Summary
- The glitz, glamour and high-energy performances of Strictly Come Dancing are set to return as the popular dance competition prepares to launch its 2026 series on Saturday, September 19, at 7:25 p.m.
- New presenting team takes over
The 2026 series will mark a major change in the show’s hosting lineup following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the 2025 series. - With 15 new celebrities, a revamped presenting team and the return of the familiar judging panel, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is ready to begin a new chapter.
AI Generated Summary
The glitz, glamour and high-energy performances of Strictly Come Dancing are set to return as the popular dance competition prepares to launch its 2026 series on Saturday, September 19, at 7:25 p.m.
This year’s series promises a fresh chapter for the long-running show, featuring a new presenting team, 15 celebrity contestants and a different approach to revealing the professional dance pairings. However, the familiar judging panel will return to provide some continuity for longtime viewers.
New presenting team takes over
The 2026 series will mark a major change in the show’s hosting lineup following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the 2025 series. Emma Willis, Johannes Radbe and Josh Widdicombe will take over the main presenting duties, guiding viewers through the live shows and the celebrities’ journeys.
The spin-off programme, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, will also welcome a new presenter. Ellie Taylor is set to replace Fleur East and Janette Manrara, bringing her own style to the behind-the-scenes series.
Despite the changes among the presenters, fans will still see several familiar faces on the judging panel. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are all returning to assess the celebrities throughout the competition.
Meet the 15 celebrity contestants
A total of 15 celebrities will compete in the 2026 series, hoping to impress the judges and viewers while mastering demanding ballroom and Latin routines.
The cast includes 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.
The contestants come from different professional backgrounds, promising plenty of variety when they take to the dance floor.
A new way to reveal the pairings
One of the biggest changes in this year’s launch will be the way the celebrity-professional partnerships are announced. Instead of simply revealing each couple, contestants will discover their partners through three specially choreographed group performances in front of a studio audience.
The new format is expected to add an extra element of suspense and excitement to the opening episode while giving viewers an early look at the celebrities’ dancing skills.
Special performance from last year’s winner
The launch episode will also include behind-the-scenes footage of the celebrities beginning their dance training as they prepare for the weeks of competition ahead.
Last year’s winner, Karen Carney, will also return alongside Carlos Gu for a football-inspired jive. Their performance will give fans a chance to see the previous champion back on the dance floor.
With 15 new celebrities, a revamped presenting team and the return of the familiar judging panel, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is ready to begin a new chapter.
The series premieres on September 19, bringing viewers another season filled with spectacular routines, emotional performances, fierce competition and plenty of unexpected moments.
We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com