When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start? BBC One air date, full cast and new line-up of hosts

STRICTLY Come Dancing returns next month for Series 24, with a new presenting trio, five new professionals, and a fresh face on It Takes Two. A cast of 15 celebs will take to the floor following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman‘s exit last series after 11 years at the helm. Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe are the new Strictly presenters as of 2026 Credit: BBC Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke are back on judging duties Credit: PA When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start on BBC One? The pre-recorded Strictly Come Dancing launch show airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday, September 19. Live shows begin the following Saturday on September 26, and the first results programme is on Sunday, October 4 – traditionally, nobody is eliminated from the first round of live shows. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Blackpool week is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, and the live final falls on Saturday, December 19. Who are the new Strictly hosts? Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe take over as a trio – the first time the show has had three presenters. Johannes has been a professional dancer on the show since 2018, but he’s taking time off the dancefloor to help host this year’s show. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas are all returning for the new run. Over on BBC Two, comedian Ellie Taylor takes over It Takes Two from Janette Manrara and Fleur East. The BBC says the companion show has been reinvented for 2026, with more group conversations between celebs and pros away from their partners. Most read in TV Ellie knows the score – she competed on Strictly in 2022, finishing seventh alongside new host Johannes. Who is in the Strictly 2026 line-up? The Strictly 2026 cast is as follows: Lacey Turner – played Stacey Slater in EastEnders on and off for 21 years, and was the first name announced back in June Dani Dyer – returns after fracturing her ankle in rehearsals last year, forcing her to withdraw before week one Chris Appleton – Kim Kardashian’s go-to stylist says he knows his way around a salon floor, but the dancefloor is another story Delta Goodrem – the Australian singer joins following her Eurovision Song Contest appearance, having turned down the chance to dance on Strictly in 2025 Melanie Walters – played Gwen West in Gavin and Stacey, and works as a qualified personal trainer Will Best – the Big Brother host admits he has no idea whether he can dance Cach Mercer – the Love Island winner’s dance background has already drawn criticism from fans Dame Sarah Storey – Britain’s most decorated Paralympian with 30 medals, 19 of them gold Jaime Winstone – played Barbara Windsor on screen, and bosses will be hoping dad Ray turns up Shaun Wright-Phillips – the ex-Man City and Chelsea winger played for England at World Cup 2010 Bethany Antonia – plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon Graeme Hall – Channel 5’s Dogfather was welcomed with a post asking who was ready to fetch the Glitterball Lawrence Robb – the Emmerdale star says he is terrified John Nellis – the Belfast YouTuber worked as an air traffic controller until 2022 Tabby Stoecker – won mixed team skeleton gold at Milano-Cortina, and has also filmed as a new Gladiator Who are the new Strictly professional dancers? Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Mark Karmalita, Lethabo Monametsi, and Cristian Priori all join the pro ranks for 2026. They replace Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, whose exits were announced earlier this year.The intake spans five countries, with Maddie a UK national ballroom champion, Aleksandra ranked among the world’s top Latin dancers and Mark a two-time national Latin champion in Canada. Comment now