The first look at Strictly Come Dancing’s new hosts in action has been unveiled in a new trailer, announcing launch details for the revamped BBC series – and a big change to the format.
It’s a new era for the show, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the show in December 2025.
For the first time in Strictly history, each celebrity contestant, including TV personality Dani Dyer, singer Delta Goodrem and EastEnders star Lacey Turner, will discover which professional partner they’re paired with in front of a studio audience via three specially choreographed group dance routines.
open image in galleryIn the past, the stars have all discovered who they’re coupled with in a pre-recorded segment.
The trailer shows Strictly’s judging lineup – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – dancing alongside the show’s professionals, which includes five new faces after the departure of Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Joining the show for its 24th series are Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
Strictly’s launch episode will air on Saturday 19 September, and will see last year’s winner, Lioness Karen Carney, return to perform with her former partner, Carlos Gu. The show’s live episodes will kick off the following week, and will air every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.
All of the 15 celebrities taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing competition have now been revealed.
Alongside Dyer, Goodrem and Turner will be Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, actor Jaime Winstone, footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.
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Strictly 2026 will also star hair stylist Chris Appleton, Love Island contestant Cach Mercer, TV presenter Will Best and House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia.
Meanwhile, Winter Olympic gold medalist Tabby Stoecker, dog expert Graeme Hall, Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb and football content creator John Nellis round out this year’s cast.
One of the show’s new hosts, Willis ,said that she’s a “huge fan” of Strictly and “can’t quite comprehend” becoming a presenter on the show. “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long,” she said.
Comedian, presenter and Ted Lasso actor Ellie Taylor, who appeared on Strictly in 2022, has been announced as the new host of companion show It Takes Two, replacing Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
Strictly Come Dancing will kick off on BBC One on Saturday 19 September at 7.25pm.