It may be a long while before Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One, but in the recent news cycle, it’s been all anyone can talk about!
Ever since hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they’d be stepping down from presenting duties, speculation has been rife as to who could replace them – but the rumour mill hasn’t stopped there.
It’s usually around this time of year the BBC announce which professionals will be returning to the Strictly ballroom, but instead, four shocking exits have been announced, including the show’s longest serving female pro.
Strictly Come Dancing is certainly on course to return later this year, but with so many conflicting reports, we have put together a guide of everything you need to know about the show ahead.
Scroll on for all the key details about Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
When could Strictly Come Dancing return to TV?
Strictly Come Dancing usually returns to BBC One in the autumn period, often mid to late September, so we could expect the same release pattern later this year.
Though this won’t be confirmed until much closer to the time, often when audience spaces are released for the live shows. We’ll be sure to keep this page updated with the latest once more information is revealed.
Has it been confirmed who is taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
No, the official cast for Strictly Come Dancing has not yet been announced.
The BBC tend to announce the celebrities taking part in the summer, often in August just as rehearsals begins, so we could expect announcements then.
This hasn’t stopped speculation, though, with Delta Goodrem, Josie Gibson and Dani Dyer among the names rumoured to be taking part later this year.
Has it been confirmed which professionals are taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
The BBC still hasn’t confirmed which professionals will be returning to the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor, amid a spate of exits.
Last month, it was confirmed that Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas would not be returning to the show, with each of them sharing thanks to fans for their well wishes.
However, it has been reported that Katya Jones will remain in the line-up, with show bosses reportedly “desperate” to keep her in the show.
It is usually around this time of year that the professionals line-up is confirmed, so it could be any day now!
Has It Takes Two been cancelled?
No, there is no official confirmation from the BBC that It Takes Two has been cancelled.
New reports suggest that upon the show’s return, it will be in the form of a visualised podcast, similar to The Traitors: Uncloaked and The Apprentice: Unfinished Business.
A spokesperson for the BBC told Radio Times: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
Who will be the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 judges?
Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse are all likely to return to the judging panel later this year.
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Karen Carney and pro Carlos Gu won Strictly Come Dancing in 2025.
Karen, alongside George Clarke and Amber Davies found themselves in the final as they all performed three routines and it was down to the public to choose their winner.
Reacting to their win, a visibly shocked Karen said: “I cannot believe it. I just wanna say thank you to everyone that’s supported our journey, supported us, and thank you to this wonderful gentleman [Carlos]. We are a team and I couldn’t have done this without you.
“But honestly, I can’t believe it. It’s been the biggest privilege and honour. And, literally, I’m lost for words, sorry”.
Carlos said to Karen: “Thank you, Karen Carney. I love you. And thank you for being so incredible. This whole journey, you taught me so much. And we are completely two different characters, but we challenged each other, we helped each other, we never gave up on each other. And thank you for changing my life.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
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