STRICTLY COME DANCING FACES THE END OF AN ERA — FIVE FAMILIAR FACES DEPART AS FANS ADJUST TO A NEW CHAPTER

The ballroom is changing, and longtime viewers are preparing to say goodbye to some of the show’s most recognizable stars. But is a beloved judge really leaving the panel?

LONDON, UK — For years, Strictly Come Dancing has brought glittering costumes, unforgettable performances and emotional goodbyes into living rooms across Britain. Now, the BBC’s much-loved dance competition is entering a new chapter, with major changes to its professional dancers and presenting team.

But amid the headlines about departures, one important detail deserves clarification: the show’s four main judges have not been announced as leaving the panel for the 2026 series. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are all returning to their familiar seats.

FIVE PROFESSIONAL DANCERS SAY GOODBYE

The biggest change to the dance floor comes with the departure of five professional dancers: Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.

For fans who have followed their journeys over the years, the news marks the end of an important chapter in the show’s history.

Karen Hauer, who joined Strictly in 2012, became one of its most familiar faces. Announcing her decision to leave, she said she felt it was the right time to close this chapter and pursue new projects.

Gorka Márquez also confirmed his departure after a decade on the programme, explaining that scheduling commitments had influenced his decision. The BBC thanked the departing professionals for their contributions to the competition.

Their exits leave room for fresh talent to step into the spotlight, bringing new partnerships, choreography and personalities to the ballroom.

A NEW PRESENTING TEAM TAKES OVER

The changes extend beyond the dancers.

Longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped away after the previous series, closing a chapter that had become synonymous with Strictly for many viewers.

For 2026, Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe have taken over presenting duties as a trio — a new format for the flagship entertainment programme.

Their arrival brings a different dynamic to the ballroom, while the programme works to preserve the warmth, humour and excitement that have helped make it a Saturday-night favourite.

THE JUDGES ARE STAYING — FOR NOW

Despite speculation surrounding the show’s changes, the judging panel remains in place for the 2026 series.

Head judge Shirley Ballas returns alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, ready to assess the celebrities’ performances and deliver the scores that can make or break a couple’s week.

Their return offers a familiar anchor in a season filled with new faces and changing routines.

That distinction matters: departures among the professional dancers and presenters should not be confused with a confirmed exit by a judge.

CAN STRICTLY RECAPTURE ITS OLD MAGIC?

Every long-running television show eventually faces the challenge of evolving without losing what made audiences fall in love with it.

For Strictly Come Dancing, the answer will depend on more than the names appearing in the opening credits. The chemistry between celebrities and their professional partners, the creativity of the routines and the emotional stories unfolding each week all help define the show’s appeal.

Some viewers may miss the familiar faces who have left. Others will be eager to see what the new lineup brings to the dance floor.

One thing is certain: the ballroom is moving into a new era, and audiences will be watching closely to see how it unfolds.

The glitterball may stay the same, but the people who make the magic happen are changing. And for longtime Strictly fans, that is more than enough to make this season feel like the end of one chapter — and the beginning of another.