Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Everything we know so far
As rumours begin to heat up!
Believe it or not it's now been a massive 22 years since popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing first hit our screens, with the series keeping fans entertained every year in the run-up to Christmas.
After Karen Carney and Carlos Gu were crowned the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing champions, the show is now facing a major shake-up. Several professional dancers are departing, and new hosts are set to be announced following the exit of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
As we wait for the 2026 series later in the year, here's all of the goss you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing.
When is Strictly back on TV?
Although there's no official start date confirmed just yet, Strictly usually begins in September, so we expect this year's show to follow the same format.
The 2025 series kicked off with a pre-recorded launch show on Saturday 20th September.
Which celebs are taking part?
No famous faces have been announced at this stage, but as ever, rumours are heating up for this year's show!
Check out all of the Strictly rumours below:
Delta Goodrem
2026 is set to be a busy year for singer Delta Goodrem. As well as representing Australia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, reports are rife Delta has very nearly signed up for Strictly later in the year. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "It is all but a done deal. They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show."
Josie Gibson
As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.
A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?
Dani Dyer
Reality star Dani Dyer was set to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days ahead of the first live show after fracturing her ankle in training. Dani has expressed her interest in returning, so could we see her in 2026?
Who are the new Strictly hosts?
The lovely Tess Daly MBE and Claudia Winkleman MBE returned for the 2025 series, but in October 2025 the pair released a joint statement to confirm it would be their last series as hosts.
At this stage, the BBC are yet to confirm who will replace the pair, but names such as Bradley Walsh, Rylan Clark, Holly Willoughby and Fleur East are being reported.
You can check out all of the rumoured hosts right here.
Who are the judges?
Again, nothing has been confirmed just yet, but it looks like Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse could all return for the 2026 series.
Which professional dancers are on Strictly this year?
In recent weeks, a number of professional dancers who've been part of the show for over a decade have announced their exits.
Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas will all not be returning.
At the moment, there's no word on the likes of Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola, or Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who first joined in 2025.
Find out more about the Strictly professionals here.
How to vote?
Voting will open once the live shows begin and it's set to once again be online only.
In 2025, for the first time in the show's history, voting was online only, with viewers being asked to scan the QR code on the screen during the show, or visit the Strictly website to vote.
The voting on Strictly Come Dancing combined both the judges' scores and the public votes, meaning no couple is safe, even if they receive the top score of 40 from the judges.
After all couples have performed, voting opens for the public to vote for their favourite couple, then the judges scores and the public votes are added together. The couple ranked the highest will be given a number of points equal to the number of couples competing that evening.
How can I get tickets to see Strictly?
The random ballot for free audience tickets is currently closed.
What channel is it on?
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One on Saturday and Sunday nights, with the spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, broadcasting on BBC2.
What are the Welfare and Support protocols?
BBC bosses introduced new welfare steps in 2024, which included:
1) Have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times.
2) Increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer.
3) Deliver further training for the production team and crew.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, says: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
"Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."
Who hosts Strictly: It Takes Two?
Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two has become nearly as popular as the main show since it first hit BBC Two in 2004.
After four years presenting the show, Rylan Clark confirmed in April 2023 that he'd quit his hosting role, leaving fans wondering who will replace him.
Following the news, it was later announced that 2022 contestant and Hits Radio presenter Fleur East would join Janette Manrara to host the show. Fleur and Janette then returned for the 2024 and 2025 series, but it's not yet known if they will host in 2026.
Who has won Strictly Come Dancing in the past?
There's so far been 23 different winners of Strictly...
Series 1: Natasha Kaplinsky
BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to dance her way to victory in the summer of 2004 with professional dancer Brendan Cole.
Series 2: Jill Halfpenny
Also in 2004 (but this time in December) soap actress Jill Halfpenny also became a Strictly champion alongside her dance partner Darren Bennett. Their Jive was the first ever Strictly routine to score a full house of 40 points, so we're not surprised she went on to win!
Series 3: Darren Gough
English cricketer Darren Dough stole the glitterball trophy from the likes of Zoe Ball and chef James Martin, despite never reaching the top of the Strictly leaderboard with his dance partner, Lilia Kopylova. The pair also went on to win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2005.
Series 4: Mark Ramprakash
You may remember England cricketer Mark Ramprakash was the first ever contestant to restart a routine on Strictly after his microphone got caught in his dance partner's dress. However despite the hiccup, they still received the highest score! He was the second cricketer to bowl through and take home the glitterball in 2006.
