Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Launch Show Tonight – Start Time & New Hosts

Strictly Come Dancing kicks off its 2026 season tonight, featuring a new hosting trio, five fresh professional dancers and a revamped couple‑pairing format. The launch show begins at 7:25 pm on BBC One, followed by the first live episode on September 26. Fans can look forward to a unique “speed‑dat…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:40:22 GMT

Strictly Come Dancing is back on television tonight, bringing its signature glitter, high‑energy choreography and a brand‑new lineup of hosts and professional dancers. The launch show, which will air at 7:25 pm on BBC One, marks the official start of the 2026 season and sets the stage for the first live episode on Saturday, September 26.

New Faces and a Fresh Format

The show’s revival comes with a trio of new hosts: Emma Willis, who has been a familiar face on the programme for years, joins forces with fresh presenters to bring a dynamic energy to the studio. In addition, the judging panel remains anchored by long‑time figures Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas, ensuring continuity for viewers.

One of the most talked‑about changes this season is the introduction of five new professional dancers. These performers will guide the 15 celebrity contestants through their first rehearsals and help them prepare for the live performances that will begin a week later. The new pros include Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Vito Coppola, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, Mark Karmalita and others, bringing a mix of experience and fresh talent to the dance floor.

Celebrity Lineup

Tonight’s launch show will see 15 celebrities meet their professional partners for the first time in a format that mirrors the pre‑COVID era. Rather than a pre‑recorded introduction, the couples will be paired on the dance floor in a “speed‑dating” style session, a first for the show. The celebrity roster includes:

Lacey Turner – EastEnders star
Dani Dyer – Love Island winner and daughter of actor Danny Dyer
Delta Goodrem – Australian singer
Chris Appleton – Celebrity hairstylist
Cach Mercer – Love Island winner and content creator
Will Best – Presenter
Dame Sarah Storey – Paralympic cyclist and swimmer
Jaime Winstone – Actor and daughter of Ray Winstone
Bethany Antonia – House of the Dragon star
Shaun Wright‑Phillips – Former footballer and pundit
Graeme Hall – Dogs Behaving Badly host
Lawrence Robb – Emmerdale star
Tabby Stoecker – Skeleton racer
John Nellis – YouTuber
Melanie Walters – Gavin and Stacey star

What Happens Next?

After the launch show, the couples will return to the studio for intensive rehearsals. The first live episode, scheduled for September 26, will feature the couples performing before the judges, who will award scores and provide feedback. Viewers can expect a mix of classic ballroom styles, contemporary routines and the signature Strictly flair that has kept the show popular for decades.

Emma Willis has hinted at a “never‑seen‑before twist” that will add excitement to the early stages of the competition, though details remain under wraps. Fans are encouraged to tune in to see how the new format unfolds and to catch the first glimpses of the celebrity‑pro pairings.

With the launch show tonight, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is poised to deliver a season full of drama, dance and dazzling performances. The updated lineup of hosts, judges and professionals promises to bring fresh energy while maintaining the core elements that have made the show a staple of British television.

Key facts

Launch show starts at 7:25 pm tonight
New hosts and five new professional dancers
Couples paired on the dance floor in a speed‑dating style
First live episode on September 26
Emma Willis hints at a new twist

Why it matters

The launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 introduces fresh talent and innovative formats, keeping the beloved dance competition relevant and exciting for audiences. It also highlights the show's adaptability and enduring popularity.