Overview
- The new presenting team of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe performed in a large choreographed opening number and will share onstage hosting duties during the launch.
- The launch show will pair celebrities with their professional partners for the first time on the dancefloor and use a live partner-rotation mechanic where pairings change during the routine.
- Strictly returns on Saturday 19 September on BBC One and iPlayer with a confirmed celebrity lineup that includes Dani Dyer-Bowen, Melanie Walters, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Delta Goodrem.
- The BBC has announced five new professional dancers joining the roster: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
- Producers have reshaped the franchise beyond the main show by appointing Ellie Taylor to front It Takes Two and launching a CBBC spin-off called Strictly Pro Dance Off, a move likely to focus more airtime on professional dancers and digital audiences.