Thank you and a glittery goodnight
Huge thanks for your fab-u-lous company during this year’s curtain-raiser, everyone. It’s good to be back beneath the glitterball and below the line with you all. Apologies again for the tech glitch which meant that comments opened late but rest assured, a besequinned stewards’ inquiry will be launched.
Let’s reconvene right here for some proper dancing in the first actual live show, which kicks off at 6.15pm next Saturday. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on the platform formerly known as Twitter and @michaelhogan100 everywhere else, so please do foxtrot past and say hello.
Enjoy the rest of your weekends, sparkly squadron. And of course, keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight.
Finally, whistledownthewind says: “I was starting to lose a little interest in the all the forced jollity of the opening show when Craig saved it for me by saying to Motsi: ‘Don’t touch me, darling, it’s too early for that sort of thing!’ Don’t ever change, Craig!”
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On this year’s celebrity cast, Sebnose says: “Yes, we’ve officially arrived in an era where some of the slebs were born after Strictly started.”
diiode says: “Absolutely love Bethany on House of the Dragon and can’t wait for her and Nancy!
MollyintheFolly says: “Well. I don’t know who any of these gentlemen are but I’m sure in a few weeks, it won’t matter. I had no clue who Hamza was the other year and loved him by week two.”
Lidoswimmer adds: “It feels - vibes-wise, with no actual dancing - like the women are stronger than the men this year. But they seem a good bunch overall and I’ve got high hopes for the series.”
On the five new pros, Lidoswimmer says: “The new dancers look good and like they’ll bring a welcome new energy. But what in the name of Shirl’s little shoes has Kai27 done to his hair?!”
whistledownthewind adds: “I wonder if Kai’s new more au natural hairstyle is a cry to the Strictly production team to not pair him up with any more maturer celebs? He did look older than his years with his old coiffure.”
Yes, there was A LOT of chat wasn’t there? But also more dancing than we normally get in a launch show. No musical turn and minimal blether from the judging panel, which freed up a bit of airtime.
ReclinedPotato says: “Lovely, all paired up and starting proper next week!
I can’t wrap my head around having three presenters and how that’ll work unless the format is being tweaked for the live shows? Joshie’s first autocue moments had a very hostagey vibe but he seems to have loosened up. Emma is a safe pair of hands and JoJo has such a charming presence. I think everything will be okay, people!”
neko99 adds: “Now we’re in the last 15 mins, I’ve just realised how this was the right way to do this show. Lets us get to know the presenters as well as the celebs and the five new dancers. Doesn’t matter that we haven’t seen much of the judges. We already know them and we’ll see a lot of them in the coming weeks.”
heroica says: “Emma is definitely the lead presenter so far. Not sure how the trio will work but we need to see an actual show to find out who does what exactly. Josh should be good for quick quips, he’s used to The Last Leg live. I have a funny feeling Jojo might be wasted as a presenter, too static a role for him? But now he’s explained a dance lesson and that’s where he is so good.”
neko99 says: “Too much chatting, even for a launch, and I hope we’ll understand the role of each three presenters when we get into the competition properly.”
Vicc adds: “Good evening sparklies. Hope you’re enjoying the show as much as I am. It feels a tad chaotic but that’s fine. I like the new presenting team; nothing like Tess and Claud so no need to compare thankfully.”
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Deep_Love17 says: “Producers, if you’re reading, please stop Josh from laughing, or mute his laugh. JoJo needs to work on his diction; and Emma is just a tone too sharp, vocally, but a safe pair of hands presenting. Three presenters is overkill - it’s not adding anything.”
Lidoswimmer says: “I was wondering how Johannes would take to presenting and fronting up the show, and he seems a complete natural. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised as he’s so delightful.”
TheMathDiva says: “Jojo needs to learn not to distract while one of the other presenters is talking. He has a habit of pulling faces and checking the camera. Tom Allen does the same and I find it rude and annoying.”
This year’s inaugural readers’ verdicts are in
A rapid-fire round-up of wise words from the glitter gang down below. Strictlylounging says “Liking the new presenters a lot actually, but Josh is going to have to tone his laugh down!”
