Ballando con le Stelle prepares new cast and jury for 2026 season

The upcoming 21st edition of the Rai 1 dance competition ‘Ballando con le Stelle’, hosted by Milly Carlucci, is undergoing significant cast and jury changes. The new season is scheduled to premiere on October 3, 2026.

Key updates include the announcement of Gioia Giovanatti as a new dance instructor. The contestant lineup has begun to take shape with the official confirmation of Noemi Bocchi, alongside Alessandro Matri, Aurora Ramazzotti, and Eugenio Finardi. Bocchi’s participation has generated mixed reactions on social media regarding her status as a celebrity.

The jury is also seeing a major overhaul. Following the departure of Selvaggia Lucarelli, rumors suggest Barbara D’Urso and Alberto Matano may join the judging panel, while Carolyn Smith, Guillermo Mariotto, and Ivan Zazzaroni are expected to return. There is ongoing speculation regarding the role of Lucio Presta, who reportedly declined an invitation to act as a special judge for the ‘tesoretto’ prize, though production may seek a duo to fill the role instead. Additionally, the presence of Paolo Belli remains uncertain following a recent road accident.