Strictly Come Dancing has returned for its 24th series, marking a significant transition in its presentation lineup with the debut of a new trio of hosts. Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe took over the role from outgoing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed after last year’s season.
The launch episode attracted an average audience of 5.3 million viewers, securing a 49.2% share of the overnight ratings, which represented a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The show also maintained a strong presence on iPlayer, topping the platform’s most popular charts on Sunday. Critics have debated whether three presenters create a crowded dynamic compared to the long-running previous duo, though early reviews suggest the new team is finding its rhythm.
In a first for the franchise, the pairing of celebrities with their professional dance partners was revealed through a series of three dance routines functioning as a game of musical chairs. This format involved contestants switching partners until the music stopped, at which point the official couples were announced.
The 2026 celebrity lineup includes notable figures such as actress Melanie Walters, former England international Shaun Wright-Phillips, and returning competitor Dani Dyer, who is back for a second attempt after withdrawing from last season due to a fractured ankle. Other pairs include Lacey Turner with Vito Coppola, Delta Goodrem with Kai Widdrington, and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey with Julian Caillon. The series also features its third all-female couple, with Bethany Antonia paired with professional Nancy Xu.
Five new professional dancers joined the main cast this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita, hailing from the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and Ukraine respectively. Reigning champion Karen Carney also returned to the ballroom to recreate her winning Jive routine with her partner, Carlos Gu, before she is set to hand over the glitterball trophy in 13 weeks. While judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke played a reduced role in the launch, the show retained its traditional closing with the hosts bidding the audience “start dancing!”
Lacey Turner with Vito Coppola is genuinely the casting coup of the series. I cannot wait to see their routine.
Seven million viewers more than last year? That is a surprising bump. The new hosting dynamic must be resonating with audiences.
Great to see Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey joining the ballroom. Representation matters and it looks like she will shine.
Is anyone else confused why they needed a musical chairs style reveal? It felt unnecessarily complicated for just introducing the pairs.
I was worried the trio felt cramped, but Willis, Widdicombe, and Radebe actually work quite well together!