The launch date for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has been announced, with the live shows set to begin on Saturday 26 September. This year's series will feature a new hosting line-up of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The annual pre-recorded launch episode, where celebrity contestants are paired with their professional dance partners, is expected to air a week earlier on Saturday 19 September. The first Sunday results programme, which will see the first celebrity eliminated, is scheduled for Sunday 4 October.
The full list of 15 celebrity contestants has been revealed, including Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Melanie Walters, Lacey Turner, and Shaun Wright-Phillips. The Strictly Come Dancing final is confirmed to take place on Saturday 19 December.
Ellie Taylor, a former Strictly contestant, has been announced as the new host for the companion show, It Takes Two.