Strictly star Johannes Radebe rejoins the pros as first trailer for 2026 series is released
The new series launches later this monthStrictly Come Dancing has unveiled its first 2026 trailer, with Johannes Radebe dancing alongside the professionals despite becoming a host.
The footage offers the clearest glimpse yet at the programme’s new presenting line-up and familiar judging panel. It also previews the new hosting team of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
Johannes leads the choreography before joining his two co-hosts for their entrance later in the clip. That moment fulfils his earlier promise that presenting would not end his time on the dancefloor.
Johannes Radebe leads the Strictly 2026 trailer
The trailer opens on the studio lot, where the professionals and judges launch into a group routine. Motsi Mabuse begins proceedings in a shimmering gold, floor-length gown.
Johannes then takes charge of the moves alongside his fellow professional dancers. Shirley Ballas dances in a red dress with Vito Coppola, showing her Latin credentials.
Anton Du Beke performs with Katya Jones elsewhere in the number. Craig Revel Horwood swaps the floor for the DJ decks during the musical transition.
The soundtrack moves from a version of Sledgehammer into an upbeat Latin track. Together, those shots give every judge an active role within the opening spectacle.
Five new Strictly professionals make their debut
All five new Strictly Come Dancing professionals also appear during the ensemble performance. Their inclusion gives viewers an early look at the refreshed professional roster in motion.
They share the studio lot with established dancers while Johannes remains central to the choreography. Afterwards, Johannes changes focus and joins Emma and Josh for the presenting team’s entrance.
The three presenters walk down steps together before meeting the wider cast. The sequence ends with the full group raising their arms as streamers burst around them.
The accompanying caption invites fans to get the party started with the new series. It also promises dazzling routines, sparkling sets, glitzy costumes and 15 new celebrities.
Johannes Radebe keeps his dancing shoes on
Johannes had already reassured fans that his move into presenting would not remove him from the dancefloor.
He said: “Now listen, I’m not hanging up my dancing shoes yet.”
He added: “I will definitely be throwing some shapes and moving my hips – I can’t not; that’s my life.”
Johannes added one final tease: “There’s a plan in action, that’s all I’m going to say. You’re going to see JoJo!”
The trailer now shows how that plan begins, with Johannes moving between presenting and performance. His dual role is now the trailer’s central image for the programme’s 2026 changes.
When Strictly Come Dancing 2026 starts
Strictly Come Dancing starts on Saturday 19 September on BBC One. The trailer’s caption also confirms the new series will be available through BBC iPlayer from that date.
Fifteen new celebrities will take to the ballroom during the competition. The first episode begins Johannes’s presenting era after the trailer reaffirmed his place among the dancers.
Read more: Strictly 2026 pro dancer Dianne Buswell ‘absent from recording’ as ‘concern’ addressed
Strictly launches on Saturday, September 19 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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.
