BBC plans to put Strictly Come Dancing up for competitive tender

The BBC is preparing to put the production of the flagship ballroom show Strictly Come Dancing out to competitive tender, likely as early as next year under its 2016 Charter obligations. The move follows a major revamp of the series for its 2026 broadcast, which introduced new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, and confirmed a line‑up that includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem and others. Sources cited by The Sun say the cast and crew fear the show could be taken over by an external company, echoing a similar tender process applied to Doctor Who. The BBC declined to comment on the reports.