Strictly Come Dancing's first live show of the 2026 series peaked at five million viewers on BBC One, according to The Independent. Across the two-and-a-half hour programme, an average of 4.8 million viewers watched, marking a dip from last year's 6.2 million average for the 2025 live show.
New hosts and cast shake-up
The new series features a major shake-up, with three new hosts and five new professional dancers. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have taken over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who announced they were stepping down at the end of last year.
Among those competing for the glitterball trophy are Jaime Winstone, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey and Melanie Walters. Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and John Nellis complete the 2026 cast.
Leaderboard and ratings response
The first live show saw EastEnders actress Lacey and her partner Vito Coppola top the leaderboard with 27 points, while Gavin and Stacey icon Melanie found herself at the bottom with partner Aljaz Skorjanec, scoring 15.
A Strictly spokesperson said: “Strictly was the most watched programme of the night, with a peak of five million viewers. As ever, overnight ratings do not give the full picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world.” This comes after an average of 5.3 million viewers watched the launch show, with a share of 49.2% of the overnight ratings, an increase of 7% from last year.
Hosts on stepping into the ballroom
When she was announced as the new host, Emma said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years - so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend. It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind - two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
Johannes also shared in a statement: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward. To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all...please bear with me. Love Jojo."
Josh added: "Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume."
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
