Line-up | Hosts | Judges | How to Watch
Dust off your sequined jackets and get your scorecards ready, because TV’s most glamorous glitterball extravaganza is officially back!
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is waltzing back onto our screens for its 24th series this autumn, bringing a fresh wave of jaw-dropping routines, amazing costumes, and controversial scores, all keeping us glued to our sofas.
With a monumental hosting shake-up, new pro dancers joining the line-up, and an iconic celebrity roster ready to brave the ballroom, this year’s competition promises to be bigger, bolder, and more competitive than ever before!
Whether you’re a lifelong ballroom aficionado or just tuning in for the outfits and inevitable tumbles, here is your ultimate guide to everything happening on the Strictly dancefloor this autumn.
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start?
If you’ve been asking yourself when is Strictly Come Dancing making its grand return, mark your calendars now! The pre-recorded launch show airs this autumn 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, where we’ll finally discover which celebrity is paired up with which professional partner.
The live competition usually gets underway the following week, running straight through to the grand live final. If you're wondering what time Strictly is on, the main live show typically airs between 6:30pm and 7:00pm, followed by the tense Sunday night results show, however we will confirm that as soon as we know for sure!
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Celebrity Line-up
This year’s celebrity cast features an incredible mix of soap royalty, pop icons, sporting legends, and reality icons:
Melanie Walters
The legendary Welsh actress and television treasure, best known as the lovable Gwen on Gavin and Stacey, is stepping away from Barry Island to take on her biggest live challenge yet.
John Nellis
TikTok and Instagram star John Nellis has interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, and now looks forward to putting on his dancing shoes for a different kind of athleticism.
Lacey Turner
The EastEnders icon, known for taking on dramatic as Stacey Slater, is swapping Albert Square for the Argentine Tango this autumn.
Dani Dyer
The beloved reality TV star is stepping into a different kind of live TV challenge later this year. After capturing the nation’s heart on Love Island and co-hosting popular podcasts alongside her actor dad Danny Dyer, she is bringing her natural charm and relatable humour to Strictly.
Delta Goodrem
The Australian pop superstar has given us nine number one singles, and now she’s bringing serious international glamour to the ballroom.
Will Best
As co-host of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, TV and radio presenter Will Best has become a familiar face, and now he's heading to the dancefloor to show us what else he can do!
Chris Appleton
The world-renowned celebrity hairstylist and beauty trendsetter is stepping out from behind the scenes and directly into the spotlight this autumn.
Cach Mercer
After winning Love Island series 12, Cach Mercer will be hoping to charm the judges all the way to the Strictly Come Dancing final.
Dame Sarah Storey
The Paralympic cycling and swimming legend aiming for some ballroom gold to add to her 19 paralympic medals.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
The lightning-fast former England winger and Premier League winner will be making a bold bid for the glitterball trophy when he struts onto the dancefloor later this year.
Jaime Winstone
Charismatic London screen star Jaime Winstone is setting her sights firmly on ballroom success this year. Acclaimed for her standout performances in Kidulthood and playing the legendary Barbara Windsor in Babs, she is sure to show the judges her signature dramatic flair.
Laurence Robb
Best known for playing fan-favourite rogue Mackenzie Boyd on Emmerdale, the charismatic Scottish actor and musician is stepping away from the countryside drama for a bit to try his hand at the tango.
Bethany Antonia
The fierce dragon rider and breakout TV star is best known for her standout roles in House of the Dragon and Stay Close, but she’s swapping the drama of Westeros for the drama of the dancefloor later this year.
Graeme Hall
The nation’s favourite 'Dogfather' is famous for sorting out misbehaving hounds on Dogs Behaving Badly, and now he’s now putting himself to the test in hopes of taking home the Strictly prize.
Tabby Stoecker
The Olympic skeleton gold medallist and former acrobat swapping 80mph ice tracks for the glitterball floor. After sliding her way to gold at Milano Cortina, she’s now trading icy sleds for sequined shoes in search of ballroom glory.
Who is Hosting Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
Hold onto your dance shoes, because this BBC Strictly Come Dancing revamp is easily the most talked-about shake-up in the show’s history! Following the emotional departure of long-standing presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, we can now reveal there is an incredible hosting trio ready to take over the reins!
Broadcasting superstar Emma Willis, fan-favourite comedian Josh Widdicombe, and beloved pro-turned-presenter Johannes Radebe are stepping into the spotlight to co-host the series!
Who are the Strictly Judges this year?
The hosts may have had a big change, but don't worry about the judging panel! Head Judge Shirley Ballas, ballroom's resident Mr Nasty Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and former pro Anton Du Beke are all returning to dish out their expert critiques and those coveted tens (or dramatic fours!).
How to watch Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Catching all the live salsa action couldn't be easier. You can watch Strictly Come Dancing 2026 live on BBC One, and stream every episode on BBC iPlayer. Don't forget, Freely lets you catch all the action for free without missing a single shimmy, lift, or elimination!
The Strictly professional lineup is also undergoing a massive shake-up this year, with five elite dancers joining the ballroom. The new faces include Ukrainian Latin Champion Aleksandra Isaeva, Italian Latin Champion Cristian Priori, and undefeated South African Latin Champion Lethabo Monametsi, amateur champion Maddie Ingoldsby and Canadian Latin Champion Mark Karmalita.
Will there be a Christmas Special?
The festive tradition is expected to come back for 2026. However, we will confirm more once we know the full details! Once the main series winner lifts the glitterball trophy in mid-December, fans can usually forward to the annual Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which traditionally airs on Christmas Day.
And if you're looking for more entertainment for you're evening watch-list, we've got you sorted!
