The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing returns for 2026 with significant alterations to its presenting and professional dancing lineups.
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe have assumed hosting duties following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Five professional dancers have joined the competition, namely Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
These newcomers replace Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez.
The judging panel remains unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood continuing in their respective roles.
Precise remuneration figures for the Strictly judges are not publicly confirmed, though several media outlets have reported varying salary amounts.
According to The Sun, head judge Shirley Ballas initially received £180,000 before negotiating an increased fee of £500,000.
The Express reported a lower figure of £250,000 per series.
Craig Revel Horwood reportedly earns approximately £200,000 per series, while Motsi Mabuse was apparently offered a starting salary of £200,000 upon joining the panel in 2019.
Whether that amount has changed since then remains unclear.
Anton Du Beke, who entered the judging lineup in 2021 as Bruno Tonioli’s replacement, reportedly receives between £175,000 and £200,000.
Du Beke previously appeared in every series of the programme as a professional dancer before transitioning to the judging role.
The 2026 celebrity competitors include Lacey Turner portraying EastEnders character Stacey Slater, television personality Dani Dyer returning after sustaining an injury during the 2025 series, singer Delta Goodrem, hair stylist Chris Appleton, reality television participant Cach Mercer, television and radio presenter Will Best, Britain’s most decorated Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, actresses Jaime Winstone and Bethany Antonia, former professional footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, renowned dog trainer Graeme Hall, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb playing Mackenzie Boyd, Team GB skeleton athlete Tabby Stoecker, football content creator John Nellis, and Melanie Walters known for her role in Gavin and Stacey.