Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to BBC screens in just weeks, with a confirmed launch date of September 19, 2026, and a host of dramatic changes that will reshape the beloved dance competition from its presenting team to its professional lineup.
The BBC has officially announced that the revamped series will premiere on Saturday, September 19, giving fans only a matter of weeks to wait before the sequins, spectacular routines, and spray tans return to prime time. The first live show is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, with the first live results show following on Sunday, October 4. The competition will build toward its grand finale on Saturday, December 19.
But the biggest shakeup this year is happening behind the scenes. Emma Willis, Josh Whitikome, and Johannes Radbe will take over presenting duties, replacing longtime hosts Claudia Wkelman and Tess Dalyly. The change marks the end of an era for the show, which has relied on the familiar duo for years.
Willis brings her experience from The Voice and Big Brother, while Whitikome and Radbe are known for their energy and dance expertise.
The celebrity lineup is already generating significant excitement. Former EastEnders actress Lacy Turner is set to take on the challenge, alongside Australian singer Delta Goodram. Love Island winner Danny Dyier will also return to the competition after injury forced her to withdraw before last year’s series got underway.
There are more reality TV connections this time around, with Catch Mercer joining the cast while former T4 presenter Will Best is also preparing to swap the studio for the dance floor. Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton and Paralympic cycling champion Dame Sarah Story are among the other stars taking part.
Fans will also see Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters, actress Jamie Winstone, and football star Shaun Wright Phillips competing for the Glitterball Trophy. The cast also includes House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia, Dogs Behaving Very Badly presenter Graham Hall, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Rob, YouTuber John Nellis, and Team GB star Tabby Sturker.
While the celebrity cast is taking shape, the professional lineup is facing a significant shakeup. Five familiar faces are reportedly leaving the show this year: Karen Hower, Gorka Marquez, Nadia Bichkova, Luba Mushtuck, and Michelle Siakas. The remaining professional dancers will be returning, but their celebrity pairings have not yet been revealed.
The departure of five professionals is a major blow to the show’s continuity. Karen Hower has been a fan favorite since joining in 2012, known for her fiery choreography and partnership with celebrities like Mark Wright. Gorka Marquez has been a staple since 2016, winning the Glitterball with actress Maisie Smith in 2020.
Nadia Bichkova, a former world champion, brought elegance and technical precision. Luba Mushtuck and Michelle Siakas, though less prominent, contributed to the show’s depth.
The new presenting team is also a dramatic shift. Emma Willis is no stranger to live television, having hosted The Voice UK and Big Brother. Josh Whitikome, a comedian and presenter, brings a fresh, humorous touch.
Johannes Radbe, a professional dancer on the show, adds insider knowledge and charisma. Together, they will need to fill the shoes of Claudia Wkelman and Tess Dalyly, who anchored the show for over a decade.
The celebrity lineup is diverse, spanning soap stars, musicians, reality TV winners, athletes, and presenters. Lacy Turner, best known for playing Stacey Slater on EastEnders, is a seasoned actress with a large fan base. Delta Goodram, an Australian singer-songwriter, has sold millions of records worldwide.
Danny Dyier, a Love Island winner, returns after a heartbreaking injury withdrawal last year.
Catch Mercer, a reality TV personality from shows like Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex, is expected to bring drama and flair. Will Best, a former T4 presenter, has a background in entertainment and youth culture. Chris Appleton, a celebrity hair stylist who has worked with Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa, is a surprising but intriguing addition.
Dame Sarah Story, a Paralympic cycling champion with multiple gold medals, represents the show’s tradition of including inspirational athletes. Melanie Walters, known for her role as Gwen in Gavin and Stacey, is a beloved comedic actress. Jamie Winstone, daughter of actor Ray Winstone, has appeared in films like Made in Dagenham and TV series like The Crown.
Shaun Wright Phillips, a former England and Chelsea footballer, brings sports star power. Bethany Antonia, who played Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon, is a rising star in fantasy television. Graham Hall, presenter of Dogs Behaving Very Badly, is a familiar face to daytime TV audiences.
Lawrence Rob, an Emmerdale actor, adds soap opera credibility. John Nellis, a popular YouTuber with millions of subscribers, represents the digital generation. Tabby Sturker, a Team GB athlete in track and field, rounds out the cast with athletic promise.
The professional lineup shakeup is perhaps the most shocking development. Karen Hower’s departure ends a 14-year run on the show. She was known for her Latin and ballroom expertise and her emotional partnerships.
Gorka Marquez’s exit is equally surprising, as he was a fan favorite and often paired with high-profile celebrities.
Nadia Bichkova, who joined in 2017, was praised for her technical skill and elegance. Luba Mushtuck, a Ukrainian dancer, had been with the show since 2018 but rarely got a celebrity partner. Michelle Siakas, a newer addition, leaves after only a few seasons.
