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Returning Strictly Come Dancing professional tells fans not to "worry" about "different" 2026 episodes
A new era of Strictly is upon us!
BBC/Kieron McCarron
- Katelyn Mensah
Published: Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 10:17 am
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Katya Jones has assured fans there's nothing to worry about with the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing, amid a flurry of changes to the BBC flagship show.
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The show changes first began with the confirmation that Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez would not be returning to the professionals line-up later this year – with the BBC later confirming new dancers will be joining the fold.
And after months of speculation, it was then confirmed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would be the new hosts of Strictly, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Over the years, Strictly has never seen a shake-up quite like it – with It Takes Two also rumoured to have a slightly different format to what fans are used to – but returning professional dancer Jones has attempted to ease any fan concerns.
Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe for Strictly Come Dancing. BBC/Ray Burmiston
In an interview with Digital Spy, Jones said: "Obviously quite a few things will be different. We're not going to have some of the dancers, we might have some new dancers, we have new presenters.
"There's not going to be the Claudiatorium because there's no Claudia, so yes, things will be different. However, at its core the show is still the same. We're taking people who can't dance and showing them how to dance.
"Don't worry everybody, you can still sit down with your family and enjoy the beautiful dancing."
Katya Jones. BBC/Ray Burmiston
So far, four celebrities have been confirmed to join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2026, including one famous face who was forced to drop out of last year's competition.
The Dyers' Caravan Park star Dani Dyer will be joining EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, musician Delta Goodrem and celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton as part of the line-up, with more names to be announced over the summer.
Read more:
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- Gavin & Stacey star tipped for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 – from Barry to the ballroom
Appleton was the latest celeb to join the line-up, and said in a statement: "I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience.
"I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can’t wait to get started."
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Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.
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Authors
Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
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