BBC's Strictly revamp fails to deliver ratings boost as launch pulls in 5.8 million viewers

From the Newshound archive · first published 20 September 2026 · last updated 21 September 2026.

The revamped Strictly Come Dancing launched with 5.8 million viewers — up slightly on 5.6 million and 5.7 million in the previous two years, but the BBC's sweeping overhaul failed to generate the significant ratings surge bosses had hoped for. New hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe fronted the show for the first time after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit.

Viewers praised Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe but slammed Josh Widdicombe as out of place, saying only two presenters were needed.

Five new professional dancers — Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita — debuted in a fiery opening number.

Dani Dyer was paired again with Nikita Kuzmin, repeating last year's partnership before she had to withdraw after breaking her ankle.