Strictly Come Dancing 2026: This year's judges, all the returning professional dancers and Theme Weeks confirmed
The BBC has made an announcementStrictly Come Dancing bosses have confirmed which judges and returning professional dancers will be starring in the 2026 series.
Head judges Shirley Ballas will be once again at the helm of the BBC show when it returns this autumn.
She will be joined on the judging panel by Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
Strictly has also announced which professional dancers will be returning to the ballroom this year.
The announcement comes as several of the Strictly favourites have been axed.
There will be some new professional dancers joining Strictly for 2026, but their names are yet to be announced.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Judges and returning pros confirmed
It was announced today that Shirley, Craig, Motsi and Anton will all be back when Strictly Come Dancing 2026 kicks off in September.
BBC bosses have also confirmed the following professional dancers will be returning:
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- Dianne Buswell
- Julian Caillon
- Amy Dowden
- Katya Jones
- Neil Jones
- Nikita Kuzmin
- Jowita Przystał
- Johannes Radebe
- Aljaž Škorjanec
- Alexis Warr
- Kai Widdrington
- Nancy Xu
- Carlos Gu
- Lauren Oakley
- Vito Coppola
In recent weeks, it has been confirmed that Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova have all quit.
Fans were also devastated to learn that Strictly Come Dancing stalwart Karen Hauer has also left the show.
There will be new professional dancers joining this year’s line-up, with a Strictly spokesperson saying: “In addition to the returning Pros, there will be brand new professional dancers joining the line-up in 2026.
“The new Pros will be confirmed closer to the return of the show as the 24th spectacular series comes to screens in Autumn 2026.”
Strictly 2026’s Theme Weeks
Strictly has also confirmed that there will once again be “spectacular” Theme Weeks when the series returns.
Despite mixed reviews, they will be bringing back the Instant Dance Challenge. The Challenge saw dancers and their celebrity partners put on the spot with a few minutes notice of their dance, music and even costumes.
Some fans felt it was shambolic, however others welcomed the new twist.
Once again, there will be Movies, Icon, Halloween and Music Weeks. The contestants who make it will also visit the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
When will the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 presenters be announced?
There will be new hosts when Strictly returns follow the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Show bosses have been busy auditioning a list of famous faces for the highly coveted job but their names aren’t being revealed just yet.
A Strictly spokesperson said: “Further plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, including the new hosts, new Professional Dancers joining the line up and the celebrity cast of 2026, will be confirmed in due course.”
The wait continues!