Pancake01 says: “Thank the lord we’re back! I’m liking it v much so far. I like Jaime and Melanie. I hope I’m as flexible as Melanie/Gwen when I’m 64, which isn’t that far away really. I need to get working. I met Josh Widdicombe on a train in the summer on a dreadful heatwave train with no air con. It was 40 degrees and we both had sweat pouring off us. He was very funny and charming.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “Jojo saying ‘Joshie’ is sooo cute.”
Bigted1980 adds: “It’s early days with the new hosts but I haven’t seen chemistry like this since Jodie Foster and Richard Gere in Sommersby.”
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We will always love you, Dolly
TV viewers can now flip to BBC2 for Dolly Parton Night, head to BBC4 for French crime drama Paris Police 1910 or stay on BBC1 for new John Bishop-hosted gameshow Wisdom Of The Crowd. At 10pm, the mighty Jamie Demetriou of Stath Lets Flats fame is guest host of Saturday Night Live UK on Sky One
Film-wise, Braveheart just got underway on Film4, as did Total Recall on Sky Mix and Kind Hearts and Coronets on Great TV. There’s Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings (9.15pm on Channel 4) or Made In Dagenham, starring Strictly’s very own Jaime Winstone (11.40pm on BBC1). Altogether now: “They may take our lives but they’ll never take our freedooooom!”
Jojo Radebe? FOMO Radebe, more like
The pro-turned-presenter is clearly missing being out there on the dancefloor but Johannes promises we’ll get to see him in group numbers and the like as the series progresses. Good, because he’s a helluva hoofer to watch.
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Did it take three to tango?
The biggest talking point this year isn’t on the dancefloor, of course, it’s behind the mic. So what did we make of our e all-new presenting trio?
It will take some getting used to, of course, but I thought it worked pretty well. Emma Willis seemed completely at home and smoothly steered the ship. Johannes Radebe was a legend and his understanding of the contest from a pro’s perspective will prove invalauble. Josh Widdicombe was enthusiastic and entertaining, although the loud laughing into his mic might need to be turned down.
At least that’s their first-night nerves out of the way. An even sterner test will come next weekend, of course, as we go live for the first time. No pressure, you three. But a promising start.
Ginger Neil left on the shelf
No celebrity partner for Neil Jones again. Sadface. The Ginger Jiggler will be on the subs’ bench alongside three of the new pros. They’ll be ensemble dancers and provide injury cover. And in Neil’s case, of course, elbow his way to the front every time there’s a camera nearby. Don’t go changing, my sweet auburn prince.
Bethany Antonio’s partnership with Nancy Xu is an intriguing one.
Melanie Walters, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Sarah Storey and Graeme Hall should also be fun to watch.
Sparkly scouting report
Early days, of course but on tonight’s evidence, who do we predict might dance deep into the contest? I rather liked the look of Lacey Turner, Tabby Stoecker, Cach Mercer, Dani Dyer, Will Best, Jaime Winstone and Lawrence Robb.
As the sparkly confetti settles and the newly formed couples bond over a carton of Ribena Toothkind backstage, stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Credits roll
We wondered how the traditional sign-off of “Staaaaart/Keeeeep dancing” would work with three presenters, rather than two. Well, now we have our answer. They cuddled up together in a throuple. Sweet. I’m just glad they kept it.
Well, that was short-lived. Not so much of a crowd scene as a brief bit of frugging.
Class of 2026 hit the floor for first time
As per launch show tradition, proceedings climax with all 15 couples cramming onto the dancefloor for a slightly chaotic group routine.
Your most eagle-eyed analytical stares are required. We’re about to get our first glimpse of the new crop’s hoofing abilities.
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Same Strictly but different
Don’t fret, though, not everything is a-changing this series. We might have new presenters, new pros, a new logo and a new-look spin-off show, but there are no new themed weeks.
The BBC has confirmed the return of Movies, Icons, Hallowe’en, Blackpool and Musicals, as well as Instant Dance Challenge, which debuted to a thumbs-up last year. The set and judging panel are also the same. A few things will be reassuringly familiar, at least.
It Takes Two gets a revamp too
It’s not just the main show that’s had a spruce-up and new hosts. Sister show Strictly: It Takes Two has also had a glow-up.
