New Strictly Era Begins with Emma Willis and Friends
The first episode of the new Strictly Come Dancing season opens with fresh hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, while a lineup of 15 celebrities, including Lacey Turner and Delta Goodrem, take to the dance floor. The traditional judging panel returns, and viewers can expect a mix…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The new season of Strictly Come Dancing has kicked off tonight at 7:25 p.m. on BBC One, ushering in a fresh era of dance, drama and star power. The show’s hosting duties have been handed over to a trio of charismatic presenters: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. Their lively banter and sparkling energy set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.
Celebrity Line‑Up and Returning Judges
Fifteen celebrities have been paired with professional dancers for the season’s opening round. The roster features well‑known faces from television, music and sports, including:
- Lacey Turner – long‑time EastEnders star
- Shaun Wright‑Phillips – former footballer
- Delta Goodrem – Australian singer
- Melanie Walters – actress from Gavin & Stacey
- Dani Dyer – former Strictly contestant
In addition to the celebrities, the show will feature a number of media personalities who may be unfamiliar to some viewers. The judges – who have been a staple of the show for years – will return with their iconic scoring paddles, ready to assess the dancers’ performances.
Other Live Broadcasts Tonight
While Strictly takes centre stage, several other programmes are airing across the UK tonight:
- John Bishop’s New Gameshow – 9:15 p.m. on BBC One. The show draws inspiration from Francis Galton’s statistical theory and pits contestants against the audience to determine who can out‑perform the crowd. A £30,000 prize is on offer for those who succeed.
- The Voice UK – 6:10 p.m. on ITV1. Emma Willis returns to host the next round of the singing competition. The episode features emotional performances, including Aaren James’s rendition of “How Do I Say Goodbye” and a memorable Rewind moment that brought back Phantom of the Opera singer Finlay McKillop.
- Paris Police 1910 – 9 p.m. on BBC Four. The third season of the French period drama follows courtesan‑turned‑informant Meg Steinheil as she navigates a world of intrigue and betrayal.
- Dolly Parton Night – 9:15 p.m. on BBC Two. A celebration of the country‑pop icon includes highlights from her 2014 Glastonbury performance, a documentary with KT Tunstall, and a look back at her BBC appearances.
- Saturday Night Live UK – 10 p.m. on Sky One. The show returns live from London, featuring new host Andy Burnham and a debut performance by Freddie Meredith. This week’s episode is hosted by Jamie Demetriou and includes music from Royal Blood.
- Hamlet (Aneil Karia) – 10:05 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sky Cinema. Riz Ahmed stars in a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, set in a wealthy British Hindu family of property developers.
- Live Sports – A full slate of football, golf, cricket and rugby matches are scheduled across Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Channel 5, including the PGA Championship, Premier League fixtures, T20 International cricket and a Super League Rugby playoff.
What to Expect From the New Strictly Season
With a new hosting team and a fresh celebrity lineup, viewers can anticipate a blend of high‑energy dance routines, heartfelt stories and the familiar competitive spirit that has made Strictly Come Dancing a staple of British television. The judges will continue to provide their trademark commentary and scoring, while the hosts will keep the atmosphere light and engaging.
As the season progresses, fans will watch how each celebrity adapts to the demanding choreography, the chemistry they develop with their professional partners, and how the audience votes influence the outcomes. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine entertainment with the personal journeys of its participants, and the new season appears poised to deliver on that promise.
For those looking to catch up on all the live programming, the schedule offers a diverse mix of reality competition, drama, music, comedy and sports, ensuring there’s something for every viewer’s taste.
Key facts
- Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take over as Strictly hosts
- 15 celebrities, including Lacey Turner and Delta Goodrem, perform in the first round
- John Bishop’s new gameshow challenges contestants against the audience
- The Voice UK returns with a double episode hosted by Willis
- A full slate of live sports and other entertainment programmes airs tonight
Why it matters
The launch of a new Strictly season brings fresh talent and energy to a beloved show, while the accompanying lineup of programmes offers viewers a broad range of entertainment options for the evening.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing?
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are the new hosts for the current season.
What other shows are airing tonight on BBC One?
BBC One is airing John Bishop’s new gameshow at 9:15 p.m. and the first episode of Strictly Come Dancing at 7:25 p.m.
Is there a live sports schedule for tonight?
Yes, Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Channel 5 are broadcasting golf, football, cricket and rugby matches throughout the day.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “TV tonight: a new era of Strictly begins in typically sparkling style”
