# Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/strictly-come-dancing-2026-changes > Updated: 2026-09-10T12:00:35.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 6. The BBC has released a trailer for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing, highlighting a significant era of change for the flagship program. Following the departures of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the series will feature a new presenting trio: Emma Willis, former professional Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe. Emma Willis described the decision to employ three presenters as a ‘wild card’ move by producers, noting that the trio does not yet have fixed roles or a formal script. The casting process was reportedly a ‘cloak and dagger’ operation lasting approximately four months, during which candidates were allegedly given false information regarding the show they were auditioning for to maintain secrecy. A major format change has been introduced: for the first time, celebrity contestants will discover their professional dance partners live in front of a studio audience through three specially choreographed group routines. The pre-recorded launch episode is expected to air on Saturday, September 19, on BBC One and iPlayer, with live shows commencing on September 26 and the season concluding on December 19. The professional dance roster is being refreshed with five newcomers—Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita—joining returning dancers Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Nikita Kuzmin, and Jowita Przystal. The judging panel remains unchanged, consisting of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas. The celebrity cast includes at least twelve participants. Confirmed contestants are Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey, actress Lacey Turner, singer Delta Goodrem, footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, presenter Will Best, Bethany Antonia, Cach Mercer, Chris Appleton, Dani Dyer, Graeme Hall, Jaime Winston, and Lawrence Robb. ## Claims - Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have stepped down as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing after the last season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe will be the new presenting trio for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A celebrity cast of at least twelve participants has been announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, including Bethany Antonia, Cach Mercer, Chris Appleton, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Graeme Hall, Jaime (corroborated by 2 sources) - Emma Willis previously hosted Big Brother, The Circle, Love Is Blind UK and The Voice. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Johannes Radebe was a professional dancer on Strictly for eight seasons before becoming a presenter. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The 2026 series will return in the autumn. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Five new professional dancers – Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita – will join the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 professional lineup. (single source) - Returning professional dancers include Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Nikita Kuzmin and Jowita Przystal. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Strictly Come Dancing announces new presenting trio Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will host the new series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ following a secretive casting process. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/strictly-come-dancing-announces-new-presenting-trio ### 2026-09-04: Strictly Come Dancing announces new hosts and format changes for 2026 series The BBC has unveiled a new trailer for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, featuring new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, alongside a major new live partner-reveal format. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/strictly-come-dancing-announces-new-hosts-and-celebrity-lineup ### 2026-08-20: Strictly Come Dancing reveals new hosts and 2026 launch dates The BBC has revealed the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing schedule and new hosting lineup, featuring Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, with live shows starting September 26. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/strictly-come-dancing-reveals-new-hosts-and-2026-launch-dates ### 2026-08-16: Dame Sarah Storey joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 lineup Paralympic legend Dame Sarah Storey and presenter Will Best are among the confirmed celebrities for the 2026 season of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dame-sarah-storey-joins-strictly-come-dancing-2026-lineup ### 2026-08-07: Strictly Come Dancing 2026 revamps hosts, pros and celebrity lineup BBC's Strictly Come Dancing announces 2026 changes: hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman exit, replaced by Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe; five new professional dancers join; a 12‑person star 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/strictly-come-dancing-2026-revamps-hosts-pros-and-celebrity-lineup ### 2026-07-31: Dame Sarah Storey joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 BBC's Strictly Come Dancing returns Sep 2026 with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe hosting; Dame Sarah Storey, the UK's most decorated Paralympian, joins the celebrity lineup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dame-sarah-storey-joins-strictly-come-dancing-2026 --- Cite as: Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/strictly-come-dancing-2026-changes