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BBC Launches CBBC Spin-Off Strictly Pro Dance Off

The seven-minute, pro-led series aims to teach dance styles to children and expand Strictly’s reach through CBBC, iPlayer and live Saturday broadcasts.

Overview

  • The BBC confirmed Strictly Pro Dance Off will debut on Saturday 19 September on CBBC and BBC iPlayer with episodes first airing during CBBC’s Saturday Mash-Up!.
  • Each seven-minute episode pairs one Strictly professional leading a short tutorial in a virtual training room with two other pros whose students then face off in a judged dance battle.
  • Dianne Buswell fronts episode one and will teach a Jive with Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley taking part in the first show.
  • The series will feature all returning professional dancers plus five new pros — Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita — who join a reshaped 2026 roster.
  • The spin-off is part of a wider 2026 refresh that also introduces a three-person hosting team on the main show and a new It Takes Two presenter, with the BBC positioning the series to deepen family engagement and spotlight professionals.