Series 5: Alesha Dixon
R&B singer Alesha Dixon lifted the glitterball in 2007 alongside her dance partner Matthew Cutler in what was a very close final, as she finished just two points ahead of actor Matt Di Angelo. Alesha returned to the show to sit on the Strictly judging panel from 2009 to 2011, before leaving to judge on Britain's Got Talent, America's Got Talent and then Australia's Got Talent.
Series 6: Tom Chambers
Holby City and Casualty actor Tom Chambers' Strictly win alongside Camilla Dallerup became somewhat controversial, as despite scoring the lowest of the three finalists the public still made him their winner.
Series 7: Chris Hollins
Ola Jordan helped breakfast presenter Chris Hollins dance his way to victory in 2009.
Series 8: Kara Tointon
It wasn't just the glitter ball that Eastenders actress Kara Tointon left with at the end of her time on Strictly, but a new love with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev. The pair even celebrated their win with a kiss - how romantic! Sadly, Kara and Artem's Strictly romance didn't last and the couple decided to part ways in 2014.
Series 9: Harry Judd
McFly drummer Harry Judd stole the winning spot in series 9 with professional dancer Aliona Vilani, beating fellow finalists Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan. Harry fought hard to take the winning spot and didn't top the leaderboard until week 7, but from then on he received high 30s throughout the rest of the competition.
Series 10: Louis Smith
Louis took home bronze and glitter in 2012 after his success at the 2012 Olympics and on the Strictly dance floor, with dance partner Flavia Cacace. In the final he danced against Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, receiving the lowest score from the judges. But it didn't matter, as the British public voted for him to be their winner.
Series 11: Abbey Clancy
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec's routine regularly stole the show, so we weren't surprised when the pair were crowned the Strictly winners in 2013.
Series 12: Caroline Flack
Caroline Flack and partner Pasha Kovalev became the first and still are the only Strictly couple to receive 40 points for all three dances in the final. Caroline continued a successful TV career after the show, presenting on the X-Factor alongside Olly Murs and on ITV's Love Island. Sadly, Caroline took her own life in February 2020 and our thoughts are with all who knew her. Since Caroline's passing, her mum Christine has become an advocate for mental health.
Series 13: Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness was one of four members from boy band The Wanted and won with partner Aliona Vilan. The singer credited much of his success to his dance partner and on winning told her: "You deserve it so much, you really do."
Series 14: Ore Oduba
The TV and radio presenter was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout the competition, regularly getting emotional throughout the series. But he shed tears of joy after beating Louise Redknapp and ex Hollyoaks star Danny Mac, which saw him take home the glitter trophy.
Series 15: Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden was the second Holby City actor to win Strictly with partner Katya Jones. He may not have been a natural dancer at the start, but he certainly came out on top beating Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the final.
Series 16: Stacey Dooley
The journalist and broadcaster beat show favourite, Joe Sugg, with her dance partner Kevin Clifton. The couple had clearly fallen for each other while on the show as shortly after it was announced they were a couple.
Series 17: Kelvin Fletcher
Despite entering as a replacement for reality TV star Jamie Laing who injured his foot, former Emmerdale actor Kelvin stole the show and came out on top with his dance partner Oti Mabuse.
Series 18: Bill Bailey
Bill blew everyone's socks off and became the oldest contestant in Strictly history to take home the glitterball trophy. It was a big moment for his partner Oti Mabuse too, as their victory marked her second win.
Series 19: Rose Ayling-Ellis
EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first ever deaf contestant to take part in Strictly, and her professional dancer Giovanni Pernice beat GBBO star John Whaite and Johannes Radebe for the Glitterball after a tense 2021 finale.
Series 20: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin won the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Jowita Przystal. A firm favourite due to his high energy, great enthusiasm and incredible lifts, he beat radio presenter and singer Fleur East, singer and actress Molly Rainford and TV presenter Helen Skelton to the Glitterball Trophy.
Series 21: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach was crowned the 2023 winner alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola. Ellie was in the final alongside Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier, and despite not topping the leaderboard during the final, the public voted for her to be crowned the 2023 winner of the Glitterball Trophy.
Series 22: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland made Strictly history in 2024 when he become the first ever blind contestant to take part. Not only did he surpass all expectation, Chris and his partner Dianne Buswell went on to win the show, picking up the Glitterball Trophy.
Series 23: Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Sports journalist and former professional footballer, Karen Carney and her professional dancer partner Carlos Gu lifted the 2025 Glitterball trophy. The pair performed a Showdance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, Argentine Tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and a Jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Now read:
All of the faces we'd like to see replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing: A recap of the 2025 series
Michelle Tsiakkas is the latest pro dancer to leave Strictly Come Dancing