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Strictly Come Dancing

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Strictly Come Dancing

reality competition · television show

Also known as Strictly

30 stories · latest Oct 23, 2026 · Reality TV, Celebrity, TV & Film

Strictly Come Dancing biography

Strictly Come Dancing is a flagship UK reality television competition that pairs high-profile celebrity contestants with professional ballroom dancers to compete in weekly live routines. Over its 22-year history, the long-running series has established itself as an enduring staple of weekend prime-time entertainment.

Recent coverage centers on significant production overhauls for the 2026 season, featuring a refreshed three-host presenting setup with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe alongside live partner reveals on stage. News surrounding the show has also focused on cast roster debates, high-profile backstage fallouts, procedural changes, and personal updates involving current and former professional dancers.

  • Coverage of the show heavily focuses on behind-the-scenes dynamics, including format adjustments, hosting overhauls, and feuds between dance partners.
  • Public attention also regularly extends to personal health updates, relationship changes, and cosmetic procedures involving current and former cast members.
  • Additionally, annual cast announcements frequently generate debate regarding the balance of traditional screen stars and digital creators.

The Strictly Come Dancing shelf

Films and shows to own

Desperately Seeking Susan coverWATCH · 1985Desperately Seeking SusanDowntown New York, 1985, with her playing herself perfectly.

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Strictly Come Dancing timeline

  1. 'Strictly Come Dancing' Ditching Pre-Taped Intros for Live Partner Reveals

    Aug 22, 2026

    Producers eliminate pre-taped introduction videos to reveal celebrity and pro pairings live on the studio floor.

    'Strictly Come Dancing' Ditching Pre-Taped Intros for Live Partner Reveals
  2. Giovanni Pernice Slams BBC After 'Strictly' Exit: 'They Hung Me Out To Dry'

    Aug 25, 2026

    Former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice criticizes the network following his high-profile exit.

    Giovanni Pernice Slams BBC After 'Strictly' Exit: 'They Hung Me Out To Dry'
  3. Strictly Come Dancing First Look: Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem & Lacey Turner Get Ultra-Glam Makeovers

    Sep 10, 2026

    Promotional portraits for the 2026 celebrity cast are released ahead of the September 19 premiere.

    Strictly Come Dancing First Look: Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem & Lacey Turner Get Ultra-Glam Makeovers
  4. BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Filming Overhaul Begins With New Hosts And 15 Stars

    Sep 13, 2026

    Production begins for the 2026 season with a new three-host presenting setup and 15 celebrity stars.

    BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Filming Overhaul Begins With New Hosts And 15 Stars
  5. Neil Jones Benched Again: Strictly Come Dancing Pro Misses Out on Celebrity Partner

    Sep 13, 2026

    Veteran dancer Neil Jones is left without a main celebrity partner for his seventh series out of ten.

    Neil Jones Benched Again: Strictly Come Dancing Pro Misses Out on Celebrity Partner

The photos · 17

Giovanni Pernice Blasts 'Strictly Family' Myth Following Explosive Amanda Abbington Feud
Neil Jones Benched Again: Strictly Come Dancing Pro Misses Out on Celebrity Partner
Karen Hauer Slams Ex-'Strictly' Co-Star AJ Pritchard Over 'Low' British Talent Comments
BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Filming Overhaul Begins With New Hosts And 15 Stars
Emma Willis Keeps It Real About 'Strictly' Cast: 'I Didn't Know Who They Were'
Taylor Swift Convinced Jaime Winstone To Join Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing First Look: Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem & Lacey Turner Get Ultra-Glam Makeovers
New 'Strictly' Hosts Slam 'Roving Presenter' Rumors Ahead of Debut
Image caption, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly said farewell to the show together last year
Image caption, Former footballer Karen Carney and dancer Carlos Gu won last year's giltterball trophy
Glammed Up! 'Strictly Come Dancing' Drops First 2026 Trailer Featuring Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe
Giovanni Pernice Gets Grilled In Tense Live Interview Over 'Strictly' Drama
Amanda Abbington Teams Up With Emma Thompson for First Major Role Since Strictly Drama
Image caption, Amy Dowden won the latest series of the Channel 4 challenge show alongside Strictly Come Dancing's Carlos Gu
Strictly's Fresh Hosting Lineup Starts Finding Its Rhythm
Image caption, Emma Willis has hosted shows including Big Brother and The Voice
'Strictly Come Dancing' Teases Glamorous Launch Show As Stars Meet Their Pro Partners

Strictly Come Dancing: your questions

When does the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing launch?

The 2026 season is scheduled to launch on September 19 following launch tapings earlier in the month.

Who is hosting Strictly Come Dancing in 2026?

The 2026 series features a new three-host presenting team consisting of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.

How will celebrity contestants meet their dance partners in 2026?

Celebrity contestants will meet their assigned professional partners live on the dance floor instead of through pre-taped video packages.

Why did Amanda Abbington leave Strictly Come Dancing?

Amanda Abbington unexpectedly withdrew from the 2023 competition following a high-profile rehearsal fallout with her partner Giovanni Pernice.

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Often in the same story

BbcEmma WillisAmanda AbbingtonGiovanni PerniceJohannes RadebeJosh WiddicombeThe Voice ukOla Jordan