Strictly Come Dancing 2026: New trio leads a revamped launch

What's happened

The BBC's Strictly Come Dancing returns with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as hosts. Fifteen celebrities are paired with new pros, and It Takes Two has a new host. The launch on 19 September features a fresh presenting team and group-dance reveal, with no backstage roving reporter confirmed.

What's behind the headline?

• The shift to a three-person presenting team signals a strategic refresh to broaden appeal across generations, while maintaining familiar faces in the danceworld. - The absence of a backstage roving reporter has been addressed, reducing gossip-friendly content in favor of backstage accessibility by the hosts and dancers. - The rollout of new pros may recalibrate audience engagement, as fans balance nostalgia with curiosity about fresh talent. - The interplay between Willis, Widdicombe, and Radebe will shape the show's tone, potentially increasing warmth and humor while maintaining competitive energy. - Forecast: audience ratings will hinge on how well the new trio negotiates the show’s rhythm and the chemistry with returning judges and dancers.

How we got here

The show has undergone a major revamp after the 2025 departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe headline the new presenting lineup. Several familiar pro dancers did not return, and five new pros join the cast. Viewer reception has been mixed, with questions about dynamics and pacing.

Our analysis

Independent reports detail the new presenting lineup and cast changes, noting the absence of a backstage roving reporter and confirming launch date and episode cadence. The Scotsman provides context on the show's history and confirms the 24th series and the new hosts' statements. Other Indian articles corroborate the cast changes and timing, highlighting the shift in production and cast dynamics.

Go deeper

• Will the new trio’s chemistry affect the competitive balance on Strictly?
• How will the new pros influence viewer engagement compared with last season?
• When will audiences see if the It Takes Two host change affects the companion show's dynamics?

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