The BBC has confirmed key dates for the return of Strictly Come Dancing in 2026, following major changes to the show. The revamped dance programme will air this autumn with new hosts Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe for the first time.
New hosts and judges
The new presenting trio replace long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure at the end of the 2025 series in December. Tess had hosted the show since its inception in 2004. The judges – Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke – will all return for another series.
Professional dancer changes
Several professional dancers will not return, including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Returning pros from the 2025 series 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.
Launch show date and tickets
Strictly 2026 will begin in September. The launch show will be pre-recorded on Wednesday, September 9, and is expected to air on Saturday, September 19, on BBC One. Fans can apply for tickets via the BBC's 'shows, tours, and take part' website, where a random draw allocates places. According to the website: "Strictly Come Dancing is back with our Launch Show recording. Join our fabulous new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse as they welcome 15 brand new celebrities to the Strictly ballroom."
Registration is open for the launch show recording on September 9. Additionally, fans can apply to watch exclusive recordings of the professional dancers' group numbers, scheduled for August 26, August 30, and two sessions on September 3. Each recording is expected to last around three hours.
