Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday, September 19, with 15 new celebrities taking to the ballroom floor.
The launch date was confirmed after the official BBC Strictly Instagram account shared a photo of a professional dancer reading a newspaper with the words “Strictly 2026 launch” on the front page. Professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, who has appeared in 11 seasons, commented on the post: “The Dancefloor Gazette. See you on the 19th SO EXCITING!!”
New hosts and returning judges
This year’s series will look different as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from their presenting roles at the end of last year’s series. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will take over as hosts.
Anton DuBeke, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse will return to the judging panel.
Full celebrity line-up for 2026
- Actress Lacey Turner
- Reality star Dani Dyer
- Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem
- Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton
- Former Love Island star Cach Mercer
- TV presenter Will Best
- Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey
- Actress Jaime Winstone
- Actress Bethany Antonia
- Football legend Shaun Wright-Phillips
- Dog expert Graeme Hall
- Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb
- Skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker
- YouTuber John Nellis
- Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters
The launch episode will see the celebrities paired with their professional dance partners for the upcoming series.
