Strictly Come Dancing bosses have assembled an "extraordinary" line-up for the 2026 series, according to head judge Shirley Ballas. She will return to the judging panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke when the BBC One dance contest returns for its 22nd series later this year.
New Hosts for the 2026 Series
A number of changes are set to be made to the popular programme, including the arrival of three new hosts. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over hosting duties when Strictly returns in September, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left their long-running roles at the end of the 2025 series.
Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, June 10, Ballas, 65, said: "I know that they took lots of chemistry tests, as did everybody, and those chemistry tests have brought these three people together, and I believe it's absolutely unbelievable." She added: "I think it's important that everybody gets along with each other and that those personalities can come together as one."
Celebrity Line-Up Teasers
Shirley also teased the celebrities taking part, assuring fans they are in for a treat when the new season starts in September. She said: "It's quite extraordinary. There's going to be some people on there where you're going to go, 'Oh wow!' I can't tell you the names, obviously, but you know that the BBC always pick the incredible chemistry between all of the celebrities. So the whole thing, for me, is quite extraordinary; new dancers, new presenters. You should be way excited for this series, that I can assure."
Rumoured Contestants
Among the names rumoured to be participating this year are Love Island alum Dani Dyer, 29, who withdrew from last year's series due to an ankle injury; Neighbours alum Delta Goodrem and This Morning's Josie Gibson, both 41; and former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn, 44.
Professional Dancer Changes
Other changes include the addition of five new professional dancers after five confirmed they would be leaving Strictly ahead of the next run. Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Marquez all confirmed their plans to leave the show as part of a significant shake-up.
