Strictly Come Dancing 2026 reveals celebrity pairings and debuts three new hosts

New hosting lineup and launch format

Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, 19 September 2026, marking the beginning of the annual entertainment contest produced by BBC Studios. The launch broadcast introduced a new three-person presenting team consisting of Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe, all making their debut as hosts of the program. The pre-recorded launch show altered the traditional reveal structure by uncovering the pairings through three specially choreographed routines performed directly in front of the studio audience. Over the course of the upcoming three months, the competing couples will face weekly dance-offs and judge scoring in an effort to win the glitterball trophy.

Celebrity pairings and same-sex partnership

The announcement detailed several of the celebrity contestants and their assigned professional partners for the 2026 series. Actor Bethany Antonia was matched with Chinese professional dancer Nancy Xu, forming the sole same-sex pairing in this year's contest. Antonia is known for her portrayal of Lady Baela Targaryen in the television series House of the Dragon, alongside acting roles in Doctors, Stay Close, and Doctor Who. Xu entered the Strictly professional roster in 2019 after previously competing on the Chinese version of So You Think You Can Dance, and she reached fourth place in 2021 when partnered with CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson.

Television personality Cach Mercer, a 25-year-old who won Love Island alongside former partner Toni Laites, was paired with 21-year-old dancer Maddie Ingoldsby. Ingoldsby joined the professional roster earlier in 2026 as a UK National Ballroom Champion, having previously worked as a child actor in the West End production of Annie and the 2019 film Last Christmas. Mercer, who regularly shares dance videos on TikTok, commented on his preparation for the ballroom disciplines.

Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can't wait to learn ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!

Veteran professionals and returning champions

Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, whose client history includes Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Ariana Grande, was paired with 36-year-old Welsh dancer Amy Dowden. Dowden is a former British National Latin Champion who joined the show in 2017, having previously danced with celebrity contestants Brian Conley, JJ Chalmers, and Tom Fletcher. The launch episode also brought back the reigning 2025 champions, former football player Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu, to dance on the ballroom floor.

To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be proud, and never give up.

Carney became the first footballer to lift the glitterball trophy when she won the 2025 competition against fellow finalists Amber Davies and George Clarke. Her 2025 run began in week one by topping the leaderboard with 31 points for a Jive set to the Blondie song One Way or Another, despite facing subsequent posture difficulties linked to a spinal condition during ballroom routines.

I can't believe it, it's been the biggest privilege and honour