Strictly Come Dancing has officially unveiled its complete 2026 line-up, prompting BBC audiences to question when the programme will return and what the upcoming series will deliver.
YouTube sensation John Nellis, renowned for his sporting content, and Swansea-born actress Melanie Walters, most famous for portraying Gwen in the beloved sitcom Gavin and Stacey, have rounded off the roster following months of reveals and hints from the BBC.
Presenter and professional changes
The 2026 instalment is eagerly awaited after the departure of long-serving presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. The duo stood down at the conclusion of the 2025 series and have been succeeded by the programme's inaugural presenting trio, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
There has also been an overhaul of professionals, with just 15 of the 20 familiar faces from the previous year returning for the forthcoming series. Those who have left the programme include audience favourites Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez.
Confirmed celebrity contestants
The full celebrity roster includes EastEnders actress Lacey Turner; Dani Dyer, who was forced to pull out of Strictly 2025 due to injury, returning; Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem; world-renowned hair stylist Chris Appleton; social media star and Love Island champion Cach Mercer; presenter Will Best; Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey; actress Jaime Winstone; actress Bethany Antonia; football legend Shaun Wright-Phillips; dog trainer and presenter Graeme Hall; Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb; Olympic champion skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker; YouTuber John Nellis; and actress and Gavin and Stacey icon Melanie Walters.
New hosts and professional line-up
Following the surprise departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly last year, the BBC has brought in a trio of hosts for the very first time to replace the celebrated pair. Presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe will take charge of the Strictly ballroom this year. The announcement was made in May last year, with Strictly's executive producer Sarah James describing the combination as "unexpected, but their magic was undeniable the moment they came together".
There will be several new additions to the professional line-up this year following the departure of five established faces. Those who have departed include Karen Hauer, the show's longest-serving female pro, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. They have been succeeded by Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
Making their comeback to the ballroom are Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola.
Judges and rumoured start date
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will all return as usual. While the BBC is yet to announce an official return date, it is understood that the annual competition will commence as expected next month in September. The BBC has stated that precise air dates for the autumn competition are yet to be confirmed, although based on the schedule of previous years, it has been widely reported that the pre-recorded launch show could be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on Wednesday, September 19.
