Strictly Come Dancing unveils brand new show Strictly Pro Dance Off for 2026 series
This sounds funStrictly Come Dancing has unveiled a bite-sized spin-off featuring its professional dancers in competitive battles.
The BBC has officially confirmed Strictly Pro Dance Off, an interactive series created for children and families.
Dianne Buswell will take charge of the opening episode, teaching a jive to two fellow professionals.
The seven-minute format mixes dance instruction with competition and offers viewers a closer look at the professional cast.
Viewers can follow the steps from home or simply watch the dancers compete.
How Strictly Pro Dance Off works
Each episode places three Strictly professionals inside a virtual training room. One dancer becomes the teacher, while the remaining pair learn that episode’s routine.
The BBC calls the format “interactive”, with the teaching professional explaining the style and techniques involved. The two pupils then “take to the floor to battle it out” after completing their tutorial.
Their teacher holds the familiar Strictly score paddles as the pair compete to impress. However, the format also promises lighter moments away from the finished performance.
An official BBC announcement said: “Combining competitive performance with a lot of behind-the-scenes fun, young viewers will be taken step by step through the different Strictly dance styles by their favourite pros.”
The routines will use popular tracks, giving younger viewers an accessible introduction to different ballroom and Latin styles.
Dianne Buswell leads the first dance battle
Dianne will teach the first routine before Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley perform the jive against each other.
The spin-off will feature every returning professional, alongside the five new Strictly professionals. They are Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
Sarah Muller, senior head of commissioning for BBC Children’s and Education 7+, explained the thinking behind the format.
“Strictly Pro Dance Off brings everything children love about Strictly into a short, energetic new format made especially for them,” she said. “Viewers will see the Professional Dancers learning, teaching and getting competitive, while discovering more about the different styles and techniques that bring the ballroom to life.”
When Strictly Pro Dance Off starts
Strictly Pro Dance Off launches on Saturday September 19, 2026 at 9am on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.
Each episode will first air live during Saturday Mash-Up! before becoming available to stream on BBC iPlayer. New instalments will arrive every Saturday morning.
The weekly dances will connect with themes appearing on the main programme later that evening. That link should help families learn a routine before settling down for the full Strictly spectacle.
Strictly Come Dancing begins on Saturday September 19 at 7.25pm on BBC One.
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.
