Strictly Come Dancing is changing how celebrity-professional pairings are revealed this year. Contestant Graeme Hall has confirmed that the pre-recorded video packages used in recent years to unveil the dance partners have been scrapped.
Speaking on Radio Northampton, the dog trainer and podcaster explained: "This year, they're doing it slightly differently. We don't find out until the launch show. You have no say in it, the pros have no say in it."
Return to pre-Covid format
In recent series, the launch programme featured celebrities travelling to venues across the country to meet the professional dancer they would be paired with for the competition. Producers have now opted to return to the pre-Covid arrangement, where the pairings are revealed live in the studio, with dancers and celebrities discovering their partners at the same time as the audience.
The news comes weeks before the 2026 series launch, which has already seen major changes behind the scenes. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are set to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as presenters, while former contestant Ellie Taylor has been confirmed as the new host of spin-off programme It Takes Two, taking over from Janette Manrara and Fleur East.
New professionals and celebrity lineup
Five fresh professional dancers are joining the roster: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita. They will make their debut when the new series begins next month.
Sarah James, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, said: "Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark are all outstanding world class dancers and we can't wait to see them shine under the Strictly glitterball this September." Jo Wallace, Senior Commissioning Editor at BBC Entertainment, added: "It's so exciting to welcome the brilliantly talented Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark. As if the return of Strictly wasn't shaping up to be fab-u-lous enough already, they're five more reasons why the new series is not to be missed."
Several familiar professionals are returning, but Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova have all confirmed their departure from the programme. Joining Graeme Hall in this year's celebrity lineup are Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Jaime Winstone, Will Best, Sean Wright-Phillips, Bethany Antonia, Lawrence Robb, John Nellis, Tabby Stoecker, Dame Sarah Storey and Melanie Walters. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer in September.
