Who Is Jalen Ngonda? The Soul Revivalist Performing on ‘Strictly’

Strictly Come Dancing viewers are in for a musical treat during the Week 3 Results Show on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at 19:10 GMT on BBC One, as rising soul sensation Jalen Ngonda takes to the famous ballroom floor as the special guest musical performer.

Known for his sky-high falsetto, velvet vocals, and retro soul arrangements reminiscent of Motown legends like Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, Ngonda has emerged as one of the most exciting breakthrough voices in modern R&B and soul.

Broadcast & Performance Details

• Event: Strictly Come Dancing: The Results (Week 3)
• Air Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
• Time: 19:10 GMT
• Channel / Streaming: BBC One & BBC iPlayer

From Maryland to Merseyside: Ngonda’s Background

Born and raised in Wheaton, Maryland, Ngonda’s musical journey began at age 11 when he discovered his father’s collection of classic soul records—notably falling in love with The Temptations’ classic “My Girl”. After learning guitar and developing his distinctive vocal style, he took a bold leap across the Atlantic.

In 2014, Ngonda moved to the UK after enrolling at the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), the performing arts university co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney. Basing himself in Liverpool, he quickly built a reputation across the British live circuit as a captivating performer.

Breakthrough Success & ‘Come Around and Love Me’

Ngonda caught the attention of major tastemakers and signed with Daptone Records—the famed Brooklyn independent label that launched Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley.

In late 2023, he released his debut studio album, Come Around and Love Me, to widespread critical acclaim.

• Standout Tracks: Hits like “If You Don’t Want My Love”, “Come Around and Love Me,” and “So Glad I Found You” introduced his blend of 1960s soul production and modern songwriting.
• Festival & TV Highlights: Ngonda has performed on Later… with Jools Holland, delivered a standout set on the Park Stage at Glastonbury, and made appearances across major festivals including TRNSMT and North Sea Jazz.

What to Expect From His ‘Strictly’ Performance

For his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, Ngonda will deliver a live vocal performance alongside a routine routine from the Strictly professional dancers. His performance on the Results Show provides the musical backdrop for one of the evening’s showcase numbers before the dreaded Dance-Off.

Following his Strictly appearance, Ngonda embarks on an extensive autumn tour across major UK venues, including shows at London’s O2 Academy Brixton, Glasgow, Manchester, and Bristol.

Where to Watch

Tune in to BBC One on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at 19:10 to catch Jalen Ngonda’s performance live. UK viewers can also stream the full performance on demand via BBC iPlayer following the broadcast.

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