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Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes

Updated 26 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-25 10:33 UTC → 2026-10-26 16:41 UTC · added removed

The 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing launched on BBC One with a revamped format and a new presenting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, replacing long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The casting process was described by Willis as a ‘cloak and dagger’ operation that lasted four months. A major format change introduced a “speed-dancing” method where celebrity contestants discover their professional partners live. The 2026 cast includes 15 contestants such as Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, and Tabby Stoecker. The BBC also introduced new companion programming, including ‘Strictly: Lights Up’ on iPlayer, hosted by Abi Clarke and Tyler West. The new hosting dynamic, which splits responsibilities between the dancefloor and the mezzanine, has drawn mixed reactions. While some viewers praised As the team’s chemistry, others on social media described transitions as “awkward” or season progressed, the arrangement as a “disaster.” Josh Widdicombe has show faced specific scrutiny regarding his comedic approach and live mistakes, though judge Shirley Ballas defended him as a “gentleman” who is “brilliant at his job,” over hosting dynamics and Motsi Mabuse advocated for judging decisions. Following the value elimination of “human imperfection” in live broadcasts. Widdicombe later former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and partner Alexis Warr, controversy arose regarding judge Anton Du Beke’s comments toward Wright-Phillips, which some viewers described the role as “intense,” noting the emotional difficulty of eliminations “unnecessary” and facing public confrontations. Viewership for the first live show averaged 4.8 million, “unkind.” The elimination occurred after a decrease from tense dance-off where Du Beke cast the launch episode's 6.2 million, partly due deciding vote to competition from UEFA Nations League football. Amidst the transition, former professional Janette Manrara expressed disappointment at not being selected as a main presenter, calling it the “biggest rejection” of her career. Emma Willis addressed save Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu. Other recent developments include the backlash on Instagram, stating, “You will get judged either way, so may as well pick BBC announcing the fun option.” As series' first-ever triple dance-off for the season progressed into Movie Week—moved earlier in upcoming Halloween special. Additionally, contestant Bethany Antonia defended the schedule broadcaster’s decision to ensure all contestants could participate—the judging panel faced increased scrutiny. blur a “Protect The Dolls” slogan on her rehearsal T-shirt, citing editorial guidelines regarding overt branding.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-26 16:41 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  2. 2026-10-25 10:33 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  3. 2026-10-24 01:22 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  4. 2026-10-21 03:05 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  5. 2026-10-10 05:28 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  6. 2026-10-04 10:47 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  7. 2026-09-30 11:56 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  8. 2026-09-30 09:33 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  9. 2026-09-28 12:07 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  10. 2026-09-27 11:08 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  11. 2026-09-26 20:31 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 format and host changes
  12. 2026-09-26 14:02 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  13. 2026-09-26 11:41 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  14. 2026-09-25 18:28 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  15. 2026-09-23 12:54 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  16. 2026-09-21 05:28 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  17. 2026-09-20 11:31 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  18. 2026-09-19 21:56 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  19. 2026-09-19 17:03 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  20. 2026-09-19 11:47 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  21. 2026-09-19 07:51 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  22. 2026-09-18 00:53 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  23. 2026-09-10 13:38 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  24. 2026-09-06 10:59 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  25. 2026-08-20 22:41 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  26. 2026-08-17 01:33 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes
  27. 2026-08-08 05:57 UTC Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes

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