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Strictly Come Dancing 2026 changes

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What changed

2026-09-06 10:59 UTC → 2026-09-10 13:38 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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