This year it will be broadcast from Strictly’s home at Elstree Studios with Ellie Taylor - comedian and 2022 contestant (partnered by Johannes, no less) - taking over as presenter. It starts a week on Monday 28th September at 6.30pm on BBC2.
It was announced today that Ellie will also take over Emma Willis’ Saturday lunchtime show on Radio 2 this autumn, while Emma is on Strictly duty. Clear as mud? Goodo.
Honk the Dave Arch horn
The stalwart Strictly bandleader - black tie on, baton in hand, Winkleman restraining order expired – finally gets a shout-out. Phew. The #justicefordavearch campaign can be retired.
Couples on the couch
Another batch of pair-grillings in the choreographic crow’s nest. Chris Appleton has promised Amy Dowden her hair will get bigger every week.
All 15 couples are now complete
So our full Strictly 2026 line-up is confirmed. Which pro-celebrity pairings do you like the look of? And who are the early contenders for the sequin-handled wooden spoon?
Fun fact: Will Best won Celebrity Mastermind last year with the specialist subject of… Danny Dyer. Wonder if this will make things awkward backstage with his daughter Dani?
It’s Will and Dianne!
Strictly studio, this is TV presenter Will Best. You’re not-quite-live on BBC1, please do not swear. Who will be his Big Ballroom housemate?
By process of elimination, the co-host of Big Brother and the Hits Radio breakfast show is coupled with Australian redhead Dianne Buswell. Three-time finalist Di was out early with compatriot Stefan Dennis last year. She might fare better with Will, who looks like he could be a decent dancer. Simply the Best, etc.
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It’s Graeme and Lauren!
Good boy! It’s time Graeme “The Dogfather” Hall went for walkies with his new partner. The nation’s favourite dog trainer (sorry, Barbara Woodhouse) is teamed with homegrown pro Lauren Oakley.
At 59, Graeme’s the oldest male in the field but he did a bit of dancing as a hobby a few years ago and might surprise a few people. Lauren worked wonders with Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink last year. This should be another enjoyable partnership to watch.
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It’s John and Katya!
Football content creator John Nellis has amassed a combined audience of 20m across his social media channels, apparently. Make that 20,000,001 as he’s paired with Russian pro Katya Jones.
Back for her 11th series, Katya is now the longest-serving female pro, taking over that mantle from the departed Karen Hauer. Fiercely competitive Katya reached the quarter-final with Lewis Cope last year. I suspect she’ll struggle more with dance novice John but she’s worked miracles before (I give you Ed “Glitter” Balls).
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It’s Cach and Maddie!
Bombshell incoming! Love Island winner Cach Mercer is coupled up with shiny new home-grown pro Maddie Ingoldsby. At 25 and 21 respectively, they’re this year’s ballroom babies™.
Mercer used to dance professionally himself – albeit specialising in hip-hop and Afrobeats - and often posts dancing videos to his 50m TikTok viewers, so he’s a genuine contender. Bound to be ringer rumblings, though.
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It’s Chris and Amy!
These two should get on like a house on fire. Hair stylist to the stars Chris Appleton is paired with must-loved Welsh pro Amy Dowden. Amy was out first with Thomas “Tommy Bosh” Skinner last year but Chris should be a considerable upgrade.
Amy is also riding high after winning Celebrity Hunted with Carlos Gu recently. Can she go a ballroom run too? If nothing else, she should get a few free trims out of it.
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Right, let’s do our last session of sparkly speed-dating. The final five hit the floor and it’s Josh Widdicombe’s turn to be the ceilidh caller.
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Chris Appleton namedrops doing J-Lo, Ariana Grande and Britney’s hair. “Spears?” asks Cach. No mate, Brittany Ferries.
Cach Mercer is going to be good, isn’t he?
Football content creator John Nellis has had the number “10” spraytanned on his back. Graeme The Dogfather goes one louder – or 30 louder – and has “40”. Honestly, you boys and your banter!
Will admits that he tends to bite his bottom lip when dancing, aka “white man’s disco overbite”. Channelling David Brent? Here for it.
Will Best announced this week that he and his fianceé Tobi are expecting their first child - and the baby is due before Christmas. Aww. Congratulations to them both.
