THE battle for the Glitterball Trophy is back as Strictly Come Dancing returns to dominate autumn television.
Series 24 promises high-stakes drama, glitzy routine reveals, a star-studded lineup, and a historic shake-up behind the microphone before the first sequins even hit the dancefloor.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe are taking charge Credit: PA
15 famous faces will be strutting their stuff in the ballroom Credit: PA
TV history is being made as three brand-new presenters step into the ballroom to replace long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down following the 2025 series.
Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and beloved former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe are taking charge.
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It marks the first time in the show’s 22-year history that a trio will host the main show.
Emma brings live TV polish, Josh delivers sharp comedic relief, and Johannes brings expert inside dancefloor experience.
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In another television first, all three hosts will open the launch show by performing a special group dance routine alongside the professional cast.
Meanwhile, comedian Ellie Taylor takes over as the new presenter of weeknight companion show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on BBC Two, replacing Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
When is Strictly Come Dancing on tonight (September 19)?
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight, Saturday, September 19, from 7.25pm to 9.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Live British Sign Language (BSL) coverage is also available via BBC iPlayer and the Red Button.
Start time: 7.25pm
End time: 9.15pm
Channel: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Accessibility: Live BSL coverage on BBC iPlayer & Red Button
What happens on tonight’s launch show?
Tonight’s pre-recorded launch episode unveils which celebrity is paired with which professional dancer.
Show producers have teased that the pairings will be revealed in a novel format that has never been done on the show before.
Viewers will also get a look at five brand-new professional dancers joining the lineup: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
The judging panel remains unchanged. Head Judge Shirley Ballas leads the desk alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
While the stars perform a celebratory group dance tonight, no official scores or public votes take place until week two.
The official live competition begins next Saturday, September 26, with live voting and Jattvibeday night elimination shows following every weekend until December.
Who’s in the Strictly 2026 line-up?
A star-studded cast of 15 famous faces from the worlds of soaps, sports, pop music, and social media will be strutting their stuff in the ballroom:
Lacey Turner – EastEnders star swapping Albert Square for salsa
Dani Dyer – Reality star making a triumphant return after an ankle injury forced her out in 2025
Delta Goodrem – Australian pop superstar trading concert stages for ballroom floorboards
Shaun Wright-Phillips – Former England and Manchester City footballer hoping his footwork translates
Melanie Walters – Gavin & Stacey icon swapping Barry Island for sparkles
Jaime Winstone – Acclaimed film and television actress
Lawrence Robb – Emmerdale actor bringing soap drama to the dancefloor
Bethany Antonia – House of the Dragon star taking on the tango
Dame Sarah Storey – Britain’s most successful Paralympian chasing ballroom gold
Tabby Stoecker – Olympic skeleton racer trading icy tracks for warm lights
Cach Mercer – Love Island winner and social media sensation
Will Best – Popular TV and radio presenter
John Nellis – Football content creator with millions of online followers
Graeme Hall – TV’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly trainer hoping to heel on cue
Chris Appleton – Celebrity hairstylist to Hollywood’s biggest A-listers
