Strictly Come Dancing 2026 launch date revealed – and it’s just a few weeks away

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans won’t have to wait much longer for the next series, with the launch date officially confirmed. Spray tans and sequins at the ready, as the show gears up for its return in just a month. The BBC has confirmed when the new series of Strictly will begin Credit: bbcstrictly/Instagram Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke will all return to the judging panel Credit: PA Saturday nights will be sorted for the foreseeable future when the revamped series hits screens on Saturday, September 19. The show will then go live on Saturday September 26. The first live results show will air on Sunday, October 4 and the live final will be on Saturday, December 19. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will be at the helm, replacing long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. This year’s series is also shaping up to be a corker, with a star-studded line-up already confirmed. Among those announced by the BBC are former EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and Aussie singer Delta Goodrem. Former EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner is among this year’s Strictly contestants Credit: bbcstrictly/Instagram Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is taking to the Strictly dancefloor Credit: Getty Also taking to the dancefloor is Love Island winner Dani Dyer, who has been given a second chance after being forced to pull out of last year’s competition through injury. The show had previously vowed not to cast reality stars but appears to have made a couple of exceptions. Love Island’s Cach Mercer and former T4 presenter Will Best have also signed up for the new series. Most read in TV Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton and Paralympic cycling legend Dame Sarah Storey are also among the famous faces confirmed to be competing. Delta Goodrem has signed up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Credit: bbcstrictly/Instagram Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters is also heading for the dancefloor Credit: BBC They’ll be joined by Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and actress Jaime Winstone. Also heading to the dancefloor are footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia and Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly host Graeme Hall. Finishing the line-up will be Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, YouTuber John Nellis andTeam GB star Tabby Stoecker. Meanwhile, the professional dancers will, of course, be back, with this year’s pairings yet to be revealed. However, five familiar faces won’t be returning in a major shake-up of the professional line-up. Long-serving favourites Karen Hauer. and Gorka Marquez are leaving the show, along with Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and relative newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas Comment now