The BBC has released the first trailer for the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing, officially kicking off the annual countdown to the popular competition. This year features a new hosting lineup, with Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe stepping in to front the show.
The trailer showcases Willis and Widdicombe making their hosting debut alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe. The trio emerged from a golden Strictly trailer in a burst of light, looking glamorous as they prepare for the upcoming series, which is set to launch on September 19.
This marks the first time the show will trial a three-host format, following the departures of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the previous year's series. Radebe reassured fans that he would continue to be a part of the dancing action, and the trailer features him performing with fellow professionals and the show's judges: Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke.
In a change to the traditional format, the pairings of celebrities and professional dancers will be revealed differently this year. Instead of pre-filmed clips, the celebrity contestants will discover their partners live in front of the studio audience during three specially choreographed group dance routines. These routines will open the launch show, which promises more dancing than ever before and will also provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the initial rehearsals.