Strictly Come Dancing 2026 first look trailer released

The BBC has released the first trailer for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, and announced that this year's launch show - with a new way of pairing couples - will air at 7.25pm on Saturday 19 September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The minute-long trail features Strictly's new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe alongside the Strictly judges, Professional Dancers, and the celebrity cast of 2026 as they dance the night away on a studio backlot.

The full routine will open this year’s Strictly launch show - which will feature more dancing than ever before, thanks to the new way it will pair the celebrity class of 2026 with their professional dance partners.

For the first time ever, each celebrity and Pro will discover the identity of their partner in front of the Strictly studio audience via three specially-choreographed group dance routines.

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Expect high energy, surprises, and a whole lot of dancing as this year’s celebs are tested like never before!

Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch Show will also take viewers behind the scenes as the celebs begin their dance rehearsals; plus the return of last year’s champion Karen Carney, who will dance her iconic football jive with Carlos Gu. 

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.25pm on Saturday 19 September, airing every weekend until Christmas. The series is a BBC Studios Entertainment production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producer is Sarah James, the Series Editors are Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace.

Here's everything you need to know about this year’s series. Add Strictly to your watchlist on BBC iPlayer now, and follow @bbcstrictly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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