Strictly Come Dancing is set for a major overhaul. Long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they will step down from presenting duties. The show is also shifting its companion program, It Takes Two, to a vodcast format.
As changes unfold, professional dancers Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas will not return. However, Katya Jones is reportedly staying in the line-up. The official cast for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has yet to be announced.
“I cannot believe it. I just wanna say thank you to everyone that’s supported our journey,” said Karen Carney, who won the show in 2025 with Carlos Gu. “We are a team and I couldn’t have done this without you.”
The judging panel—expected to include Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse—remains largely unchanged. Yet with the departure of Tess and Claudia, observers emphasize the need for careful management of the show’s legacy.
Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course. A BBC spokesperson stated that auditions for new hosts are ongoing, with nine candidates shortlisted for consideration.
There’s a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding these changes. “Strictly is the crown jewel of the BBC,” an insider remarked. With shifts in hosting and format, fans hope to see fresh creativity infused into the beloved series.
While It Takes Two’s transition to a vodcast has not been officially confirmed as cancelled, reports suggest it’s poised for a creative renewal. This shift could breathe new life into how fans engage with their favorite dancers and judges.
Still, uncertainties linger—such as the exact date for the return of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 and the final list of new hosts. The show usually returns in mid to late September.
