Jowita Przystal has hinted that the time for the Strictly Come Dancing stars to reunite is near, as the 2026 series prepares for significant changes. In a social media update, the professional dancer shared a selfie from a plane returning to the UK after a trip to Madrid, writing: "Now it's time to head back to London and soon put those dancing heels back on."
Major Overhaul for 2026 Series
The BBC One dance show is set to return in October with several alterations. Long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departed at the end of 2025, having announced their exit mid-way through the 2025 series in October. Tess, 56, had presented since the show's launch in 2004 alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Claudia, 53, fronted It Takes Two before joining the main show in 2014. After 11 years co-hosting together, they said the "time was right" to leave.
New hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe have been announced to take over. The judging panel—Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—will all return for another year.
Professional Dancer Line-Up Changes
It was confirmed that professional dancers Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas will not return for the 2026 series. Returning pros from 2025 include Jowita Przystal, Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won last year's series with former England footballer Karen Carney. The BBC confirmed new professionals will be recruited and announced closer to the show's return.
Preparations Underway
Although the series doesn't start until October, preparations typically begin in July, with pros rehearsing and recording routines. Jowita's Instagram post suggests she is ready to rejoin the cast. She wrote: "What a beginning of the week! ... We definitely need more girls trips together! ... Now it's time to head back to London and soon put those dancing heels back on."
