Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is gearing up to be one of the most significant series in the show’s two-decade history. With a brand-new presenting line-up, major professional dancer departures and the first celebrity names already being reported, the BBC dance show heads into its 24th run with a mix of fresh energy and familiar sparkle. Here’s everything we know so far – and what it means for viewers, brands and the UK hospitality industry. Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is already creating strong interest among UK entertainment fans
Quick summary – Strictly Come Dancing 2026 at a glance
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 premieres in autumn 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, bringing the biggest shake-up in years. The new series will feature three hosts for the first time, a refreshed roster of professional dancers and a celebrity line-up that’s already generating serious buzz.
Here’s the headline news at a glance:
- Presenters: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe are reported as the new trio of hosts, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
- Judges: Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas (Head Judge), Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all return.
- First celebrities: Lacey Turner (EastEnders) confirmed; Dani Dyer widely expected after last year’s injury withdrawal.
- Professional dancers: Five long-serving pros have departed; 15 are returning, with new dancers to be announced before launch.
- Schedule: Expected September launch with a grand final in mid-December. Themed weeks including Blackpool at the Tower Ballroom return.
Strictly 2026 continues to dominate UK Saturday night TV and remains a key cross-over platform for food, hospitality and live events brands looking to reach millions of engaged viewers each week.
Why Strictly Come Dancing 2026 still matters for UK entertainment and hospitality
Within the UK cultural calendar, few programmes carry the weight of Strictly Come Dancing. Alongside Eurovision, the Christmas TV schedule and Blackpool’s autumn season, it anchors a period of peak entertainment consumption that ripples through every corner of the leisure economy.
Recent series have pulled average audiences of around 7–8 million viewers per episode, with the 2025 grand final drawing upwards of 8.6 million. That places the BBC dance show comfortably as the UK’s biggest entertainment format by viewer hours.
For the food and hospitality world, those numbers translate directly into commercial opportunity. Restaurants, bars and hotels across London, Blackpool and beyond build “Strictly Saturdays” offers around the live broadcasts, from themed viewing parties and pre-show dining to Christmas party packages that coincide with the series climax
Sparkling cocktails, ballroom-inspired desserts and dance-themed table settings have become staples of the autumn hospitality playbook.
The show’s reach extends year-round through Strictly Come Dancing Live! and Strictly The Professionals tours, which drive regional footfall for arenas, local eateries and hotels – giving hospitality operators multiple windows to capitalise, not just the broadcast season.
When Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is expected to air on BBC One and iPlayer
The BBC has confirmed that the 24th series returns in autumn 2026, following the traditional September launch pattern. However, the exact air dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed.
Based on recent series pacing (2023–2025), viewers can expect a pre-recorded launch show around the first or second week of September, with weekly live shows on BBC One starting from mid-September onwards. Sunday results programmes, where couples face elimination via a combination of judges’ scores and viewers’ votes, will follow each Saturday broadcast. Full episodes and highlights will be available to load and stream on BBC iPlayer shortly after transmission – meaning your browser is all you need to catch up.
Ticket vendors have estimated the launch show could be pre-recorded around Wednesday 9 September 2026, with the first live Saturday show on 19 September and a grand final on Saturday 19 December 2026. The annual Blackpool week at the Tower Ballroom is expected in late November, in line with tradition.
For hospitality venues, this timeline is critical for planning. Autumn promotions, Christmas parties and live-screening events can all be mapped against key theme weeks – giving operators a clear content calendar to build around from September through to the festive season.
The new Strictly Come Dancing 2026 presenting trio
This year marks the first time the main show will have a three-host presenting line-up. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe were announced as the new trio in May 2026, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stood down after the 2025 series, a move that has also sparked wider discussion about age and how older women are treated in high-profile TV presenting roles.
Emma Willis will host Strictly Come Dancing 2026, bringing her considerable live TV pedigree – honed across years on The Voice UK and Big Brother – to Saturday nights. Her steady, warm tone is well-suited to the emotional backstage moments and high-stakes results shows that define the programme.
Johannes Radebe joins as a new presenter in 2026, making a seamless transition from fan-favourite professional dancer to co-host. His charisma and deep ballroom expertise keep Dancing Strictly at the heart of the show, giving the presenting team a genuine insider voice from the dance floor.
Comedian Josh Widdicombe is a new host for 2026, expected to handle light relief and Clauditorium-style celebrity interviews. His stand-up background and panel show experience – plus his appearance in the 2024 Christmas Special – make him a natural comedy foil to Willis’s composure and Radebe’s warmth.
Fan and industry reaction has been broadly positive. The new mix is expected to refresh the brand without losing its core feel, and for hospitality and events planners, the fresh hosts offer new partnership and PR angles – from launch events to branded hospitality packages and press screenings.
Judging panel – Craig Revel Horwood and co. return
The long-standing four-judge panel is confirmed to return for Strictly 2026: Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. The judging panel includes Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke alongside two of the show’s most recognisable faces, providing continuity amid the wider changes.