This also raises the possibility of a mid-dance dash to the maternity ward, should Will progress far into the contest. Bring towels.
“The lottery of live pairings”, Jojo calls it. Let’s do this. The final five are about to be coupled up.
Afterwards, an emotional Karen says “Strictly feels like home. This show is about people. Carlos’ new partner Jaime Winstone will have the most incredible time and I’ll be cheering for them every week.”
She gives the class of 2026 some sage advice: “Take the dancing seriously but don’t take yourself seriously.” Carlos restrains himself from crying. Rare.
Have we had a sighting of our stalwart bandleader yet? I’m not sure we have. Claudia Winkleman will be furious #justicefordavearch
She’s still got that attack. Flicks, kicks, bounce and retraction. Watch and learn, newbies.
Karen and Carlos’ victory dance
Time to welcome back the reigning glitterball champions. Last year’s winners Karen Carney and Carlos Gu make a triumphant return to the ballroom, reprising their football jive to One Way Or Another by Blondie.
When they first performed it - in week one, incredibly - it notched 31 points and topped the leaderboard. “I cannot believe it,” said Craig. “That was ridiculous, my darling.”
Kaz said she was starving afterwards and proceeded to scoff a whole margarita pizza. It was also their Couple’s Favourite in the grand final, where they increased their score to a perfect 40.
Tabby Stoecker has one ambition: getting Strictly’s first ever 40 for a rumba. Big talk. Huge. I like it.
Delta Goodrem has a “folder”, apparently. Ryman’s sponsorship deal incoming.
Bethany Antonia’s nanna’s name was Nancy and she sadly passed away earlier this year, so she says it’s special to be paired with Nancy Xu. How lovely.
Back on the banquette
We return to the balcony of bantz. Lawrence Robb seems funny. Shaun Wright-Phillips got two words of advice from Paul Merson: “Don’t count.”
It’s Tabby and Mark!
Finally, Winter Olympian Tabby Stoecker will be getting her sparkly skates on with new Canadian pro Mark Karmalita.
The Team GB skeleton athlete is the joint youngest celebrity in the field at 25 and Mark’s only 22, so they’ll make an energetic pairing. As former gymnast and circus performer, Stoecker has serious potential. They could go far.
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It’s Lawrence and Jowita!
Glaswegian actor Lawrence Robb, who plays Emmerdale’s Mackenzie “Mack” Boyd, is paired with Polish pocket rocket Jowita Przystal. He’s stage school-trained and hotly tipped, so Jowita will be delighted. She had dear old Ross King last year, remember.
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It’s Delta and Kai!
Delta Goodrem now discovers who her dancefloor neighbour will be. With a little understanding, can she find the perfect blend? The Australian singer and actor is paired with home-grown pro Kai Widdrington. The gentlemanly ballroom specialist reached mid-series with Vicky Pattison last year. He’s won the Christmas special twice but is yet to lift the glitterball.
Expect Delta to fare rather better than her fellow Erinsborough High alumnus Stefan Dennis, who departed early last series. Delta finished fourth at this year’s Eurovision and will be hoping she doesn’t get nul points from Craig next week.
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It’s Bethany and Nancy!
is next up. Who’ll be breathing fire at House Of The Dragon actor Bethany Antonia in the rehearsal room? The actor best known as Lady Baela Targaryen is paired with Chinese-born fan favourite Nancy Xu.
I’m thrilled by that. Fancy Nancy was bafflingly benched last year, despite being a Latin firecracker and two-time semi-finalist. Now she’s not only got a celebrity partner but a promising one.
They form only Strictly’s third all-female couple, after Nicola Adams and Katya Jones, and Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer, and the first for four years. Our #justicefornancy campaign has worked. Now to revive #justiceforgamu (one for The X Factor ultras there).
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It’s Shaun and Alexis!
Footballer-turned-pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips is first out of the Elstree FC dressing room. Who will be playing one-twos with him during Saturday night fixtures?
The former Manchester City and Chelsea winger with 36 England caps for England - forms a sparkly strike partnership with American pro Alexis Warr. She reached last year’s final with George Clarke in her debut series but might settle for a mid-table finish this time. Ref-er-ee!
