What Is Strictly Come Dancing? Everything To Know Before The 2026 Series

Updated: 10 July 2026

For more than two decades, Strictly Come Dancing has been one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment success stories.

Every autumn, millions of viewers tune in to watch celebrities swap their everyday careers for sequins, spray tans and intensive dance training as they compete for the famous Glitterball Trophy. Along the way, the programme has created unforgettable television moments, launched the careers of professional dancers and become one of the most recognisable entertainment brands in the UK.

As Strictly prepares to return for its 2026 series, excitement is already building around the latest celebrity signings, major changes behind the scenes and what promises to be another spectacular season of ballroom and Latin dancing.  

What Is Strictly Come Dancing?

Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC entertainment competition that pairs celebrities with professional dancers.

Each couple learns a new dance routine every week before performing live in front of a judging panel and a nationwide audience. Judges award scores, viewers vote for their favourites and the lowest-performing couples face elimination.

The competition continues throughout the autumn until one celebrity and professional partnership is crowned champion and lifts the Glitterball Trophy in the grand final.

The format has remained one of the BBC’s most successful programmes since its launch in 2004 and continues to attract some of the biggest audiences on British television.

The History Of Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing first launched on BBC One in May 2004.

Inspired by the BBC’s classic dance competition Come Dancing, the programme quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Saturday night television. Over the years it has welcomed actors, musicians, sports stars, presenters, comedians and reality television personalities into the ballroom.

Its popularity has helped turn many professional dancers into household names while inspiring international versions of the format across the globe.

More than 20 years later, Strictly remains one of the BBC’s flagship entertainment programmes and a major part of the broadcaster’s autumn schedule.

Why Strictly Remains A BBC Success Story

Television viewing habits have changed dramatically since 2004, but Strictly continues to bring audiences together.

The programme combines live music, spectacular costumes, ambitious choreography, celebrity journeys and audience participation in a way that few entertainment shows can match. Families still gather together every weekend to watch performances, discuss scores and vote for their favourite couples.

For the BBC, Strictly represents the very best of large-scale entertainment television, delivering a format that appeals across generations while continuing to evolve for new audiences.

How Does The Competition Work?

Every celebrity is paired with a professional dancer.

Throughout the week, couples rehearse before performing a new routine live on Saturday night. The dances range from traditional ballroom styles such as the Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep to Latin favourites including the Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha and Paso Doble.

The judges score each performance and create a leaderboard.

Viewers then vote for their favourite couples. The judges’ scores and public votes are combined to determine which couples are safe and which face the dance-off.

Those at risk perform again before the judges decide who remains in the competition and who leaves the ballroom.

This process continues until the grand final, where the remaining couples compete for the Glitterball Trophy.

Who Presents Strictly Come Dancing In 2026?

The 2026 series marks a significant new chapter for the programme.

The BBC has introduced a new presenting team featuring Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe. The trio take over hosting duties following the departures of long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.  

It is one of the biggest changes in the show’s history and signals the beginning of a fresh era for the much-loved competition.

Who Is In The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Cast?

As of 10 July 2026, the following celebrities have been officially confirmed:

• Lacey Turner
• Chris Appleton
• Delta Goodrem
• Dani Dyer
• Cach Mercer

Love Island winner Cach Mercer became the fifth confirmed celebrity contestant this week, joining an increasingly high-profile line-up ahead of the new series.  

Additional celebrity announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

What’s New For 2026?

The biggest talking point ahead of the new series is the refreshed presenting line-up.

There have also been significant changes among the professional dancers, with several long-serving professionals departing as the programme enters a new era. Reports indicate that Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez are among those leaving the professional line-up.  

Another major storyline is Dani Dyer’s return to the competition. Dani was forced to withdraw from the 2025 series after suffering an ankle injury shortly after the launch show. Her return gives viewers the opportunity to see the ballroom journey that was cut short last year.  

With a refreshed cast, new presenters and changes among the professionals, the 2026 series feels like one of the most significant shake-ups in the programme’s history.

When Does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Start?

The BBC has not yet confirmed an official launch date.

However, Strictly traditionally begins in September with a launch show introducing the celebrities and revealing their professional dance partners before the live competition begins.

The series then runs throughout the autumn before culminating in a grand final in December.  

Where Can You Watch Strictly Come Dancing 2026?

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will air on BBC One.

Every episode will also be available on BBC iPlayer, allowing viewers to watch live or catch up on demand. The launch show, weekly live performances and results programmes will all be accessible through the BBC’s streaming platform.

BBC iPlayer will also feature additional Strictly content throughout the series, including interviews, clips and behind-the-scenes features.

For viewers wondering where to watch Strictly in 2026, BBC One and BBC iPlayer remain the official home of the ballroom competition.

More Celebrity Names Still To Be Revealed

While five celebrities have already been announced, the full Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up is still taking shape.

A number of names continue to be linked to the programme, although several reported contestants have yet to be officially confirmed by the BBC. As always, speculation is expected to continue until the launch show arrives.  

With new presenters, fresh celebrity contestants and another season of live entertainment ahead, Strictly Come Dancing looks set to remain one of the BBC’s biggest shows of the year.

More details, including the full cast, professional partnerships and official launch date, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

FAQs

1.When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start?

The BBC is expected to launch the new series in September 2026, although an exact date has not yet been confirmed.  

2.Where can I watch Strictly Come Dancing 2026?

The show will air on BBC One and will also be available to stream and catch up on BBC iPlayer.

3.Who presents Strictly Come Dancing in 2026?

The presenting line-up features Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.  

4.Who are the confirmed contestants?

As of 10 July 2026, the confirmed contestants are Lacey Turner, Chris Appleton, Delta Goodrem, Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer.  

5.What does the winner receive?

The winning couple lifts the iconic Glitterball Trophy in the grand final.

For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news, cast updates, announcements and television coverage, keep checking SoaplandTV. We’ll be following every development as the countdown to the widely anticipated 2026 series continues. Your passport to the drama.