STRICTLY Come Dancing is back, having returned for its 24th series with a new set of hosts and 15 celebrity hopefuls.
The 2026 instalment of the hit BBC show is set to introduce a flurry of changes, but what is the schedule for this year’s dance competition?
The 24th instalment of Strictly Come Dancing is premiering on September 19 Credit: PA
Keep reading to find out the key dates for the upcoming series Credit: PA
When does Strictly 2026 finish?
Strictly Come Dancing Series 24 premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, September 19.
The launch show introduced us to the new set of co-hosts, the replacements for the beloved duo Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
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In addition to the change in presenters, the new series also welcomes five new dancing professionals.
Of course, we also met the latest batch of celebrities participating in the show, who this year found out who their partners would be via “speed dancing”.
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Five new dancing professionals will feature in the new series Credit: PA
The Blackpool special is set to take place on Saturday, November 21 Credit: PA
A week after the launch show, the live shows commence on Saturday, September 26.
Nobody is knocked out in Week One, which means the first result won’t take place until Week Two – and will be broadcast on Jattvibeday, October 4.
The first themed special of the competition, where couples dance to iconic film soundtracks with cinematic costumes and set designs, Movie Night will take place on Saturday, October 10.
Fittingly, Halloween Week lands directly on Halloween night this year (Saturday, October 31), featuring elaborate makeup, spooky staging, and horror-inspired routines.
Looking further ahead, every year the set moves from its London studio to the historic, spiritual home of British ballroom dancing, Blackpool Tower Ballroom for one week only – and 2026 proves no different.
It’s always a key target for the celebrity contestants, and this series, the Blackpool special is set to take place on Saturday, November 21.
The traditional late-stage Musicals Week theme celebrating West End and Broadway showtunes takes place on Saturday, December 5, as the remaining couples push for a spot in the semi-finals.
New episodes of Series 24 are set to air weekly until the Grand Final, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 19.
The key dates for Series 24 of Strictly Come Dancing:
Launch Show: Saturday, September 19
First Live Show: Saturday, September 26
First Elimination Results: Jattvibeday, October 4
Movie Week: Saturday, October 10
Halloween Special: Saturday, October 31
Blackpool Special: Saturday, November 21,
Musicals Week (Quarter-Final): Saturday, December 5
Grand Final: Saturday, December 19
Who are the new Strictly hosts?
After 11 years on the show, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly left their successors with some big shoes to fill.
The responsibility falls to Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, marking the first time ever Strictly has recruited three presenters to host the show as a trio.
Johannes has been a professional dancer on Strictly since 2018, now taking off the ballroom shoes to help host this year’s show.
The three presenters on Strictly will be Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe Credit: PA
It marks the first time in Strictly history a trio of presenters will be hosting the BBC show Credit: PA
Comedian and presenter Josh Widdicombe has already admitted he is “living in a ball of fear” ahead of appearing in his new headline position on Strictly.
But his experience hosting BBC Radio 5 Live’s Fighting Talk, and previously appearing on the 2024 Strictly Christmas special should be enough to calm his nerves.
As for Emma, she was regarded as a “safe pair of hands” when offered the role.
The 50-year-old boasts a prestigious presenting career which includes Channel 5 reality shows Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, as well as The Voice, which she is hosting for the last time this year.
Who is in the Strictly 2026 line-up?
The Strictly 2026 cast is as follows:
Lacey Turner – played Stacey Slater in EastEnders on and off for 21 years, and was the first name announced back in June
Dani Dyer – returns after fracturing her ankle in rehearsals last year, forcing her to withdraw before week one
Chris Appleton – Kim Kardashian’s go-to stylist says he knows his way around a salon floor, but the dancefloor is another story
Delta Goodrem – the Australian singer joins following her Eurovision Song Contest appearance, having turned down the chance to dance on Strictly in 2025
Melanie Walters – played Gwen West in Gavin and Stacey, and works as a qualified personal trainer
Will Best – the Big Brother host admits he has no idea whether he can dance
Cach Mercer – the Love Island winner’s dance background has already drawn criticism from fans
Dame Sarah Storey – Britain’s most decorated Paralympian with 30 medals, 19 of them gold
Jaime Winstone – played Barbara Windsor on screen, and bosses will be hoping dad Ray turns up
Shaun Wright-Phillips – the ex-Man City and Chelsea winger played for England at World Cup 2010
Bethany Antonia – plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon
Graeme Hall – Channel 5’s Dogfather was welcomed with a post asking who was ready to fetch the Glitterball
Lawrence Robb – the Emmerdale star says he is terrified
John Nellis – the Belfast YouTuber worked as an air traffic controller until 2022
Tabby Stoecker – won mixed team skeleton gold at Milano-Cortina, and has also filmed as a new Gladiator