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Little bit of disco as the next five shake their groove thang behind the judges. And now we’re into the rotating roulette…
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Bethany Antonia requested a female partner and has previously spoken publicly about her sexuality, saying: “Everyone in my life has always known I’m gay. It’s just another part of my life that I’m equally proud of, like being a black woman.” More power to her.
She’s said that Nicola and Katya was “a big part of my coming out story”. That’s the inclusive positivity of Strictly, right there.
More athleisure now as the next five begin their dance lessons. In my book, Lawrence Robb is already penalised for a backwards baseball cap.
House Of The Dragon actor Bethany Antonia is a Strictly superfan. She’s done her research on the judges but still isn’t sure what “fundamentals” are.
Aww, Bethany, just you wait. Shirley’s tiny dance shoes of doom will be out before you know it.
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What are we making of our new hostly trio so far? Nervous, understandably, but I think pretty promising.
Shaun Wright-Phillips insists he’s in claret and not red (ie. the colour of Manchester City’s arch rivals Man United and his dad Ian’s beloved Arsenal).
Another five into the ballroom breach
Our next celebrity quintet prepare to meet their pro partners - through the medium of group dance and someone shouting “Change your partners!” like a ceilidh caller.
This introductory group dance is a paso doble-meets-tango number with flame red outfits and moody monochrome lighting, set to high-energy banger My New Religion by Bebe Rexha and Faithless - released this spring from her Dirty Blonde album, EDM fans. Fresh blood with feet of fire!
Meet the new pros
The five new professionals make their dancefloor debuts. The three women are Ukrainian blonde Aleksandra Isaeva, who lives in Italy and is a Latin champion; home-grown pro Maddie Ingoldsby, who hails from Bournemouth and appeared on a Strictly Christmas special aged just 11 (aww!) as part of a pro routine; and Lethabo Monametsi, a South African to step into Jojo’s vertiginous shoes. She also has a law degree, just to show us all up.
The two male newbies are Italian stallion Cristian Priori, who is Aleksandra’s competitive dance partner; and fresh-faced boy band type Mark Karmalita from Canada. Potentially in the AJ/Nikita ballpark, perhaps.
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EastEnders has produced three glitterball winners in Jill Halfpenny, Kara Tointon and Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Lacey Turner is in good hands with Vito Coppola. That could be a powerhouse pairing.
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Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin are the only couple on Strictly history to be paired up twice. Don’t break a leg, Dani.
The two Js grill the new couples
That’s Josh and Johannes, obv. Up to the ballroom balcony (formerly known as the Clauditorium, sniffle) for some chat with the freshly formed pairings. They all seem happy with their wash.
Comments are now open! Apologies for the delay. Gremlins begone!
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It’s Jaime and Carlos!
Made In Dagenham star and Barbara Windsor portrayer Jaime Winstone will be raving it up with reigning pro champ Carlos Gu.
Jaime has revealed that her inspiration to say yes to Strictly came from two unlikely sources: Madonna and Taylor Swift. “I’m a huge Madonna fans and I took her Danceteria album and the lyrics ‘Everybody get up and dance’ as a personal sign. Another came when I went to my friend Poppy Delevingne’s birthday party and Taylor Swift was there. I was just dancing as I do, and she came up to me out of nowhere and just said, ‘Oh my lord, how do you dance so freely?’
You can’t argue with that. She should form a “lively” duo with two-time finalist and one-time winner Carlos. Bring earplugs.
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It’s Melanie and Aljaž!
She’s this year’s oldest contestant at 64 and Gavin & Stacey favourite Melanie Walters will be guided by smiley Slovenian pro Aljaž Škorjanec. Could the three-time finalist make it four? Melanie teaches Pilates and might be a surprise package.
She’s said that if her character Gwen was in Strictly, “She would be given extra training by Nessa, who taught Shirley Ballas all she knows. Uncle Bryn would take over her wardrobe. He’s be in his element the choosing sequinned dresses for her.” Lush, tidy, crackin’, etc.
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It’s Dani and Nikita!
No surprise there. Love Island winner Dani Dyer was paired with Ukrainian pro Nikita Kuzmin last year, before an ankle fracture forced her to withdraw. Now she’s back and reunited with him, which might give her a slight headstart.
