What changed
2026-08-28 15:43 UTC → 2026-08-28 19:50 UTC ·
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In late July 2026, Italian dance competition Ballando con le Stelle announced several upcoming alterations. Host Milly Carlucci confirmed a studio move and Following the exit departure of longtime judge Selvaggia Lucarelli. Veteran dancer Alessandra Tripoli disclosed a second pregnancy, casting doubt on her participation, while rumors surfaced that Noemi Bocchi might join as a surprise celebrity contestant. A week later, additional speculation emerged about judge Fabio Canino potentially swapping his panel role for a competitor slot. Canino reportedly joked that he would be ‘kicked out in a quarter of an hour’ if asked to dance. While Carolyn Smith and Guillermo Mariotto are confirmed as judges, other seats may be filled by Ivan Zazzaroni, Rossella Erra, or other former participants. By mid-August, details regarding the jury reshuffle became clearer. Gabriella Carlucci confirmed in an interview with Gente magazine that Lucarelli is leaving the Rai 1 program to move to Mediaset, where she will host ‘L’Isola dei Famosi’ and serve as a commentator for ‘Grande Fratello Vip’. Regarding the vacancy left by Lucarelli, Gabriella hinted at a confidential selection process, describing a potential candidate as a ‘very intelligent’ and ‘handsome’ man, which media reports have linked to Alberto Matano. jury for Ballando con le Stelle is undergoing further transition. On August 26, 2026, longtime judge Fabio Canino officially announced his departure from the jury exit after 17 years. He stated While initial reports suggested he declined a contract to avoid transitioning from judge to competitor, subsequent details clarified that the decision was his own, driven by a desire to pursue new professional paths. commitments to theater and radio. Canino clarified that he declined a biennial contract proposal noted that would have the intensive daily rehearsal schedule required him to participate as for a contestant role was not feasible for one year before returning him, leading him to the jury, noting conclude he did not feel it was right no longer fit the production’s new direction. Canino also addressed the manner of his exit, expressing regret for making an informal social media announcement that lacked a formal public thank you to host Milly Carlucci. He characterized the audience quick announcement as an attempt to see him make the transition from judge to competitor. New contestants have been confirmed, including ‘painless’ rather than a sign of underlying conflict. Regarding the cast, actress Monica Guerritore has been confirmed as a contestant following her recent battle with cancer. Former priest and former priest/influencer influencer Alberto Ravagnani, who Ravagnani is also joining, currently training in martial arts in Thailand. Additionally, street dancers Pasquale Iannotta and Elisa Fava have expressed interest in participating. While Carolyn Smith remains a confirmed judge, speculation continues regarding new jury members, with names such as Barbara D’Urso and Alberto Matano being mentioned in media reports.