Strictly Come Dancing is back for 2026, with the new series set to bring a major shake-up to the BBC show.
Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 2026 series tonight, with the BBC competition promising a significant refresh this year. The launch show airs at 7.25pm on Saturday, September 19, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, before the series continues each weekend in the build-up to Christmas.
Interest is high ahead of the new run, particularly following the introduction of three new hosts and a revised format for unveiling the celebrity and professional-dancer pairings.
When Does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Start?
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing officially starts on Saturday, September 19 at 7.25pm.
The launch show will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, giving viewers their first proper look at this year's celebrity line-up and professional dancers.
The launch episode is slightly different from a conventional live competition show. Rather than immediately moving into the first round of competitive dances, viewers will see the celebrities discover their professional partners.
For the first time, the pairings will be revealed in front of the studio audience through three specially choreographed group routines.
The celebrity couples will then begin their preparations for the competitive part of the series, with the first live shows following the launch.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Winner Odds
The betting market has already formed a clear shape ahead of the launch show, although the celebrity-professional pairings have not yet been revealed.
Dani Dyer is currently the favourite, with Oddschecker reporting a best price of 4/1 on September 17. Lawrence Robb was next at 6/1, followed by Delta Goodrem at 8/1, while Lacey Turner and Tabby Stoecker were both available at 9/1.
The latest reported prices were:
| Celebrity | Best Bet | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Dani Dyer | 4/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Lawrence Robb | 6/1 | Coral |
| Delta Goodrem | 8/1 | Star Sports |
| Lacey Turner | 9/1 | Coral |
| Tabby Stoecker | 10/1 | bet365 |
| Cach Mercer | 12/1 | Betfred |
Odds last updated at 19th September, 2PM. View the full market on the Strictly Come Dancing page on Oddschecker.
Odds can move significantly once the celebrity-professional pairings are confirmed and the first dances take place, so these prices should be treated as a snapshot of the market rather than fixed figures.
Who Are The New Strictly Come Dancing Hosts?
There is a significant change at the front of the show this year, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe taking over hosting duties.
They replace long-serving presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who both departed the programme following the 2025 series.
Johannes Radebe is also a familiar face to Strictly viewers, having previously competed as a professional dancer on the programme.
The judging panel remains led by Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, while the professional line-up has also undergone changes ahead of the new series.
Who Is Taking Part In Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
There are 15 celebrities taking part in this year's competition.
The confirmed line-up includes:
- Dani Dyer
- Lawrence Robb
- Lacey Turner
- Delta Goodrem
- Tabby Stoecker
- Cach Mercer
- Will Best
- Melanie Walters
- Jaime Winstone
- Bethany Antonia
- Graeme Hall
- John Nellis
- Sarah Storey
- Chris Appleton
- Shaun Wright-Phillips
The cast features a mixture of actors, musicians, television personalities, influencers and sporting figures, setting up another varied competition when the live shows begin.
When Will The First Strictly Live Show Take Place?
The September 19 programme is the launch show, with the celebrity-professional pairings being revealed and the cast beginning their Strictly journey.
The competitive element will follow, with the couples taking to the dancefloor in the first live shows before the weekly eliminations begin.
That means the launch show could have a significant impact on the betting market. Once viewers see the pairings, rehearsals and initial performances, bookmakers' prices are likely to change.
For now, though, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 begins on Saturday, September 19 at 7.25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Dani Dyer heading the early winner betting.
