When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start? Latest news and updates

Strictly Come Dancing is set to light up everyone's Saturday night schedules this autumn, as the new series kicks off later this week!

This year marks a major refresh for the long-running programme, with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm and the celebrity cast stacked with famous faces from across all corners of the entertainment world.

And that isn't all, Strictly is also welcoming in five new professional dancers into the fold, following a flurry of exits earlier this year.

Below is your up-to-date guide on everything we know so far about Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

CONFIRMED: Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 19 September at 7:25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

This year's launch show will feature more dancing than ever before and will shake up the format as each celebrity and pro will discover the identity of their partner in front of the Strictly studio audience.

But, for the first time ever, they will be revealed via three specially-choreographed group dance routines!

Who are the hosts of Strictly Come Dancing 2026?

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

After months of speculation as to who could replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the BBC finally announced the news in May.

"Their advice is simply to enjoy it," Willis told Radio Times of conversations with Daly and Winkleman.

"I can’t imagine anyone wouldn’t be nervous, but nerves are good – they feed the excitement." Widdicombe added. "I feel the excitement an England player must feel ahead of a World Cup game, or a musician feels before headlining at Glastonbury. Rob [Beckett] is delighted – he thinks it will give the podcast a boost. Romesh told me he was proud of me, which means a lot. A lot of people have said it makes sense. But maybe they mean the fact that I’m stepping away from comedy makes sense. Hahaha!"

Who is the host of It Takes Two?

Presenter, comedian and former Strictly contestant Ellie Taylor is the new host of It Takes Two.

Taylor said in a statement: "What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role. I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who've made Strictly - It Takes Two so loved over the years.

"I can’t wait to immerse myself in all the gossip and sequins flying out of the ballroom in order to bring my fellow Strictly fans everything they need to know. I’m so excited, I could cha cha! (But I won’t - don’t worry… no one needs to see that again.)"

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Who will be the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 judges?

Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse will all return to the judging panel later this year.

Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2025?

Karen Carney and pro Carlos Gu won Strictly Come Dancing in 2025.

Karen, alongside George Clarke and Amber Davies found themselves in the final as they all performed three routines and it was down to the public to choose their winner.

Reacting to their win, a visibly shocked Karen said: "I cannot believe it. I just wanna say thank you to everyone that's supported our journey, supported us, and thank you to this wonderful gentleman [Carlos]. We are a team and I couldn't have done this without you.

"But honestly, I can't believe it. It's been the biggest privilege and honour. And, literally, I'm lost for words, sorry".

Carlos said to Karen: "Thank you, Karen Carney. I love you. And thank you for being so incredible. This whole journey, you taught me so much. And we are completely two different characters, but we challenged each other, we helped each other, we never gave up on each other. And thank you for changing my life."

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 19 September at 7:25pm to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

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