Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday 19 September 2026 at 7.25pm, featuring a revamped format led by new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, according to BBC announcements. The 24th series breaks tradition by pairing celebrities with professional partners in front of a live studio audience using three specially choreographed group dance routines, replacing previous pre-recorded coupling segments.
Confirmed 2026 Celebrity Cast Lineup
The diverse roster brings together actors, athletes, reality television stars, and content creators from across the entertainment industry.
- Graeme Hall: Television presenter and dog expert.
- Dani Dyer: Television personality.
- Delta Goodrem: Singer.
- Jamie Winstone: Actor.
- Shaun Wright-Phillips: Former footballer.
- Chris Appleton: Hair stylist.
- Cach Mercer: Love Island contestant.
- Will Best: Television presenter.
- Bethany Antonia: House of the Dragon actor.
- Tabby Stoecker: Winter Olympic gold medalist.
- Lawrence Robb: Emmerdale actor.
- John Nellis: Football content creator.
New Presenting Team and Professional Dancers
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe take over hosting duties from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the show in December 2025. Willis told the BBC that she is a huge fan and that "it’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind."
Comedian and actor Ellie Taylor, who competed on the show in 2022, replaces Fleur East and Janette Manrara as the host of companion show It Takes Two, according to BBC reports.
The judging panel remains composed of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke. Five new professional dancers join the cast for 2026: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita. They step in following the departures of Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, as reported by the BBC.
Launch Details and Schedule
The launch episode airs on Saturday 19 September 2026, featuring the return of last year’s winner, Lioness Karen Carney, performing with former partner Carlos Gu. Live episodes begin the following week, broadcasting every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas on BBC One.
Did you know? For the first time in Strictly history, contestants will find out their professional pairings live in front of a studio audience rather than through a pre-recorded segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start? The launch episode airs on BBC One on Saturday 19 September 2026 at 7.25pm, according to the BBC.
Who are the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing? Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe host the main series, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Ellie Taylor hosts the companion show It Takes Two.
How many celebrities are competing in 2026? A total of 15 celebrity contestants are taking part in the 24th series, including Lacey Turner, Dame Sarah Storey, John Nellis, and Melanie Walters.
Who won the previous series of Strictly Come Dancing? Lioness Karen Carney won the previous series and is returning for the 2026 launch episode to perform with Carlos Gu.