Strictly Come Dancing 2026 pro line-up in full after BBC bloodbath

The BBC has confirmed its line-up of professional dancers for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing after a "bloodbath" of sackings. Now it has officially broken its silence after Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova were axed from the programme, confirming their departures with emotional statements.

This will also be the first year without Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts. While all four judges are returning, it sees a marked shift for Strictly - with some new pros also confirmed to be joining the line-up. In an official statement, the BBC confirmed that Alexis Warr, Alja Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Dianne Buswell, Johannes Radebe, Jowita Przystal and Julian Caillon will all return as pros.

Joining them will be Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin and Vito Coppola.

The BBC explained: "In addition to the returning pros, there will be brand new professional dancers joining the line-up in 2026. The new pros will be confirmed closer to the return of the show as the 24th spectacular series comes to screens in Autumn 2026."

Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will return as judges.

The BBC also confirmed that themed weeks including movie week, icons week, Halloween week and musicals week will be back, plus the Instant Dance challenge.

Strictly will be returning to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom in 2026.

It added: "Further plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, including the new hosts, new Professional Dancers joining the line up and the celebrity cast of 2026, will be confirmed in due course."