Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has officially launched, revealing the full lineup of celebrity and professional pairings for the brand-new series.
- New Hosting Trio: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe step into the spotlight as the show’s dynamic new presenters.
- Format Twist: Couples discovered their partners live on set through three specially choreographed routine reveals.
- Next Week’s Schedule: The first live performance show airs next week, though fans should note there will be no public vote or results show for week one.
BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing returned to screens with an energetic launch show that paired fifteen celebrity contestants with their professional dance partners. Taking over presenting duties this year, the fresh hosting lineup of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe welcomed the class of 2026 to the famous ballroom floor.
In a change from traditional pairing announcements, the couples were matched during three specially choreographed group numbers, giving the studio audience and viewers at home an immediate look at their chemistry.
Full Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Partnerships
The official couples competing for the Glitterball Trophy this year are:
- Bethany Antonia & Nancy Xu
- Cach Mercer & Maddie Ingoldsby
- Chris Appleton & Amy Dowden
- Dani Dyer & Nikita Kuzmin
- Delta Goodrem & Kai Widdrington
- Graeme Hall & Lauren Oakley
- Jaime Winstone & Carlos Gu
- John Nellis & Katya Jones
- Lacey Turner & Vito Coppola
- Lawrence Robb & Jowita Przystał
- Melanie Walters & Aljaž Škorjanec
- Dame Sarah Storey & Julian Caillon
- Shaun Wright-Phillips & Alexis Warr
- Tabby Stoecker & Mark Karmalita
- Will Best & Dianne Buswell
What’s Next for Week One?
The celebrities and their professional partners now head straight into intense studio rehearsals ahead of the first live show next week. Fans will get their first look at the official routines, but the stakes remain relaxed for the opening night—there will be no elimination or Sunday night results show following the debut live broadcast.
Judges’ scores from week one will carry over into the following week, when the public voting lines open for the first official vote-off.
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