# Ballando con le stelle 21st season launch and controversies > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paolo-belli-role-change-at-ballando-con-le-stelle > Updated: 2026-10-06T14:22:11.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2. The 21st edition of the Italian dance competition ‘Ballando con le stelle’ has launched, securing a 25.6% viewership share for its first episode. The season continues to navigate the absence of Paolo Belli, who remains behind the scenes following a July 2026 bicycle accident that resulted in the death of Alessandro Magnani. Media attention has focused on the new jury, specifically regarding Barbara D’Urso. Her presence has drawn criticism from hosts and participants, including Giancarlo Magalli and Pasquale La Rocca, who characterized her judgments as ‘predictable’. Journalist Riccardo Bocca has also questioned her dialectical skills and creativity. In response, host Milly Carlucci defended the jury, stating the group needs time to find its equilibrium and move away from an era of ‘shouting and televised brawls’. Contestant Noemi Bocchi remains a central figure of debate. Seeking to establish an identity independent of her relationship with Francesco Totti, she has expressed a desire to no longer be viewed as ‘just the partner of’ someone else. Her participation continues to face scrutiny from critics like Fabio Canino. Other storylines include Ornella Muti’s emotional dance journey with Pasquale La Rocca. Following a passionate kiss between the two during a performance, media speculation arose regarding potential jealousy from D’Urso toward her former partner, La Rocca. D’Urso dismissed these claims, describing the situation as a ‘soap opera’ in which she was an unintentional protagonist. Additionally, former judge Fabio Canino revealed he declined a contract to transition from judge to contestant, comparing such a move to a football referee entering the pitch to play. ## Claims - Belli's professional hiatus follows a road accident on July 13 involving Alessandro Magnani. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Paolo Belli is working behind the scenes for Ballando con le Stelle instead of appearing as a regular host. (single source) - Belli's decision to step back from his professional duties was made in agreement with Rai. (single source) - Simone Di Pasquale is serving as a substitute or assistant for Belli in the current cycle of Ballando con le Stelle. (single source) - Singer Pupo urged Paolo Belli not to give up following the legal and media issues related to the accident. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: Ballando con le Stelle enters new season amid cast and jury controversy The new season of ‘Ballando con le Stelle’ features a controversial new jury including Barbara D’Urso and high-profile contestants like Noemi Bocchi and Ornella Muti, sparking intense media debate. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paolo-belli-moves-to-behind-the-scenes-role-at-ballando-con-le-stelle ### 2026-09-25: Paolo Belli to work behind the scenes for Ballando con le stelle 2026 Paolo Belli will work behind the scenes for the 2026 season of ‘Ballando con le stelle’ rather than appearing on camera, following a fatal bicycle accident in July. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paolo-belli-to-move-behind-the-scenes-for-ballando-con-le-stelle-2026 --- Cite as: Ballando con le stelle 21st season launch and controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paolo-belli-role-change-at-ballando-con-le-stelle