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Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Cast Revealed for Season

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 2:27 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe begin hosting Strictly Come Dancing.
The launch show on September 19, 2026 revealed each celebrity’s professional dance partner.
Five new professional dancers—Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita—joined the cast.
Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton and Zach Mercer are the competing celebrities.
The first live show airs September 26, 2026, when pairs perform for judges and viewers.

History

Historical Context

BBC revived the regional competition Come Dancing after the 1992 film Strictly Ballroom inspired a celebrity version, launching Strictly Come Dancing on 15 May 2004 with Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly. The format quickly became a UK staple, earning a Guinness record in 2010 and spreading to 60 countries. Its 2026 lineup, led by Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, continues that legacy.

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Story summary

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe begin hosting Strictly Come Dancing.
The launch show on September 19, 2026 revealed each celebrity’s professional dance partner.
Five new professional dancers—Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita—joined the cast.
Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton and Zach Mercer are the competing celebrities.
The first live show airs September 26, 2026, when pairs perform for judges and viewers.

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