The hosting lineup for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has been overhauled, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe taking the hosting reins instead of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Across the show, five pro dancers are exiting this year—Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Luba Mushtuk—while five new pros join: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.

Emma Willis hints that an iconic Strictly feature could be dropped in 2026 as the show pivots with its new host trio.

Graeme Hall expressed excitement and described joining Strictly as a dream come true, acknowledging nerves about the challenge.

Before the launch, contestants reportedly took part in 'chemistry tests' with the pros to gauge potential pairings, as described by Will Best.

The launch episode will be pre-recorded, with the first live week not featuring eliminations, and live shows kicking off the following week.

The launch is scheduled for mid-September, with the first episode taped in advance and broadcast later that month.

Eliminations are expected to begin after the initial live performances and public votes, around early October.

BBC insiders acknowledge the awkward scheduling clash but believe Strictly’s scale will attract viewers, potentially boosting Willis’s visibility.

ITV executives describe the situation as a headache, noting Willis was juggling The Voice commitments while rehearsing for Strictly during launch week.

BBC has teased the launch with social media hints, including a newspaper headline motif and a glitterball prop.

Dowden emphasized the heart of Strictly—celebrities learning to dance and weekly competition—as the show’s enduring appeal.