Strictly Come Dancing 2026's launch show ratings revealed as Emma, Johannes and Josh make their debut
We've been waiting to see how many fans tuned inStrictly Come Dancing is back for 2026 – and its huge makeover has already delivered a ratings lift.
The opener drew 5.8million viewers, according to reports, handing the new-look series an encouraging start.
This is higher than the totals recorded by both 2025 and 2024’s launch shows.
It comes as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe made their presenting debut on the BBC juggernaut.
They stepped out together after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left at the end of the last series.
All eyes were on whether the bold three-presenter line-up could click.
And judging by the first reviews, two stars made a strong impression. Unfortunately, the third has a little way to go…
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 launch show ratings revealed
Strictly Come Dancing kicked off with its glittering pre-recorded launch show on Saturday evening (September 19, 2026). Five new professional dancers were also introduced to viewers.
Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita all joined the professional cast.
Strictly also changed its usual partnership reveal. The 15 celebrities were divided into three groups of five inside the studio.
Each contestant danced with several professionals before discovering their official partner live. The new ‘speed dancing’ format made the pairings part of the performance, rather than a simple one-by-one announcement.
Last year, according to The Sun, the audience topped 5.6million viewers. In 2024, 5.7million tuned in. This means this year’s 5.8million clinched it.
But the next test is whether that audience stays once the competition gets serious.
Strictly viewers deliver their verdict on the new hosts
It is most likely that more fans tuned into this year’s launch show compared to the last two years because of Emma, Johannes and Josh. But they were left divided over the presenting shake-up.
Judging by viewer reaction online, Emma was hailed as for her confidence and effortless presenting style. Johannes also pleasantly surprised some viewers with an assured performance in his new role.
However, Josh has received a frostier verdict from some fans. Some felt he looked “out of place”.
Others questioned whether Strictly even needs three presenters.
“Why do we need 3 presenters?” one asked on X. Another added: “Watching #Strictly and I don’t see the point in 3 hosts, this is just odd and I don’t understand why they’ve done it.”
And someone else penned: “The three presenters isn’t working for me.”
Only time will tell if Strictly manages to draw in the big ratings each week with this new line-up. Will you be watching again?
Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6.15pm on BBC One on Saturday September 26, 2026.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
