Strictly Come Dancing is heading into a new era with its 2026 series and it is bringing a fresh presenting line-up, 15 celebrity contestants and a major change to the way the all-important dance partnerships will be revealed.
Here is the guide to Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
When Will Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Start?
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will return on Saturday, September 19. The launch show will air on BBC One at 7:25 PM.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Trailer
The trailer gives viewers a look at the new series. Set on a studio backlot, it features the professional dancers, judges and the three new hosts dancing to a cover of Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer.
Johannes Radebe appears with the professional dancers before returning in another outfit alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe. Craig Revel Horwood also takes a turn with the glitterball.
Who Are The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Hosts?
The season has three hosts: TV presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and Strictly professional Johannes Radebe. They replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman who left the show in 2025.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026: How Will The New Pairing Format Work?
The celebrities will discover their professional partners in front of the studio audience. The pairings will be revealed through three choreographed group dance routines.
The launch show will also include footage from the celebrities’ first rehearsals, while Karen Carney will return with Carlos Gu for a football-themed Jive.
Who Are The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Contestants?
Lacey Turner: Best known for playing Stacey Slater in EastEnders, Turner has also starred in Our Girl.
Dani Dyer: The Love Island star is now a broadcaster and author. She also won Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins this year.
Delta Goodrem: The Australian singer and actress is known for Neighbours and hits including Lost Without You and Born to Try.
Chris Appleton: The celebrity hairstylist has worked with stars including Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian.
Cach Mercer: The 2025 Love Island winner is known for dance content on social media.
Will Best: The TV and radio presenter has hosted Big Brother and co-hosts the Hits Radio breakfast show.
Sarah Storey: Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian, Storey has won 19 gold medals across swimming and cycling.
Jaime Winstone: The actress is known for Babs, Dead Set and Made in Dagenham.
Bethany Antonia: The House of the Dragon actress is best known for playing Lady Baela Targaryen.
Shaun Wright-Phillips: The former England footballer played for Manchester City, Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers and now works as a pundit.
Graeme Hall: Known as The Dogfather, Hall has presented Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly for almost a decade.
Lawrence Robb: The actor is known for playing Mackenzie Boyd in Emmerdale and has appeared in West End productions.
Tabby Stoecker: The Team GB skeleton athlete won gold in the mixed team event at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games.
John Nellis: Nellis is known for football videos featuring major stars.
Melanie Walters: Best known as Gwen in Gavin & Stacey, Walters has also appeared in Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise and Doc Martin.
Who Are The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Judges?
The judging panel includes Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas.
What Else Is New In Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
The series will feature themed weeks including Movies, Icons, Halloween and Musicals. The Instant Dance challenge is also returning while the competition will head to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The series will run through Christmas.
Also Read: Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Line-Up: Meet The Confirmed Contestants And Rumoured Celebrities So Far
