BREAKING NEWS: Strictly 2026 launch date confirmed as BBC announces format changes, leaving viewers surprised.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 First Trailer Drops as BBC Confirms Major Launch Show Shake Up
Strictly Come Dancing is almost back, and the BBC has given viewers their first proper look at a dramatically revamped 2026 series.
The broadcaster has released a minute long trailer featuring new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe alongside the returning judges, professional dancers and this year’s celebrity contestants.
According to the announcement, viewers will officially meet the new lineup during Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch Show on Saturday, September 19.
The trailer sees the cast coming together for a large scale routine on a studio backlot, offering the clearest preview yet of what the programme will look like following the departure of longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
But the presenting team is not the only major change.
Strictly Introduces Completely New Partner Reveal
This year, celebrities will discover which professional they have been paired with in an entirely different way.
Instead of the traditional reveal format, each celebrity and professional will learn their partner’s identity in front of the studio audience during three specially choreographed group routines.
The complete performance featured in the trailer will also open the launch show.
The BBC is promising high energy, unexpected moments and more dancing than ever as the celebrities begin one of the biggest challenges of their careers.
Viewers will also receive behind the scenes access as the contestants start rehearsing with their professional partners.
Another familiar face will return for the launch.
2025 champion Karen Carney is set to perform her memorable football themed jive once again alongside Carlos Gu.
Three New Hosts Take Over the Ballroom
Emma, Johannes and Josh are stepping into the roles previously held by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left after the conclusion of the 2025 series.
Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips recently discussed the new trio at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
“They’re very excited,” she said. “Johannes always cries every time you speak to him. I’m hoping they’re happy tears. He’s a lovely, emotional man, Johannes, and I think they were happy tears last week.”
Phillips previously described the chemistry between the three presenters as “undeniable” and acknowledged the considerable speculation surrounding who would take over.
“In a Strictly first we have chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantle,” she said.
She added that the wider production team was already preparing “fabulous and unforgettable treats” for the new series.
Major Changes Among Professional Dancers
The professional roster has also undergone a significant shake up.
Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez have all left the programme.
Neil Jones and Nancy Xu are also reported to be remaining without celebrity partners during this series.
One part of Strictly, however, will remain familiar.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas are all returning to the judging panel.
The celebrity lineup listed for the 2026 series includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Coach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis and Melanie Walters.
With new hosts, a transformed pairing reveal and several familiar professional dancers gone, the 2026 series is shaping up to look noticeably different from the Strictly viewers watched last year.
The BBC’s first trailer makes one thing clear: the ballroom may have changed, but the show is preparing to launch its new era with a major spectacle.
Note: The supplied source says the launch show airs on Saturday, September 19, while one image caption separately states Saturday, September 16. The article above follows the date given in the main body of the source.