Nikita came tantalisingly close to the glitterball with both Layton Williams and Amber Davies. Might this be his year? A couple to watch. Bound to become firm fan favourites, too.
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It’s Sarah and Julian!
The 19-time Paralympic gold medallist Dame Sarah Storey is matched with Australian pro Julian Caillon. He made a great impression in his debut series last year, steering Balvinder Sopal through five dance-offs and all the way to the semi-final. The ever-competitive Dame will be gunning for glitterball gold or at least a podium finish.
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It’s Lacey and Vito!
The first couple is unveiled. EastEnders actor Lacey Turner, who plays Walford sweetheart Stacey Slater, was also the first celebrity announced for this series and will partner Italian pro Vito Coppola.
He reached the final in his three first series and last year formed an endearing partnership with Ellie Goldstein. He’s also the reigning Christmas champion, having won the 2025 festive special with Scarlett Moffatt. Could Vito make it four finals in five years?
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The first group speed-dating dance is go. Dua Lipa soundtrack. Switching partners… now!
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Jaime Winstone and Dani Dyer are looking good in training. And Emma Willis is fitting right in, no?
Athleisure! Fluffed steps! Sweat patches!
Ballroom boot camp begins
A VT now, taking us behind the scenes as the celebs begin their dance rehearsals at a top secret location. Just off the A40 near High Wycombe.
Sarah Storey is the first ever Dame to compete in the ballroom. Good factoid. Although I can’t quite believe that Jill Halfpenny hasn’t been honoured for THAT jive.
They will dance in three groups of five and periodically be told to “Change partners!”, like a sort of hoofing version of speed-dating.
Let the pro-celebrity pairing begin
Our 15 celebrities nervously wait to find out their professional partners - and this year, there’s a twist. Rather than via pre-recorded VTs, they’ll discover their partners in front of the studio audience via three specially-choreographed dance routines.
Fun! If a little unfair on the celebs, perhaps. They’re terrified enough already. Don’t make them dance, too!
Lacey Turner and Melanie Walters are proving good value in the… Must. Stop. Calling it the Clauditorium.
C’mon, let’s meet some celebs
We’re introduced to our celebrities backstage at the costume fitting. Sparkles, tassles and twirls ahoy.
Wonder if Tess and Claud will be tuning in tonight? Or even reading this liveblog? If so, hello! Hope you’re enjoying having a Saturday night off, watching with wine and crisps like the rest of us.
Our Strictly stars™
The 15 thoroughly Strictly-fied celebrities emerge nervously onto the staircase for their first wave.
Gwen from Gavin & Stacey! Graeme the Dogfather! Dani-not-Danny Dyer! Again! Several sportspeople! Some others who are presumably “content creators” or “reality stars”!
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One syllable for each new presenter, says Craig. Fab-u-lous.
I’m so sorry, sparkly gang. Comments not being open is beyond my control but trust me, I’m doing all I can.
Same Strictly but different
Don’t fret, not everything is a-changing this series. We might have new presenters, new pros and a new logo but there are no new themed weeks. The BBC has confirmed the return of Movies, Icons, Hallowe’en, Blackpool and Musicals, as well as Instant Dance Challenge, which debuted to a thumbs-up last year.
The set and judging panel are also the same. A few things will be reassuringly familiar, at least.
New balls please
Have you noticed the new-look Strictly logo? The glitterball is shinier and more metallic, the sunburst background has changed from blue to pinky-purple and the swirly typeface is slightly bigger. Whaddayamean, details schmetails?
Here come the judges
We welcome back the paddle-raising panel of Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, ever-present Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas.
Our awesome foursome won’t have much to do tonight, since the “proper” dancing and paddle-raising doesn’t start until next week. They’ll just keep a watchful eye over proceedings and coo at the freshly formed couples.
Sweet intro, expressing surprise that they’re here at the helm.
Frockwatch
Into the ballroom and here come our unprecedented presenting trio. They were keen for our Frockwatch feature to continue, so let’s not disappoint them.
