Strictly Come Dancing has officially unveiled its full 2026 celebrity line-up, with YouTube sensation John Nellis and Swansea-born actress Melanie Walters rounding off the cast. The BBC has confirmed all 15 celebrities, but has yet to announce an official return date, though reports suggest the pre-recorded launch show could air on Wednesday, September 19 on BBC One and iPlayer.
Full 2026 celebrity line-up revealed
The 2026 series is highly anticipated following the departure of long-serving presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who stepped away at the conclusion of the 2025 series. They have been succeeded by the show's first-ever presenting trio of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
The full line-up includes EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer (returning after withdrawing from Strictly 2025 due to injury), Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, world-renowned hair stylist Chris Appleton, social media star and Love Island champion Cach Mercer, presenter Will Best, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, actress Jaime Winstone, actress Bethany Antonia, football legend Shaun Wright-Phillips, dog trainer and presenter Graeme Hall, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, Olympic champion skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, YouTuber John Nellis, and actress and Gavin and Stacey icon Melanie Walters.
Rumoured start date and new presenting trio
While the BBC has yet to announce an official return date, it is expected that the competition will get under way as normal in September. The BBC has confirmed that precise air dates for the autumn series are still to be announced, but based on previous years' schedules, it has been widely reported that the pre-recorded launch show could broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on Wednesday, September 19.
Following the surprise departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly last year, the BBC has replaced the well-known pair with a trio for the very first time. Presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe will helm the Strictly ballroom this year. The announcement was made in May last year, with Strictly's executive producer Sarah James saying the combination was "unexpected, but their magic was undeniable the moment they came together".
Professional dancers reshuffle and judges return
There will be some fresh faces joining the professional line-up this year following the departure of five familiar names. Those who have left include Karen Hauer, the show's longest-serving female professional, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. They have been replaced by Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
Back on the dance floor are Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola. The judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will all be returning to their seats as expected.