The remaining professionals include names like Giovanni Pernice, Oti Mabuse, and Aljaž Škorjanec, but their pairings with celebrities remain under wraps. The BBC has not commented on the departures, but sources suggest budget cuts and a desire for a fresh direction.
With a new presenting team, a fresh celebrity cast, and major changes among the professionals, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is shaping up to be a very different series. The launch date is now confirmed, and fans won’t have to wait much longer to see the glitter and glamour return.
The show has faced criticism in recent years for declining ratings and controversies, including allegations of mistreatment of contestants. The revamp is seen as an attempt to reinvigorate the franchise and attract younger viewers.
Emma Willis, Josh Whitikome, and Johannes Radbe will have the unenviable task of winning over skeptical fans. Willis has a strong track record in live TV, but Whitikome is relatively untested in such a high-profile role. Radbe, as a dancer, brings authenticity but may lack the hosting experience.
The celebrity lineup is a mix of familiar names and relative unknowns. Lacy Turner and Delta Goodram are likely to be early favorites, while Danny Dyier’s return story could capture hearts. Shaun Wright Phillips and Dame Sarah Story bring athletic credibility, but their dance ability remains unknown.
The professional departures have already sparked outrage on social media. Fans have launched petitions to keep Karen Hower and Gorka Marquez on the show. The BBC has remained silent, fueling speculation about internal tensions.
The first live show on September 26 will be the true test. Viewers will see the new presenting team in action, the celebrity pairings, and the first dances. The results show on October 4 will add a new layer of drama.
The grand finale on December 19 will crown the winner of the Glitterball Trophy. With so many changes, predicting a winner is impossible. But the journey promises to be unforgettable.
Strictly Come Dancing has been a British institution since 2004. It has launched careers, created iconic moments, and brought joy to millions. The 2026 series will either cement its legacy or mark the beginning of its decline.
One thing is certain: the wait is almost over. The sequins, the spray tans, and the spectacular routines are returning. But this time, everything is different.
Fans should mark their calendars for September 19. The BBC has promised a launch show that will introduce the new presenters, reveal the celebrity pairings, and set the stage for the season. It will be a night of surprises, emotions, and perhaps a few tears.
The professional dancers who remain will have to step up. Without the five departing stars, the remaining pros will carry the weight of the show. Giovanni Pernice, a three-time finalist, is expected to be a frontrunner.
Oti Mabuse, a two-time winner, will be a force.
But the new presenters will be under the most scrutiny. Emma Willis has the charisma, but can she handle the live pressure? Josh Whitikome has the comedy, but can he connect with the audience?
Johannes Radbe has the dance knowledge, but can he command the stage?
Only time will tell. The BBC is betting big on this revamp. If it succeeds, Strictly Come Dancing could enter a new golden age.
If it fails, the show may never recover.
The celebrity cast is diverse, but not without controversy. Some fans are unhappy with the inclusion of reality TV stars like Danny Dyier and Catch Mercer, arguing that the show should focus on talent rather than fame. Others welcome the fresh faces.
The professional departures have also raised questions about the show’s treatment of its dancers. Karen Hower and Gorka Marquez were beloved by fans. Their exits suggest a behind-the-scenes overhaul that may not be popular.
The BBC has not confirmed the reasons for the departures, but insiders hint at budget constraints and a desire to reduce the number of professional dancers. The show had 20 professionals in 2025; now it will have 15.
The new presenting team is also a cost-cutting measure. Claudia Wkelman and Tess Dalyly were reportedly paid high salaries. Emma Willis, Josh Whitikome, and Johannes Radbe are likely cheaper options.
But the show’s producers insist the changes are about creativity, not money. They want a fresh energy and a modern feel. The new presenters are younger and more diverse.
The celebrity lineup reflects that diversity. Bethany Antonia is a young Black actress. Jamie Winstone is a white actress.
Shaun Wright Phillips is a Black footballer. Delta Goodram is a white Australian. The cast is more representative than ever.
But representation alone won’t save the show. The dancing must be spectacular. The chemistry between celebrities and professionals must be electric.
The judges must be fair and entertaining.
The judges for 2026 have not been announced, but Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke are expected to return. Their dynamic will be crucial.
With the launch date now confirmed, the countdown begins. Fans can expect a flurry of announcements in the coming weeks: the full celebrity lineup, the professional pairings, and the first look at the new set design.
The BBC has promised a “bigger and better” series. Whether that promise holds remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be a series like no other.
The show has survived scandals, ratings dips, and format changes before. It has always bounced back. This time, the stakes are higher than ever.
The Glitterball Trophy awaits. The dancers are ready. The presenters are poised.
The fans are waiting.
September 19 cannot come soon enough.