For the first fashion face-off of the new era, Emma Willis is in a champagne-coloured sparkly frock with frilly skirt. Johannes Radebe is in sleeveless black with plunging neckline, embellished cummerbund and pearl jewellery. Josh Widdicombe is in a cute black tux with black shirt and gold patterned tie.
Both boys look dapper but Emma wins, right? Josh’s ambition is to clinch one Frockwatch all series. Dream big, Joshy.
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Glitter cannons fire. Streamers fall. Phew. A suitably epic way to kick off the series.
Apparently, Emma and Josh were extra terrified because the judges were directly behind them during this routine. Shirley kept telling Josh off about his posture, the poor poppet.
And our new presenting trio make their grand entrance! Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe had a couple of weeks to practice their cha-cha moves and it’s paying off, bless them. Not bad at all. After a 90s RnB medley, it’s now set to My Universe by BTS and Coldplay.
Kai Widdrington has grown his hair out, so his usual slicked quiff has been replaced by a curly mop. I kinda like it. More tonsorial news as we have it.
Johannes Radebe does some typically spectacular high kicks and stiletto-shod sashays. Hang on, shouldn’t he be on presenting duty? Quicksticks, Jojo, get changed and grab a mic!
Dianne Buswell walks through with her pram. Karen Carney scurries past, clutching her glitterball trophy. Cute!
As everyone grooves the night away on a studio backlot, the judges each get their moment in the spotlight with Latin wiggles from Shirley Ballas, ballroom quicksteps from Anton du Beke, shakes and shimmies from Motsi Mabuse and, ahem, Craig Revel Horwood twatting a giant glitterball with a mallet. Stop! Sledgehammer time.
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And we’re off!
No new-look title sequence to study yet. That must wait until after the couples are announced. Instead we kick off with a supersized performance from the entire Strictly cast - pros, celebs, judges, extra dancers, the whole shemozzle. There’s a cast of 150 in this number. BBC budget cuts? What BBC budget cuts?
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Take your sofa seats and charge your glasses, glitterati.
We’re about to go over to the Elstree Studios ballroom for the first time this year. Eek. Buckle up!
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The Celebrity Inner Circle just winding up on BBC1 now, featuring Strictly alumni Kym Marsh and Mike Bushell.
Off you pop, Mandy Holden, we’ve got Latin and ballroom pairings to unveil…
Don’t call in, it’s just for fun
Remember, there’s no voting tonight. And when it does return for next week’s opening live show, you will only be able to vote online. The phone vote was scrapped last series. The ceaseless march of time continues. The robots are coming.
Bring on the shortest show until November. With a lean, mean running time of 110 minutes, tonight’s episode is the snappiest we’ll get for a few weeks, until the 15-strong field is whittled down. Next Saturday’s opening live show will clock in at a whopping 150 minutes, for example.
Better stock up on provisions for these early episodes. Just five minutes until choreographic kick-off…
What else is on the ballroom bill?
The main business tonight, of course, is this year’s pro-celebrity matchmaking. But we’re also promised one last spin around the floor for reigning champions Karen and Carlos, plus group numbers by the class of 2026 and the five new pros.
No musical guest tonight. That will wait until the first results show, a fortnight tomorrow.
Our fab-u-lous 15
Not long now. What are our thoughts on this year’s celebrity line-up? Lacking a little star power? Females stronger than males? Here’s my insta-reaction when the cast was announced.
Let’s play launch show bingo
As is liveblog tradition, it’s your weekly spotter’s guide to what we’re likely to see on-screen. Tick them off as you spot them! Take a drink for each! Celebrate Strictly’s comeback with a tipsy kitchen disco!
Here are your 10 launch show predictions:
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You recognise approximately a quarter of the “celebrities” and will get some mixed up all series
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Craig Revel Horwood in surprisingly happy mood, which will sour next week when the low scoring starts
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Delighted female leaps into her male partner’s arms, gets spun around and almost dropped
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Reigning champion Karen Carney advises this year’s cast to “enjoy it, it goes so quick”
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Judges get hot under the collar over male celeb with shirt buttons missing and muscles bulging
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Yelps, whoops and wolf whistles greet the new pros
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New presenter riffs on inheriting Claudia’s crush on Dave Arch
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Obvi-gag about Gavin & Stacey/dragons/hairdressing/dog-training during celebrity intros
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Shirley and Anton are regally billed as “Queen of Latin” and “King of Ballroom” respectively
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Celeb is “looking forward to being Strictly-fied”, meaning dipped in lobster bisque emulsion and rolled in glitter
Hello all. Technical gremlins beyond my control mean that comments aren’t open currently. Rest assured that I’m trying to rectify this and hopefully they’ll open soon.
