A debate has erupted among the Strictly Come Dancing fandom after several pairings for this year’s series appear to have emerged online ahead of the launch show.
The launch show was captured on camera at Elstree Film Studios on Wednesday, but viewers will have to wait until Saturday, September 19, to watch the pre-recorded opener.
The episode will bring in a new era for the competition as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe step in as hosts after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departed together following the 2025 series.
Then, from September 26, live shows will broadcast every Saturday evening, with pre-recorded results episodes following on Sunday nights.
The Strictly launch show was recorded earlier this week
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BBC
However, in what has become a rather irksome trend for the BBC dance competition’s bosses, spoilers surrounding the pre-recorded episodes have already begun to leak online courtesy of The Strictly Spoiler X page.
Year after year, Sunday’s results have been shared online late on Saturday evenings, and despite pleas from the Strictly cast and crew to stop the leaks, this year’s pairings appear to have become the latest addition to the trend.
Among the 15 contestants vying for the Glitterball Trophy are Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, actress Jaime Winstone, former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner, 2018 Love Island champion Dani Dyer, and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.
Meanwhile, the pro line-up has undergone a major shake-up, too, with five long-serving pros axed and replaced with new faces: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
The Strictly 2026 celebrity contestants have already met their partners for the series
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BBC
GB News won’t be revealing the identity of the alleged pairings or which pros are believed to have been benched for the 2026 series.
However, it’s safe to say the so-called “leaked” couples have sparked quite the debate among the fandom online.
And there’s one pro, in particular, whose rumoured pairing hasn’t gone down well. “I thought they would finally give [NAME REMOVED] a good partner… alas I’m sure (they) will do amazing still anyway,” one fan complained.
A second echoed: “Gutted for [NAME REMOVED]… (They) deserve a better partner.”
Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe are this year’s hosts
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BBC
It wasn’t all negative, however, as other fans celebrated another pairing which they feel has a chance at glory.
“[NAME REMOVED] is finally coming for the glitterball!!! SO HAPPY FOR (THEM),” one X user reacted to the leak, followed by a series of clapping emojis.
Meanwhile, other pairings left some fans scratching their heads. “I’m surprised that [NAME REMOVED] has [NAME REMOVED],” one Strictly fan mused on Reddit.
Elsewhere, several X users were unable to muster up the excitement of yesteryear. “For the first time ever, I barely recognise any of these names so it matters not,” one fan weighed in.
The full cast of Strictly 2026
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BBCAnd a second concurred: “Got be honest pal first time in decades I am not bothered about the show. Really sad.” (sic)
Fans will have to tune into the launch show later this month to see for sure which celebrity is paired with whom, however.
As well as the aforementioned celebrity contestants, the line-up also features Gavin and Stacey’s Melanie Walters, Big Brother host Will Best, and 2025 Love Island winner Cach Mercer.
The judging panel remains unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all returning to their seats behind the desk.