Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Kicks Off with New Hosting Trio Facing Mixed Viewer Reactions
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe take the helm, but Widdicombe is criticized for his co-hosting role.
The 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing launched its first live show on Saturday night, introducing a new hosting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. The new lineup has generated mixed reactions from viewers, particularly Widdicombe, who some observers felt appeared as a "spare part" alongside the more experienced Willis.
The previous hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, departed the BBC show at the conclusion of the 2025 series, paving the way for the new presenting arrangement. Willis and Widdicombe are presenting from the main stage, mirroring Daly's former role, while Radebe is stationed in the auditorium, similar to Winkleman.
Willis acknowledged feeling nervous at the start of the live broadcast, a sentiment shared by some viewers who have voiced their opinions on social media. The show proceeded with the newly paired celebrity contestants taking to the dancefloor.
Big Brother presenter Will Best, 41, opened the competition with a Samba to Robbie Williams' "Rock DJ," partnered with Dianne Buswell. While the audience response was enthusiastic, judge Craig Revel Horwood noted Best's "sloppy" arm technique, awarding him four points. Shirley Ballas also scored a four, while Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke each gave a five, resulting in a total score of 18.
British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, 25, followed with a Jive to "Animal" by KATSEYE, dancing with new professional Mark Karmalita. Anton Du Beke praised her performance, comparing her to last year's winner Karen Carney, and awarded her a seven. Mabuse gave a six, and Ballas a five, for a total of 22.
Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, performed a Quickstep to "C’est Magnifique" with Julian Caillon. Despite some minor errors, she received a three from Revel Horwood and fours from the other judges, finishing with a score of 15.
Other pairings revealed include Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb with Jowita Przystał, Love Island winner Dani Dyer with Nikita Kuzmin, and House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia with Nancy Xu. Antonia specifically requested a female partner, inspired by Nicola Adams and Katya Jones's 2020 pairing, which she stated was influential during her coming-out journey.
New professional dancer Maddie Ingoldsby is partnered with Love Island star Cach Mercer, while celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton teams up with Amy Dowden. Australian singer Delta Goodrem is paired with Kai Widdrington, and dog trainer Graeme Hall will dance with Lauren Oakley. Actress Jaime Winstone is partnered with Carlos Gu, and sports YouTuber John Nellis with Katya Jones. EastEnders actress Lacey Turner will dance with Vito Coppola, and Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters with Aljaž Škorjanec. Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips is paired with Alexis Warr.
Viewer reception to the celebrity lineup has been mixed, with some social media comments questioning the identities of the contestants, who are perceived by some to be chosen more for their social media following than household recognition. Producers have reportedly prioritized stars with large online presences to attract younger demographics, a strategy previously seen with success on the US program Dancing With The Stars. However, the average age of the Strictly audience remains in the mid-50s and above, with approximately 60% of viewers aged 55 or older.