Four Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers have been left without a celebrity partner as the 2026 series began. Neil Jones, along with newcomers Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori and Lethabo Monametsi, will not be paired with a famous face this year.
The pre-recorded launch show aired on BBC One on Saturday, September 19, introducing the 15 new celebrities taking to the Strictly ballroom. The show also featured the debut of three new hosts - Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe - who replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after their exits last year.
Returning professionals confirmed for this series include Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Alexis Warr, Carlos Gu, Dianne Buswell, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin and Vito Coppola.
New Professionals and Judge Panel
Five new professional dancers are joining the show: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita. They fill the gaps left by Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez, who all departed ahead of the 2026 series.
The judging panel remains unchanged, with Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas all returning. They will assess the routines when live shows begin next Saturday, September 26.
Full List of 2026 Couples
The confirmed pairings for the 2026 series are:
- Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu
- Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby
- Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden
- Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin
- Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington
- Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley
- Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu
- John Nellis and Katya Jones
- Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola
- Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał
- Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec
- Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon
- Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr
- Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita
- Will Best and Dianne Buswell
Despite missing out on partners, the four dancers remain part of the series and the 'Strictly Family', appearing in various dances throughout the upcoming season.
