BBC launches free-to-play Strictly Come Dancing game

The BBC's reality TV franchise Strictly Come Dancing continues to grow like an unchecked fungal infection, with the announcement today of its very own free-to-play video game tie-in.

Clumsily titled Strictly Keep Dancing, it "fully engages players in everything that it takes to be a celebrity contestant on the show," according to the announcement blurb.

Willing participants can customise their avatar's makeup, hair and outfit, while learning a number of different dance routines from the show.

"Helping Strictly fans who may be suffering from withdrawal symptoms when the show is off-air here in the UK is our goal here at BBC Worldwide," explained BBC Worldwide's Richard Halliwell.

"In addition to rolling out brand extensions such as cruises and an intimate live UK theatre show this summer, the Strictly Keep Dancing online game offers fans a really accessible and exciting way to interact with the brand during the dancing dry spell."

Fear not, it appears this won't be drawing on your license fee. Judging by the trailer for the US version below, it's microtransaction-based, with in-game cash packs selling from $2 to $100.