Strictly drops first look at the 2026 launch show with Emma, Johannes and Josh's presenting debut

Strictly Come Dancing has dropped a first look at this weekend's launch show – most crucially, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe's presenting debut. The pre-recorded episode will unveil the all-important celebrity pairings for this season.

The BBC has now released a series of first stills from the episode, showing the new trio in their presenting role together on the iconic set.

We also get a look at the judges, celebrities and pros (including five new additions), and a group dance, as well as returning winners Karen Carney and Carlos Gu as they perform their iconic Jive from last year.

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Emma, Johannes and Josh take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman following their departures last year, and Johannes recently explained how it was important to change-up the series.

"Strictly is never the same," he told Digital Spy and other media. "I feel like every year we have twists and turns, and surprises, and I think this year more than ever - you know, it does become monotonous when we just do the same thing…"

Emma added: "The heart of Strictly will always be the same, but you can't be on air for over two decades and never change anything…"

Johannes also teased that "there’ll definitely be more dancing in this launch show than there ever was", with his fellow hosts getting involved too.

"I'm looking forward to that," he added.

The hosts have also shut down a recent rumour about a backstage role, Josh stating: "That's not true. So it'll be three of us, in the auditorium, divided up equally, and we're kind of playing around with it and enjoying finding out those roles…"

Elsewhere, the show has announced a new spin-off called Strictly Pro Dance Off, which will air each Saturday morning during Saturday Mash-Up!.

Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday (19 September) to BBC One and iPlayer.

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.