Strictly Come Dancing 2026
returns tonight, Saturday 19 September, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Launch Show starts at 7:25pm and runs for 1 hour 45 minutes. Fans in the US, Canada, Australia and beyond want to know what has changed. In short, quite a lot.
This is Strictly Come Dancing series 24, and it opens a brand-new era. New hosts, five new pro dancers and a refreshed logo greet viewers. Additionally, 15 celebrities meet their professional partners tonight. Here is your complete guide.
Why Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Matters to Fans Worldwide
The show is a global favourite. Its format inspired versions in dozens of countries, including Dancing with the Stars in the US. Therefore, big changes at home get attention far beyond Britain.
This year matters more than most. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left after the previous series. As a result, viewers will watch closely to see whether Strictly Come Dancing 2026 keeps its sparkle.
Here is what makes this series stand out:
- A three-person hosting team for the first time
- Five new professional dancers
- The first logo change since series 8
- A 15-strong line-up of soap, sport and music stars
Key Changes in Strictly Come Dancing 2026
New Presenters: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
The BBC confirmed the Strictly Come Dancing new presenters on 19 May. Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe now share hosting duties. Meanwhile, Ellie Taylor takes over the spin-off show It Takes Two.
The Judging Panel Stays the Same
All four judges return. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will score every dance. Consequently, the judging desk offers a familiar anchor during a year of change.
A Big Professional Dancer Shake-Up
Five long-serving pros left before the new series: Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Márquez and Michelle Tsiakkas. However, five newcomers joined: Aleksandra Isaeva, Maddie Ingoldsby, Mark Karmalita, Lethabo Monametsi and Cristian Priori. Familiar faces such as Dianne Buswell, Aljaž Škorjanec and Carlos Gu also return.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Celebrity Line-Up
The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up features 15 celebrities from many worlds. Additionally, tonight’s Launch Show reveals their partners. Here is the full list by category.
Soap and Screen Stars
- Lacey Turner (EastEnders)
- Lawrence Robb (Emmerdale)
- Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey)
- Bethany Antonia (House of the Dragon)
- Jaime Winstone (film and TV actress)
Sport and Music Stars
- Dame Sarah Storey (Paralympic cyclist and swimmer)
- Shaun Wright-Phillips (England footballer and pundit)
- Tabby Stoecker (Olympic skeleton racer)
- Delta Goodrem (singer-songwriter and actress)
TV, Social and Lifestyle Names
Dani Dyer, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Chris Appleton, Graeme Hall and John Nellis complete the line-up. Notably, Dani Dyer returns after an ankle injury forced her out of the previous series.
What to Expect From the Launch Show
The Launch Show sets the tone for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe welcome the celebrities to the ballroom before they meet their professional partners. Expect nerves, laughs and a first look at the new hosting trio in action. Then the first live competition show follows on Saturday 26 September.
How the Competition Works
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 follows the classic format. Each week, every couple learns a new ballroom or Latin dance. The judges score the performance, and viewers vote. As a result, the lowest-ranked couples face a dance-off. The last couple standing wins the Glitterball Trophy.
How to Watch Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Worldwide
Your options depend on where you live. Follow these steps:
- In the UK: watch live on BBC One or stream on BBC iPlayer. You need a valid TV Licence.
- Check the dates: the Launch Show airs 19 September, and the first live show follows on 26 September.
- Convert the time: 7:25pm in the UK is 2:25pm Eastern and 11:25am Pacific.
- Outside the UK: availability varies by country. If you want to know how to watch Strictly Come Dancing outside the UK, check official BBC pages and local streaming services first. [EXTERNAL LINK: BBC Strictly Come Dancing official page]
- Offline viewing: UK viewers can download episodes through the iPlayer app.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Fans often trip over the same problems:
- Using unofficial streams. They often carry malware and hurt the show.
- Ignoring time zones. You may miss the live moment.
- Bending platform rules. Some viewers use VPNs to reach iPlayer. However, this can breach BBC terms, so check the rules first.
- Skipping the Launch Show. It reveals every partnership, so start Strictly Come Dancing 2026 from night one.
Tips to Get More From the Series
A few simple habits make the season more fun:
- Watch It Takes Two with Ellie Taylor for training-room news.
- Follow the BBC’s official social accounts for score updates.
- Keep a weekly leaderboard to track your favourite couples.
- Join fan communities to compare predictions.
Final Thoughts
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 promises a fresh yet familiar ride. New hosts, new pros and 15 eager celebrities will chase the Glitterball Trophy. Karen Carney and Carlos Gu won last year, so the bar sits high. Watch tonight’s Launch Show, then bookmark this page for weekly updates. Subscribe to our newsletter and share your Strictly Come Dancing 2026 winner prediction in the comments!
