Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed several key dates for its 2026 series, including the annual visit to Blackpool, and has revealed how fans can apply for tickets to be in the audience at the BBC's iconic ballroom.
The show is set to return to BBC One in September, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke back on the judging panel and 15 new celebrity contestants taking part. This year, for the first time, the programme will be fronted by a trio of hosts: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the 2025 series.
Changes to the line-up
There has also been a change among the professional dancers. Johannes Radebe has taken on a hosting role, while Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez have all confirmed they have left the show ahead of the new series.
The BBC has said that Strictly 2026 will begin in September. The launch show will be pre-recorded on Wednesday, September 9, and, as in previous series, is expected to air on Saturday, September 19 on BBC One. The first live show is scheduled for September 26.
Key dates and ticket applications
Fans can apply for tickets via the BBC's 'shows, tours, and take part' website, with applicants entered into a random draw. The website states: "As in previous years we are operating a random draw. You can apply for tickets at any time until 10pm on Tuesday, 1 September. You can apply for a maximum of one pair of tickets per show. Only apply if you intend to be the named ticket holder. The name on tickets cannot be changed after they are allocated."
The website adds: "You can apply for as many dates as you wish, but if you are successful in the random draw, you will only receive tickets for one date. If successful please note that tickets are non-transferable. They cannot be transferred to another date or a person who is not named on the ticket."
While not officially confirmed, the Halloween special is expected to air on October 31, and the show will relocate to Blackpool on November 21. The series is set to run until the final in December.
