The glamour, glitter and phenomenal performances are back as Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is set to launch on Saturday, September 19 at 7:25 p.m.
The show is returning with 15 new celebrity contestants hitting the dance floor with thrilling moves along with three new presenters.
'Strictly Come Dancing' new hosts
Emma Willis, Johannes Radbe and Josh Widdicombe will take over hosting duties from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the show after the 2025 series. Ellie Taylor will also replace Fleur East and Janette Manrara on the spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
The live launch show came with a burst of excitement, with the similar judging panel, marking the return of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke returning.
'Strictly Come Dancing' cast
Strictly Come Dancing features 15 celebrities that include Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Coach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shuan Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis and Melanie Walters.
This year’s launch show will bring a new approach to revealing the celebrity-professional pairings. Instead of simply announcing the couples, participants will discover their partners via three specially choreographed group performances in front of the studio audience.
What to expect?
Strictly Come Dancing launch episode will feature behind-the-scenes footage of the celebrities kicking off their dance training. Last year’s winner, Karen Carney, will return alongside Carlos Gu to perform her football-inspired jive.
With a new presenting team, a fresh celebrity cast and the return of the existing judging panel, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is scheduled to start a new chapter when it premieres on September 19.
