Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Launch Show: New Hosts and Celebrity Line-Up Debut
- Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its 2026 series launch, introducing a new three-person presenting line-up consisting of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and...
- For the first time ever, three hosts share presenting duties, bringing together presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe, as reported by the BBC.
- The judging panel features Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas, according to BBC scheduling details.
Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its 2026 series launch, introducing a new three-person presenting line-up consisting of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe, according to the BBC. The BBC released promotional images ahead of the television broadcast, offering viewers an initial look at the revised format for the dance competition.
According to BBC programming data, the series returns after a previous run that drew an average audience of 7.8m viewers on the main show, with 8.6m tuning in to the grand final. During that final, Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu secured the Glitterball Trophy. The programme continues to hold its position as the biggest entertainment title for viewer hours on the broadcaster.
New Presenting Line-Up and Professional Dancers
For the first time ever, three hosts share presenting duties, bringing together presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe, as reported by the BBC. The professional dancer roster for the series features returning names alongside five new additions.
Returning professional dancers listed by the BBC include Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, and Vito Coppola. Five new professional dancers from the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and Ukraine are also joining the line-up: Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie, and Mark.
Judges, Companion Show, and Format Details
The judging panel features Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas, according to BBC scheduling details. The judges continue to evaluate weekly performances and provide scores across the competition.
Companion programme Strictly – It Takes Two returns to BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, hosted by comedian, presenter and former contestant Ellie Taylor, who takes over the role to provide backstage access from Elstree Studios. The main series features returning theme weeks—including Movies, Icons, Halloween, and Musicals—alongside the Instant Dance challenge and a visit to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
