Massimo Ghini joins the 2026 cast of Ballando con le Stelle as the eleventh celebrity contestant

Ghini announced as eleventh competitor

Italian actor and director Massimo Ghini has joined the contestant lineup for the upcoming edition of Ballando con le Stelle on Rai 1. The 71-year-old actor revealed his participation through a video published on the dance show's social media channels on 5 September 2026. In the video, Ghini appeared wearing sunglasses and a patterned shirt while joking about traveling back from Barbados to take part in the program.

Here I am, I am coming, Milly! We will be together, I am very happy. We made it, all right? Now give me some time, because as you can understand I am in Barbados, so I do not know exactly if I will arrive on the exact day, but I am coming, do not worry. I want to be with you and with all our friends.

This marks Ghini's first time participating in the program as a regular competitor, following an earlier appearance in 2011 when he took the dance floor as a guest dancer for one night. His former wife, actress Nancy Brilli, competed on the show during the previous season. Earlier in 2026, Ghini starred in the feature film Nel tepore del ballo, directed by Pupi Avati.

Complete celebrity contestant roster

Ghini becomes the eleventh official contestant confirmed by host Milly Carlucci. He joins a varied group of personalities from sports, television, music, and social media. Former priest and current influencer Alberto Ravagnani was the tenth name announced prior to Ghini. The other nine confirmed contestants are retired footballer Alessandro Matri, media personality Aurora Ramazzotti, musician Eugenio Finardi, Noemi Bocchi, television correspondent Jimmy Ghione, actor Riccardo Rossi, actress Anna Safroncik, journalist Manuela Moreno, and actress Monica Guerritore.

The previous season concluded with the victory of television presenter Andrea Delogu alongside dance instructor Nikita Perotti. Specific partner pairings between the eleven celebrity contestants and professional dancers have not yet been announced by production.

Professional dance instructors and new entries

The dance lineup also includes a roster of confirmed instructors and newcomers. Professional dancer Giada Lini has been confirmed to return, joining returning instructors Anastasia Kuzmina, Erika Martinelli, Giovanni Pernice, and reigning champion Nikita Perotti.

Production has also added several new professionals to the team for the 2026 season. The new instructors entering the program include Gioia Giovanatti, Leonardo Lini, and Rebecca Gabrielli. These instructors will train and perform alongside the celebrity contestants throughout the live competition broadcasts.

Jury adjustments and upcoming broadcast schedule

The new season of Ballando con le Stelle is scheduled to premiere on Rai 1 on 3 October 2026. Alongside the contestant roster, changes are taking place at the judging table. Television journalist Alberto Matano has moved into a full judge role, replacing long-time judge Fabio Canino following Canino's announced departure from the broadcast.

Discussions continue regarding the remaining position on the panel. Reports indicate talks concerning Barbara D'Urso possibly joining the panel in place of Selvaggia Lucarelli. Judge Ivan Zazzaroni previously commented on D'Urso's potential participation during an interview, though Rai has not issued a formal confirmation, and budget discussions remain unresolved behind the scenes.