STRICTLY COME DANCING REVEALS NEW HOSTS AND 2026 PAIRINGS

Strictly Come Dancing's 2026 series opened with a launch show introducing three new hosts, Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, each making their presenting debut. The pre-recorded episode revealed this year's celebrity and professional pairings and featured a revamped format with more dancing than previous launch shows. One report said viewing figures for the launch show showed that the BBC's changes to the line-up failed to produce a ratings boost. The winning couple will lift the glitterball trophy in around three months, after weeks of dance-offs.

House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia partnered with dancer Nancy Xu in the competition's only same-sex pairing this year. Antonia, also known for roles in Doctors, Stay Close and Doctor Who, said she grew up watching the show. Xu joined the professional line-up in 2019 after competing on the Chinese version of So You Think You Can Dance. Love Island winner Cach Mercer paired with Maddie Ingoldsby, a UK National Ballroom Champion and one of the newest professional dancers on the show. Mercer, who won Love Island last year with Toni Laites, said dancing was a huge passion of his.

Chris Appleton also partnered with Amy Dowden for the series. Radebe, Willis and Widdicombe presented the launch show together for the first time, following changes to the programme's hosting line-up. One report described the revamped format and new hosts as a gamble by the BBC, adding that the viewing figures did not reflect a boost in ratings. The celebrities will now compete over the coming months, with dance-offs deciding which couples progress before the series crowns a winning couple.