The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up has been announced, with the BBC competition set to return in September. Last year's winner was former footballer Karen Carney with pro dancer Carlos Gu. This year, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will host the show as the first presenting trio.
New Pros and Departures
Johannes Radebe's move to presenting is part of a wider shake-up, with Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez all leaving the pro dancer line-up. Five new professional dancers are joining: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
The celebrity contestants revealed so far include EastEnders' Lacey Turner, Neighbours actress Delta Goodrem, Kim Kardashian's hairstylist Chris Appleton, and Dani Dyer, who returns after pulling out last year due to injury. Also competing are Love Island winner Cach Merce, Big Brother presenter Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme 'The Dogfather' Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and Gwen West.
Where Are They Now?
Strictly originally launched in 2004 with Tess Daly and the late Bruce Forsyth. Craig Revel Horwood remains the only judge from that era. With the new series approaching, here's a look at where the series one contestants are now, 22 years later.
Comedian Jason Wood, who was the first contestant ever eliminated, died in 2010 at age 38. Antiques dealer David Dickinson, who made it to week five, now hosts ITV's Dickinson's Real Deal. Verona Joseph, known for Holby City, left acting and shares three children with filmmaker Farren Blackburn. Claire Sweeney, who played Cassie Plummer in Coronation Street, recently left the soap to take on the role of Miss Hannigan in Annie.
Rugby legend Martin Offiah, who finished fourth, has since won on The Weakest Link and Pointless. Classical singer Lesley Garrett, who was sent home just before the final, continues her music career. Christopher Parker, the first runner-up, now works as a senior legal consultant. Natasha Kaplinsky, the first winner, was appointed OBE in 2017 and chairs The Royal Ballet School.
