# Cast and crew updates for Ballando con le Stelle 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alessandro-matri-participation-in-ballando-con-le-stelle > Updated: 2026-08-21T10:30:04.000Z. Sources: 60. Developments: 6. The cast and crew for the 21st season of the Rai 1 dance competition, Ballando con le Stelle, are increasingly defined ahead of the October 3, 2026, premiere. Alessandro Matri has been officially named as the first contestant via a social media video featuring his partner, Federica Nargi. In the clip, Matri humorously addressed the audience, stating, “This year I fell for it too. From October I will be a new contestant... please, have patience.” Recent official announcements from Rai 1 have expanded the contestant lineup to include Aurora Ramazzotti, Eugenio Finardi, Noemi Bocchi, Jimmy Ghione, and actor Riccardo Rossi, who noted his proficiency in tap dance. Eugenio Finardi expressed feeling both “ecstatic and terrified” about the challenge. Noemi Bocchi’s participation has generated mixed reactions on social media regarding her celebrity status and her relationship with Francesco Totti. Additionally, some viewers have accused host Milly Carlucci of shifting the program’s tone toward gossip and ‘trash’ television. Actress Anna Safroncik has been announced as the seventh official contestant. Despite coming from a family of performers, Safroncik noted she has never formally learned to dance and expressed gratitude to Carlucci for the opportunity to master the discipline. Regarding the professional staff, Nikita Perotti and Giovanni Pernice are confirmed to return. New additions include professional dancer Leonardo Lini and Gioia Giovanatti, who replaces Alessandra Tripoli. The production is also reportedly moving from the Foro Italico in Rome to the Saxa Rubra production center. Significant updates regarding the judging panel remain a point of interest following the departure of Selvaggia Lucarelli; Alberto Matano is expected to join, and Barbara D’Urso is reportedly nearing an agreement to participate. Other expected returns include Carolyn Smith, Guillermo Mariotto, and Ivan Zazzaroni. ## Claims - The dance show Ballando con le stelle is returning for its twenty-first edition on Rai 1. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Nikita Perotti and Giovanni Pernice are confirmed as dance masters for the new season. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Gioia Giovanatti is joining the cast as a dance master for the first time. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Noemi Bocchi and Alessandro Matri have been announced as contestants. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Milly Carlucci is the host of the dance show. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The magazine Chi reported potential participants including Noemi Bocchi, Jimmy Ghione, Riccardo Rossi, Eugenio Finardi, Anna Safroncik, and Alberto Ravagnani. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Milly Carlucci announced on social media that the cast for Ballando con le Stelle 2026 is finalized. (single source) - Alessandro Matri has officially confirmed his participation in the dance competition via an Instagram video. (single source) - Aurora Ramazzotti is officially confirmed as a contestant for the 2026 season. (single source) - The 21st edition of Ballando con le Stelle is scheduled to premiere on Rai 1 on Saturday, October 3, 2026. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Anna Safroncik joins cast of Ballando con le Stelle Actress Anna Safroncik has joined the cast of the 21st season of Rai 1’s ‘Ballando con le Stelle’, set to premiere on October 3. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anna-safroncik-joins-cast-of-ballando-con-le-stelle ### 2026-08-18: Rai 1 announces cast for 21st edition of Ballando con le stelle Rai 1 has announced the cast for the 21st season of ‘Ballando con le stelle’, featuring returning pros Giovanni Pernice and Nikita Perotti, and contestants including Riccardo Rossi. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ballando-con-le-stelle-announces-cast-for-21st-season ### 2026-08-15: Ballando con le Stelle announces cast amid social media debate The new season of ‘Ballando con le Stelle’ features Noemi Bocchi and Leonardo Lini, though Bocchi’s casting has sparked social media debate regarding her celebrity status. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ballando-con-le-stelle-announces-cast-amid-social-media-debate ### 2026-08-13: Ballando con le Stelle prepares new cast and jury for 2026 season Rai 1’s ‘Ballando con le Stelle’ reveals new cast members including Noemi Bocchi and instructor Gioia Giovanatti, amid significant jury reshuffles and production changes for the 2026 season. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gioia-giovanatti-joins-ballando-con-le-stelle-as-new-instructor ### 2026-08-11: Ballando con le Stelle 2026 cast begins to take shape Rai 1's Ballando con le Stelle 2026 cast is forming, with Eugenio Finardi, Aurora Ramazzotti, and Alessandro Matri officially confirmed as contestants for the October debut. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ballando-con-le-stelle-2026-cast-begins-to-take-shape ### 2026-08-08: Alessandro Matri named first contestant for Ballando con le Stelle 2026 Former footballer Alessandro Matri has been named the first official contestant for the 2026 season of Rai 1's Ballando con le Stelle, appearing in an announcement video with partner Federica Nargi. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ex-footballer-alessandro-matri-named-first-contestant-on-italys-ballando-con-le-stelle --- Cite as: Cast and crew updates for Ballando con le Stelle 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alessandro-matri-participation-in-ballando-con-le-stelle