Craig Revel Horwood remains the only original judge still on the panel, and his trademark sharp-tongued critiques – and the occasional “fab-u-lous” – continue to give the scores their dramatic edge. After more than two decades on the show, Craig anchors the critical side of the table.
Shirley Ballas holds the head judge role, responsible for the casting vote in any tied dance-off decisions. Her technical ballroom and Latin authority lends credibility to the scoring, and her considered verdicts often shape the narrative of each elimination.
Motsi Mabuse’s energy and warmth have made her a firm audience favourite since she joined in 2019. Her commentary reflects broader efforts to make the show more inclusive, diverse and family-friendly – something the BBC has been keen to build on in recent years.
Anton Du Beke completed his transition from professional dancer to judge in 2021, and his insider perspective from decades on the Strictly dance floor gives his feedback a uniquely practical quality. While guest judges are not yet confirmed for themed weeks or specials, there is precedent for occasional appearances – which can create programming spikes useful for marketing tie-ins.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 celebrities – confirmed names and smart rumours
Only a handful of celebrities are officially confirmed so far, with more names typically revealed gradually through spring and summer. Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will feature new celebrity contestants throughout summer, with the show expected to reveal additional celebrity contestants leading up to the series launch.
The first celebrity contestant for 2026 was announced on June 10: EastEnders actress Lacey Turner. Lacey Turner is the first confirmed contestant for the 2026 series, and her BBC One profile and soap-star pedigree suggest she could connect strongly with voters. Historically, soap stars have performed well on the show, and her page of credits across Albert Square gives her instant name recognition.
A second celebrity contestant has also been reported on June 11, 2026, though full details are still emerging. Meanwhile, Dani Dyer is widely expected to perform in the latest series after having to withdraw from Series 23 due to a fractured ankle injury. Her return would bring a compelling redemption-arc narrative – the kind of storyline that tends to play well with Strictly audiences and keep viewers invested week after week.
Betting markets have Dyer as odds-on favourite at approximately 1/3, with Josie Gibson close behind. Other names circulating in credible UK entertainment news outlets include Jeff Brazier and various Eurovision and soap favourites, but these should be treated as speculation and are not officially confirmed.
From a FEAST angle, the increasing crossover with food, lifestyle and travel personalities is worth noting. Appearances on Strictly can boost bookings, brand deals and restaurant guest nights – giving hospitality talent a platform that extends well beyond the dance floor.
Professional dancers – who’s out, who’s back and who’s new
Spring 2026 brought one of the biggest professional dancer shake-ups in the show’s history. In May, the BBC confirmed that five long-serving pros had departed, while 15 professionals are returning for the new series.
Key departures:
| Dancer | Years on Strictly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Karen Hauer | 14 years | Longest-serving female pro; emotional farewell |
| Gorka Márquez | 10 years | Now working on projects in Spain |
| Nadiya Bychkova | Multiple series | Contract not renewed |
| Luba Mushtuk | Multiple series | Moving to new opportunities |
| Michelle Tsiakkas | Recent addition | Departed after shorter tenure |
Returning professional dancers confirmed by the BBC include:
Dianne Buswell is returning for Strictly 2026, along with Amy Dowden, who is confirmed to return after her inspiring comeback in recent years. Julian Caillon will also return for the 2026 series, as will Katya Jones and Neil Jones. The confirmed list also features Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu (the reigning series champion), Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Vito Coppola and Johannes Radebe – though Radebe’s role now spans both dancing and presenting.
New professional dancers will join the 2026 line-up, with identities to be revealed closer to the autumn launch. This addition of fresh international talent is expected to broaden the choreographic styles on display and light up the stage with new energy.
How the professional dancers shape the Strictly experience
The professionals anchor every aspect of the show’s week-by-week rhythm. They’re responsible for teaching celebrities from absolute basics to advanced routines, shaping storylines along the way and often becoming audience favourites in their own right. It’s the pros who hear what judges want and translate that into choreography that can transform an underdog into a finalist.
Notable on- and off-screen partnerships – such as Neil Jones and Katya Jones, or Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara – illustrate how the show’s personal and professional bonds intertwine, giving the programme emotional depth that goes beyond scores alone.
For the hospitality world, these dancers regularly crossover into West End shows, cruise ship residencies, live restaurant performances and branded events. The spin-off tour Strictly The Professionals 2026 showcases many of these dancers in arenas across the UK, bringing demand for live hospitality packages, pre-theatre dining and hotel stays in every city they visit.
Format, theme weeks and what’s new for Strictly 2026
The core format remains reassuringly familiar: weekly live performances judged on a score out of 40, combined with public vote via phone and app, culminating in a dance-off for the bottom two couples. The couple with the lowest combined total of scores and viewers’ votes faces elimination – unless special circumstances apply.
