Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left with mixed reviews after the pairings for the 2026 series have reportedly leaked online.
Newsquest will not reveal the details of the pairings, since these results have not been verified (and to not spoil the programme).
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing begins next week (Saturday, September 19).
It is a series of change, with new presenters and dancers joining the cast.
Strictly fans left with mixed reactions as 2026 pairings 'leaked'
Despite Strictly's Saturday shows typically airing live, the launch show is pre-recorded.
This year's launch show was reportedly recorded on Wednesday (September 9).
On the show, this year's 15 celebrities will be partnered with a professional dancer.
Due to the pre-recording, the pairings for the 2026 series have been revealed online by the Strictly Spoiler account.
Fans of the show had mixed reviews, with some happier than others depending on who their favourite dancer(s) were partnered with.
One said they were "thrilled", meanwhile another was left "gutted".
The full pairings will be confirmed next weekend on the launch show, which will be different this year.
There will be more dancing and celebrities will be paired with their professional partners in front of the studio audience via three specially choreographed group dance routines for the first time ever.
Viewers will see behind the scenes during the launch show as the celebrities begin their dance rehearsals and last year’s champion Karen Carney will dance her iconic football jive with Carlos Gu.
Get the latest Strictly news and updates for the 2026 series in our guide.
Full line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
The following celebrities will dance in this year’s Strictly competition:
- Lacey Turner - EastEnders' Stacey Slater
- Dani Dyer - TV personality (returning after injury in 2025)
- Delta Goodrem - Singer
- Chris Appleton - Hair stylist
- Cach Mercer - Reality TV star
- Will Best - TV and radio host
- Dame Sarah Storey - Britain's most successful Paralympian
- Jaime Winstone - actress
- Bethany Antonia - actress
- Shaun Wright-Phillips - former professional footballer
- Graeme Hall - famous dog trainer
- Lawrence Robb - Emmerdale's Mackenzie Boyd
- Tabby Stoecker - Team GB skeleton athlete
- John Nellis - football content creator
- Melanie Walters - Gavin and Stacey star
Strictly professional Johannes Radebe will host alongside TV presenter Emma Willis and comedian Josh Widdicombe.
They replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who left Strictly at the end of 2025.
Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Head Judge Shirley Ballas remain as judges.
When does Strictly Come Dancing start?
Strictly Come Dancing’s first episode will air on Saturday, September 19.
Viewers can tune in to see the 2026 launch show from 7.25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
The live shows start on Saturday, September 26 and will air every Saturday until December 19 – the final weekend before Christmas.
December 19 will be the weekend of the grand final and the week viewers will find out who takes home the Glitterball trophy.
Will you be watching the new series of Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know in the comments.
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