A seismic shift is on the horizon for Britain’s longest‑running ballroom competition as the BBC unveils a radical redesign for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing series. The broadcaster has confirmed a trio of fresh faces at the helm, a complete overhaul of the partner‑reveal process, and a brand‑new cohort of professional dancers, all set to debut on Saturday 19 September at 7.25 pm on BBC One.
A Fresh Face Takes the Lead: New Hosts Announced
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will step into the presenting slot vacated by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who exited the show late in 2025. In a candid statement, Willis described herself as a “huge fan” of Strictly and admitted she “can’t quite comprehend” the honour of becoming a presenter. “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long,” she said. The addition of a former Strictly contestant, Ellie Taylor, to host the companion show It Takes Two further reshapes the programme’s ancillary presenting team, replacing Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
Game‑Changing Format Revamp Unveiled
For the first time in the programme’s history, celebrity contestants will learn their professional partners live, in front of a studio audience. The revelation will unfold across three specially choreographed group routines, marking a decisive break from the previous pre‑recorded reveal. This live twist promises heightened drama and real‑time audience reaction, aligning the show with contemporary expectations for interactive entertainment. The judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – will also take to the floor alongside the dancers, adding an extra layer of spectacle to the opening segment.
Meet the New Professionals and Judges
The professional roster has been refreshed following the departures of Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. Five newcomers will join the dance floor: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita. Their inclusion signals the BBC’s intent to inject fresh energy into the competition while maintaining the high standards viewers expect. The judging panel remains unchanged, ensuring continuity in the critical assessments that have become a hallmark of the series.
Full Line‑up Revealed: Celebrities Confirmed for This Year’s Competition
The 15 celebrity participants have now been disclosed, comprising a mix of television personalities, musicians, athletes and public figures. Returning to the dance floor is last year’s winner, Lioness Karen Carney, who will perform with her former partner, Carlos Gu, in the launch episode. The rest of the cast includes TV personality Dani Dyer, singer Delta Goodrem and EastEnders star Lacey Turner. Additional entrants are Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters, actor Jaime Winstone, footballer Shaun Wright‑Phillips and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey. The lineup also welcomes hair stylist Chris Appleton, Love Island contestant Cach Mercer, TV presenter Will Best and House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia. Completing the roster are Winter Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker, dog expert Graeme Hall, Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb and football content creator John Nellis.
Why it Matters
The overhaul of Strictly Come Dancing signals more than a cosmetic refresh; it reflects the BBC’s strategic pivot toward live, audience‑driven programming that resonates with modern viewers. By introducing a new presenting trio and a fresh cohort of dancers, the corporation is not only addressing the departure of beloved figures but also repositioning the brand for a new generation of audiences. The live partner reveal, in particular, promises to elevate tension and engagement, potentially setting a new benchmark for reality‑competition formats across the broadcaster’s schedule. Moreover, the expanded celebrity roster, which now includes a notable Paralympian and a range of digital‑media personalities, underscores a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity and diverse representation on mainstream television. As the show prepares to launch on 19 September, its evolution will be closely watched by critics and fans alike, shaping the future of British entertainment and influencing how traditional formats adapt to contemporary tastes.