END OF AN ERA: STRICTLY COME DANCING FACES MAJOR CHANGE AS LONG-SERVING STARS EXIT — BUT JUDGING PANEL REMAINS IN PLACE

Strictly Come Dancing has entered a new era in 2026 after two of its most familiar faces stepped away from the BBC ballroom — but the show’s judging panel remains unchanged.

For years, viewers associated Strictly with the familiar partnership of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Their departure has now brought one of the biggest presenting changes in the programme’s history, with three new faces taking over the hosting duties.

A NEW ERA FOR THE BBC’S FLAGSHIP DANCE SHOW

Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe were announced as the new presenting trio earlier this year.

The three replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departures in October 2025. The new presenters made their debut when the 2026 series launched on September 19.

The BBC’s decision to introduce three presenters rather than simply appoint one replacement marked a significant change to the show’s familiar format.

Radebe, who previously appeared on the programme as a professional dancer, described returning to Strictly in his new role as something he had never imagined.

Meanwhile, Willis said she had been a huge fan of the programme for years and described stepping into the ballroom as difficult to comprehend.

THE JUDGES ARE STILL THERE

Despite online speculation about possible changes to the judging panel, the four familiar judges remain in place for the 2026 series.

Head judge Shirley Ballas continues alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. The four judges were confirmed as returning before the new series began.

That means the emotional changes surrounding the new season are primarily focused on the show’s presenters and professional dancers rather than a confirmed departure from the judging panel.

FIVE PROFESSIONAL DANCERS ALSO LEFT

The 2026 series has nevertheless brought significant change to the ballroom.

Five professional dancers — Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk — left the programme, with five new professionals joining the cast.

Karen Hauer’s departure was particularly notable after 14 years on the programme. She described Strictly as something that had completely changed her life and said it was time to close that chapter and pursue new projects.

Gorka Márquez also announced that he was stepping away after a decade associated with the show.

THE BALLROOM LOOKS DIFFERENT — BUT THE HEART OF STRICTLY REMAINS

The 2026 launch featured a new-look logo, a new presenting structure and a revamped process for pairing celebrities with their professional partners.

Yet some of the show’s most recognisable elements remain.

The judging panel is unchanged, while familiar themed weeks including Movies, Icons, Halloween, Blackpool and Musicals are returning.

For longtime viewers, the new series therefore represents a mixture of nostalgia and change: some beloved faces have moved on, while others remain at the heart of the programme.

And although the phrase “end of an era” has understandably surrounded the latest changes, Strictly Come Dancing itself is continuing — with a new presenting trio, new professional dancers and the same four judges ready to raise their paddles once again.