Strictly Come Dancing 2026: New Couples Take the Floor
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing launched with a live episode featuring new celebrity‑pro pairings. Highlights include Love Island winner Dani Dyer reuniting with Nikita Kuzmin, the third all‑female partnership in the show’s history, and Dianne Buswell’s return after motherhood. The episode…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The BBC’s flagship dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, kicked off its 2026 season with a live episode that saw a host of new celebrity‑professional pairings take the stage for the first time. The launch, which attracted a peak audience of 5.8 million viewers, featured a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent, all set to perform a range of dance styles from samba to quickstep.
Love Island Star Reunites with Former Partner
Dani Dyer, who won Love Island last year, returned to the dance floor to perform a samba with her former partner Nikita Kuzmin. The duo had previously danced together in the 2025 series before Dyer had to withdraw due to injury. Their reunion was one of the most talked‑about moments of the launch, drawing praise from fans who had followed Dyer’s journey on both shows.
Historic All‑Female Pairing
The 2026 launch also marked the third time the show has featured an all‑female partnership. Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu joined the competition, following the 2020 pairing of Nicola Adams and Katya Jones and the 2022 duo of Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer. The pair performed a quickstep to Celeste’s “Stop This Flame,” showcasing their chemistry and technical skill.
Dianne Buswell’s Return After Motherhood
Professional dancer Dianne Buswell, who had taken a break from the show after giving birth to her first child with partner Joe Sugg, returned to the studio alongside Big Brother presenter Will Best. Their samba to Robbie Williams’ “Rock DJ” was a highlight of the episode, with Buswell praising the support of her new partner and the audience’s enthusiasm.
New Hosts and Judges Join the Mix
Alongside the familiar faces of the judges, the launch introduced new hosts who added fresh energy to the show. The hosts welcomed the celebrity couples and engaged with the audience, creating a lively atmosphere that set the tone for the upcoming series.
Full Line‑up of Couples and Performances
The debut episode featured a diverse roster of celebrity couples, each bringing their own style to the dance floor:
- Jaime Winstone & Carlos Gu – performing a lively routine to a popular track.
- Lacey Turner & Vito Coppola – showcasing a contemporary dance.
- Melanie Walters & Aljaz Skorjanec – delivering a dramatic performance.
- Delta Goodrem & Kai Widdrington – dancing to an upbeat pop number.
- Sarah Storey & Julian Caillon – a graceful routine highlighting Storey’s athleticism.
- Reality TV star Cach Mercer & Maddie Ingoldsby – adding a touch of humor.
- Celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton & Amy Dowden – a stylish, fashion‑inspired routine.
- Former England footballer Shaun Wright‑Phillips & Alexis Warr – a dynamic, athletic performance.
- Skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker & Mark Karmalita – a high‑energy routine.
- Social media personality John Nellis & Katya Jones – a playful, contemporary dance.
- Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb & Jowita Przystal – a heartfelt performance.
- Dog trainer Graeme Hall & Lauren Oakley – a fun, light‑hearted routine.
What’s Next for the 2026 Series?
The launch episode set the stage for a season that promises to blend classic ballroom techniques with modern dance trends. Viewers can expect a mix of traditional dances such as waltz and tango, as well as contemporary styles like hip‑hop and salsa. The judges will continue to provide constructive feedback, while the audience will have the chance to vote for their favourite couples.
As the series progresses, the couples will face increasingly challenging routines, culminating in a finale that showcases the best of the season’s talent. Fans can look forward to more surprises, guest performances, and the possibility of new partnerships forming as the competition unfolds.
With a strong start and a diverse lineup, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is poised to deliver another memorable season of dance, drama, and entertainment.
Key facts
- Dani Dyer reunites with Nikita Kuzmin for a live samba
- Bethany Antonia & Nancy Xu form the third all‑female pair in Strictly history
- Dianne Buswell returns after motherhood to dance with Will Best
- The launch attracted 5.8 million viewers, up from last year
- A diverse roster of couples performs a range of dance styles
- The season promises a mix of classic and contemporary dances
Why it matters
The launch of a new Strictly Come Dancing season brings fresh talent and new storylines to a beloved program, offering viewers fresh entertainment and showcasing the evolving landscape of televised dance competitions.
Frequently asked questions
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start?
The series launched on Saturday with a live episode featuring new celebrity‑pro pairings.
Who are the new hosts of the show?
The launch introduced new hosts who joined the familiar judges and added fresh energy to the program.
What dance styles will the couples perform?
The couples will perform a mix of classic ballroom dances such as waltz and tango, as well as contemporary styles like hip‑hop, salsa, and quickstep.
How many couples are competing in the 2026 series?
The launch featured 13 couples, each bringing a unique style and background to the competition.
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “New Strictly Come Dancing couples to perform first live dance”
