Overview
- The BBC has confirmed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will front Strictly Come Dancing when it returns in September 2026, and long‑running judges are reported to be staying on the panel.
- A large turnover of professional dancers has been announced, with Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez not returning to the 2026 line‑up.
- Janette Manrara announced on her YouTube channel that she is 'no longer a part' of the main show or the weekday companion programme It Takes Two and said she will pursue other projects.
- Some departing professionals are in talks to remain involved behind the scenes, with Nadiya Bychkova saying she is 'in talks' to choreograph pro routines, while the BBC has said replacements will be revealed in due course.
- The overhaul follows reporting of backstage controversies and new BBC welfare measures, and outlets are circulating unconfirmed rumours about set and format changes for It Takes Two and possible celebrity contestants that the BBC has not verified.