Strictly 2026 celebrity pairings revealed
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 reveals celebrity contestants and professional partners ahead of live shows.
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Key Points
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Melanie Walters was paired with former Strictly professional champion Aljaž Škorjanec.
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The season includes a landmark all-female partnership between House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia and professional dancer Nancy Xu; it is only the third such pairing in the show’s history, following Nicola Adams and Katya Jones in 2020 and Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer in 2022.
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The launch introduced 15 celebrity contestants and their professional partners, including Dani Dyer’s reunion with Nikita Kuzmin and Bethany Antonia’s partnership with Nancy Xu.
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The five new professionals joining the programme are Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
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Strictly Pro Dance Off will use seven-minute episodes in the Saturday Mash-Up lineup, with professional dancers teaching short lessons before competing in a friendly choreographic face-off; Dianne Buswell is set to lead the first episode.
BBC's Strictly Come Dancing returns in 2026 with 15 celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers for the first time. BBC announced the cast lineup, featuring Olympic skeleton champion Tabby Stoecker, House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia, and Love Island winner Dani Dyer among the competitors. The live shows kick off on September 26, with the first public vote elimination coming October 4.
The new season introduces fresh hosting talent and landmark changes to the show's format. BBC revealed that Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe will take over as hosts, while five new professional dancers join the roster. A groundbreaking all-female partnership between Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu marks only the third such pairing in the show's 20-year history.
Historic All-Female Dance Partnership Takes the Floor
Strictly 2026 features its third-ever all-female contestant-professional pairing. House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia will dance with professional Nancy Xu, following Nicola Adams paired with Katya Jones in 2020 and Jayde Adams with Karen Hauer in 2022. BBC highlighted the partnership as a significant moment for inclusivity in ballroom dancing competition.
New Professional Dancers Bring Fresh Energy to the Lineup
Five new professional dancers will compete this season: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita. Bournemouth Echo reported that Maddie Ingoldsby, a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion, has been paired with TV personality and professional dancer Cach Mercer. The fresh additions expand the show's dance roster with diverse talent and experience.
Celebrity Cast Reunites Familiar Partnerships and Welcomes Newcomers
The 2026 lineup includes several recognizable names paired with seasoned professionals. Love Island winner Dani Dyer reunites with professional Nikita Kuzmin, while actor Lawrence Robb and radio presenter Graeme Hall round out the announced cast. BBC confirmed that Melanie Walters, known for her television work, partners with former Strictly champion Aljaž Škorjanec to begin their competitive journey.
New CBBC Spin-Off Brings Ballroom Dancing to Young Audiences
Strictly Pro Dance Off launches as a children-focused spin-off introducing ballroom dancing to young viewers. BBC stated that the show features seven-minute episodes within the Saturday Mash-Up lineup on CBBC. Professional dancers teach short lessons before competing in friendly choreographic face-offs, with Dianne Buswell leading the first episode to inspire the next generation of dancers.
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