The BBC has released the first trailer for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, offering a first look at the new presenting line-up, judges, professional dancers and celebrity cast ahead of the show’s return later this month.
The 2026 launch show will air at 7:25pm on Saturday, September 19 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with this year’s series introducing a new way of pairing celebrities with their professional dance partners.
The minute-long trailer features new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe alongside the judging panel, professional dancers and celebrity contestants as they dance together on a studio backlot.
What Happens In The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2026 Launch Show?
This year’s launch show will feature more dancing than previous series as Strictly Come Dancing changes the way its celebrity and professional partnerships are revealed.
For the first time, each celebrity and professional dancer will discover who they have been partnered with in front of the studio audience.
Rather than the traditional pairing format, the partnerships will be unveiled through three specially choreographed group dance routines.
The routine featured in the newly released trailer will also open the launch show, bringing together the hosts, judges, professionals and celebrity class of 2026.
The BBC says viewers should expect “high energy, surprises, and a whole lot of dancing” as the celebrities are tested ahead of the main competition.
Who Are The New ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Hosts?
The 2026 series marks a major change for the long-running BBC competition, with Willis, Radebe and Widdicombe taking over hosting duties.
All three feature prominently in the first-look trailer as the programme introduces audiences to its revamped presenting team.
The launch show will also take viewers behind the scenes as this year’s celebrities begin rehearsing with their professional partners.
Who Is In The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2026 Celebrity Line-Up?
The 2026 celebrity line-up features 15 contestants from across television, sport, music and social media. The confirmed cast includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme ‘The Dogfather’ Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis and Melanie Walters.
Turner is best known for playing Stacey Slater in EastEnders, while Dyer is a television personality, broadcaster and author. Goodrem joins the series following a career spanning music, acting and live performance, while Appleton is an internationally recognised celebrity hairstylist.
Mercer, the reigning Love Island champion, joins alongside television and radio presenter Best. Paralympic legend Storey will also take to the ballroom after ending her competitive sporting career, while Winstone and House of the Dragon actress Antonia add further acting talent to the cast.
Former England footballer Wright-Phillips will swap the pitch for the dancefloor, while Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly presenter Hall, Emmerdale actor Robb and Team GB skeleton athlete Stoecker are also competing.
Completing the line-up are football content creator Nellis and Gavin & Stacey star Walters. The celebrities will discover which professional dancer they have been paired with during the September 19 launch show, with the partnerships revealed through three specially choreographed group routines.
Karen Carney Returns To ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
Last year’s champion Karen Carney will also return for the launch show.
Carney is set to reunite with Carlos Gu to perform her football-themed jive, one of the most memorable routines from her winning 2025 run.
Her appearance will form part of the show’s opening celebrations before the competition begins in full.
When Does ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2026 Start?
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7:25pm on Saturday, September 19.
The programme will then air every weekend through to Christmas.
The series is produced by BBC Studios Entertainment, with Sarah James serving as executive producer. Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill are series editors, while Jo Wallace is commissioning editor for the BBC.
The 2026 series was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC.
