Strictly Come Dancing 2026 begins its live shows this evening, but there will be no dance-off this weekend. The opening episode sees 15 couples take to the ballroom for the first time, with hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm.
There is no viewer voting or departure this week. However, head judge Shirley Ballas, alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, will deliver the opening round of marks, which carry over to the second week when audiences get their first chance to vote for their favourite couples.
Running order and schedule
Strictly begins at 6.15pm this evening (Saturday, September 26) and continues until 8.45pm, with the debut live broadcast lasting 150 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes).
Before Strictly, Amanda Holden's The Celebrity Inner Circle airs from 5.30pm for 45 minutes until 6.15pm. After the dance show, comedian John Bishop's new gameshow Wisdom of the Crowd runs from 8.45pm until 9.35pm.
Spin-off shows and new hub
There is no results programme this weekend. Incoming host Ellie Taylor presents her first edition of companion series Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday (September 28) evening. A second spin-off, Strictly: Lights Up, will broadcast on Sundays on BBC iPlayer directly following the results show, presented by comedian Abi Clarke and presenter and Strictly alum Tyler West.
BBC iPlayer will also introduce a new dedicated Strictly hub, featuring a range of new exclusives. This includes weekly training room instalments, where Abi visits various Strictly partnerships during practice sessions, alongside a weekly round-up programme summarising the week's action.
New viewing features
Every individual performance from the series will be accessible to view separately at any time. For the first time, each episode will feature chapter navigation, enabling audiences to move between their favourite couples and revisit memorable highlights.
Former England Lioness Karen Carney secured the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 title with her professional dance partner Carlos Gu. Strictly Come Dancing 2026 continues Saturday, September 26 at 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
