tom Dean, JLS member JB Gill and reality TV star Pete Wicks. The competition will be the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing.

However, the show returns amid a storm of controversy over the alleged treatment of the dance competition’s contestants.

The BBC announced in July that it would “take additional steps to strengthen the care provided on the show” by appointing supervisors who would be “present at all times during rehearsals in the training room” following the allegations.

Actress Amanda Abbington was the first to accuse her of “inappropriate” behaviour, claiming in an interview with ITV’s Lorraine that she was exposed to a “toxic environment” while dancing alongside professional dancer Giovanni Pernice on the show.

The results of a BBC investigation into the allegations against Pernice, who has denied “any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour” and will not return to the show, have not yet been published.