Staple themed weeks expected to return in 2026:
| Week | Theme | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 3 | Movie Week | Film-inspired routines and costumes |
| Week 6 | Halloween Week | Spooky choreography and stage effects |
| Week 9 | Blackpool Week | Live from the iconic Tower Ballroom |
| Week 11 | Musicals Week | Quarterfinals – high stakes |
| Varies | Icons Week | Introduced in Series 22 |
In addition, the Instant Dance challenge – which debuted in Series 23 – is reportedly returning for Strictly 2026. This sees couples learn choreography at short notice, bringing high-jeopardy television and unpredictable performances that audiences love.
Theme weeks influence everything from costume and lighting to menu planning for venues hosting viewing parties. Movie Week, for instance, lends itself to film-inspired cocktails, while Halloween naturally aligns with seasonal dishes and theatrical décor.
The live band, led historically by Dave Arch, remains key to the show’s sense of spectacle. It gives each performance an authenticity that pre-recorded music simply cannot match.
The show’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion continues to evolve. Same-sex partnerships, representation of disabled contestants and diverse casting across both celebrities and professionals are now firmly part of the brand’s modern identity, bringing the world of dance to the widest possible audience.
Spin‑offs, tours and wider Strictly ecosystem in 2026
Strictly now exists as a year-round ecosystem, not just an autumn TV series. Between spin-offs, live tours, digital content and merchandise, the brand generates engagement across every month of the calendar.
Strictly Come Dancing Live! – the annual arena tour running in the early months of each year – brings recent finalists and professional dancers to major UK cities, complete with full hospitality offerings, VIP packages and meet-and-greet experiences. For venues near arenas, this creates natural demand for pre- and post-show dining.
Strictly The Professionals 2026 tour features around ten world-class dancers from the latest series delivering high-energy routines, live band performances and photo opportunities. These events feed demand for hospitality packages, hotel stays and regional restaurant bookings across the coming year.
It Takes Two on BBC Two – the weekday companion show – remains essential for daily engagement, offering training-room coverage, interviews and behind-the-scenes content that takes fans deeper into each couple’s journey. Presenting shake-ups in 2025–2026 have kept the format fresh.
Digital tie-ins, including the Strictly Come Dancing mobile game app, keep fans connected between episodes. For food, drink and hospitality brands, this ecosystem offers sponsorship opportunities, pop-up experiences, menu collaborations and co-branded events – all anchored by one of the UK’s most-loved entertainment franchises.
What Strictly 2026 means for brands, venues and FEAST readers
From FEAST Magazine’s perspective, Strictly 2026 is both a television event and a commercial opportunity that spans food, drink, hospitality and live events.
Practical ways to capitalise:
- Themed cocktail menus inspired by dance styles – think a Tango Negroni, a Charleston Fizz or a Salsa Margarita – timed to rotate with each themed week.
- Pre-show dining slots designed to finish before the live broadcast, giving diners a reason to book early on a Saturday evening.
- Voting-party packages that bundle food, drinks and a big-screen experience, turning your venue into the go-to Strictly destination each week.
- Blackpool and London weekends built around live tapings, arena tours and companion events – ideal for hotels and regional venues in tour cities.
For brands, options include sponsoring viewing parties, aligning campaigns with specific professional dancers or contestants, and leveraging social media around iconic moments such as the first perfect 40 of the series.
FEAST Magazine will continue to feature successful Strictly-themed case studies, interviews with operators and advertising opportunities for businesses looking to receive exposure to this engaged national audience. If you’re already building your autumn plans, now is the time to start.
FAQs – Strictly Come Dancing 2026
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start?
The new series is expected to launch in September 2026, following the BBC’s traditional autumn schedule. The exact dates are yet to be confirmed, but based on recent series, a pre-recorded launch show is likely in early September with live Saturday shows beginning mid-month. The show will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Who are the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 presenters?
For 2026, the show has announced three hosts: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. This is the first time Strictly has had a trio of presenters for the main Saturday night show. They replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down after the 2025 series.
Who are the Strictly 2026 judges?
The expected judging panel is Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas (Head Judge), Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke – the same four judges from the 2025 series. No changes to the panel have been announced.
Which professional dancers are returning for Strictly 2026?
Fifteen professional dancers are confirmed as returning, including Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Julian Caillon, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Vito Coppola and Johannes Radebe. Five pros have departed: Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. New professionals are expected to be announced before the series begins.
Which celebrities are confirmed for Strictly 2026?
As of June 2026, Lacey Turner has been reported as the first confirmed contestant, with her name revealed on 10 June. A second contestant was confirmed on 11 June. Dani Dyer is widely expected to join after her injury withdrawal last year, but this has not been officially confirmed. The full line-up will be unveiled throughout summer.
How can hospitality venues make the most of Strictly 2026?
Plan themed menus and cocktail specials around key broadcast weeks – Movie Week, Halloween and Blackpool are particularly strong hooks. Host Saturday viewing parties with big-screen coverage and vote-along experiences. For venues in tour cities, build weekend packages around Strictly The Professionals and Strictly Live! arena shows, bundling dinner, drinks and overnight stays. Early planning is essential – the series runs from September to December, giving you a full quarter of programming to support your autumn and Christmas calendar.
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