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Five pros out and five in
There’s been quite a cull of the professional ranks, with a quarter of the troupe replaced. Gone are Karen Hauer (the show’s longest-serving female pro, sadface), Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez (whose role judging the Spanish edition reduced his presence last year anyway).
In come five spanking new pros: namely Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita. Try reeling off those without any typos. Will they get celebrity partners straight away? Will Neil Jones and Nancy Xu, who were both benched last year?
Just one of several intriguing subplots tonight. It’s 15 minutes until the rhinestone clapperboard comes down…
Don’t stop ’til you get a partner
Like many elements this year, the pairing-up process has been revamped. For the first time, the celebrities will discover the identity of their pro partners in front of a studio audience, via three specially-choreographed dance routines.
It’s been described as “speed dating meets roulette” in a launch show which “features more dancing than ever before.” The 15 celebs will split into three groups of five and dance with the pros, switching partners at regular intervals until the routine stops and they see who they’re left with.
A grown-up game of musical statues. Jelly and ice cream for afters. It’s 20 minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…
Will three be the magic number?
Nobody likes change on their favourite TV shows but needs must. Tonight’s proceedings will be overseen for the first time by all-new hosts, representing Strictly’s biggest ever shake-up.
As the trio told me in our exclusive interview, they came through a cloak-and-dagger casting process which lasted several months and their chemistry in screen tests was apparently “off the charts”. Producers haven’t played it safe by replicating the Tess-and-Claudia dynamic. It’s a risky roll of the dice which will be fascinating to watch.
Series occasionally work well with a three-headed hosting hydra - think Blue Peter, Top Gear, Match Of The Day or The Last Leg (starring a certain Mr J Widdicombe) so let’s see how Strictly’s effervescent throuple settle in.
It’s 25 minutes until the clock strikes sequins…
A new ballroom era begins
Strictly is back, back, back! Almost as importantly, so is our sequin-spangled liveblog. Good evening all and welcome to the 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner from tonight until Christmas. I hope you’ll join me for another life-affirming autumn of glitz, glamour and giddy entertainment.
It’s all change beneath the glitterball. After long-serving, much-loved presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bowed out at Christmas (sob), a new hosting line-up was needed. The BBC surprised us all by replacing them with not one, not two, but three fresh faces: safe-pair-of-hands Emma Willis, wild card comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe to provide hoofing expertise.
Yes, it now takes three to tango but don’t expect like-for-like Tess ’n’ Claud substitutes. They’ll be swapping places and switching between roles during each show. How will it work? We’re finally about to find out.
This evening’s pre-recorded launch show sees our 15 celebrities paired with their professional partners - and even that process has been revamped. More on that shortly. This will be followed by our first glimpse of their twinkle-toed potential as everyone hits the Elstree Studios floor for the traditional curtain-raising group dance. We’ll also meet the five new professionals, and welcome back reigning champions Karen Carney and Carlos Gu for a triumphant last dance.
For the first time in a few years, it’s been a scandal-free build-up to this year’s series. However, it’s a huge night for Strictly in other ways. Tonight might not be broadcast live - this launch show was filmed last week - but it’s our first chance to see if the ballroom blockbuster can keep its sparkle in a new choreographic chapter.
It’s showtime at 7.25pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 7pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, reader reaction and twinkle-toed asides. So dust off your dancing shoes and see you on the sofa. Strictly season is upon us. Next stop Blackpool, then it’s all downhill to mulled wine and Quality Street.
As ever, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me [email protected] and the comments section below is back open for ballroom business. I’ll rumba-walk down there every now and again to wave hello and gauge your reaction to the show, so please do share your thoughts.
After nine months of rest, let’s stretch our hamstrings and flex our typing fingers. Nearly time to staaaaaart pro-celebrity pairing!
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