Strictly 2026 kicks off with new trio of hosts and live studio drama
Strictly Come Dancing launched its 2026 series with a brand new hosting trio and chaotic live moments that required production staff to intervene.
27 September 2026 · Reported first by Mirror Celebrity
The key facts
- Strictly Come Dancing launched its 2026 series with a brand new trio of hosts.
- Emma, Josh, and pro dancer Johannes took over presenting duties on the live show.
- Producers had to step in during the live broadcast after the studio audience went silent.
- Craig Revel Horwood brought out his low 'two' scoring paddle during the opening night.
- New professional dancers made their ballroom debuts alongside the new celebrity cast.
What happened on the Strictly dance floor
Strictly Come Dancing is back on our screens, and let's be honest, it wasted zero time bringing the chaos.
The show kicked off its brand-new 2026 run with a fresh look, fresh pro dancers, and a completely reworked presenting lineup. Emma, Josh, and fan-favourite Johannes took the reins as a trio. But live telly rarely goes entirely to plan, does it?
During the live broadcast, things ground to a sudden halt when an unexpected hush fell over the studio crowd. Producers had to step in quickly behind the scenes to get the studio audience making noise again and keep the energy from flatlining on air.
Then came the judges. Craig Revel Horwood wasted no time settling right back into his pantomime villain seat. He whipped out his dreaded 'two' paddle almost immediately, proving some things on Saturday night television never really change.
The big shake-up behind the scenes
Show bosses clearly wanted to freshen up the ballroom this year. Bringing in a three-person hosting team changed the rhythm of the entire night.
Johannes stepped out from the pro lineup to share mic duties alongside Emma and Josh. Having three presenters juggling cues, live links, and nervous celebrities is always a gamble. When the studio fell dead silent during one segment, the tension was obvious to everyone watching at home.
The floor team had to rally the audience from the sidelines to bring the roar back. It was messy, it was live, and honestly, it made for brilliant viewing.
Alongside the hosting shift, several new professional dancers stepped onto the ballroom floor for the very first time. New pairings always mean extra nerves, and the opening numbers showed plenty of wobbles.
What Craig Revel Horwood said
If anyone thought a shiny new format would soften up the judging panel, Craig made sure to kill that hope off instantly.
He pulled no punches with his early critiques. While the rest of the room tried to keep things upbeat and celebratory for week one, Craig reached straight down and flashed a brutal score of two.
Boos naturally filled the room. But that is exactly what people tune in to see on a Saturday evening. The mix of genuine panic on the celebrities' faces and Craig's cold glare set the tone for the weeks ahead.
How viewers at home reacted
Fans on social platforms were split on the new setup within minutes of the opening credits rolling.
Some viewers loved seeing Johannes front and centre in a hosting spot, praising his warmth and natural charm under the bright studio lights. Others felt the three-host setup felt crowded and clunky compared to previous years.
The sudden awkward silences did not slip past viewers at home either. People immediately noticed the production staff scrambling to get the crowd cheering after awkward pauses between routines.
Still, the overwhelming feeling was relief that the glitz, sequined outfits, and weekend drama are officially back on the box.
What to expect next week
Week one is done, but the real test starts now. The couples have survived their first live routine without facing the public vote, but that safety net vanishes next Saturday.
The production crew will definitely be tightening up the cues and keeping the studio audience pumped from start to finish. Emma, Josh, and Johannes will need to smooth out the handoffs between presenting links before the live elimination pressure hits.
As for the dancers who walked away with Craig's lowest scores? They will be straight back into the rehearsal rooms on Monday morning trying to fix their footwork before the first couple gets sent packing.
How it unfolded
Launch night
Strictly returns to BBC One featuring a revamped set and three new hosts.
Mid-show
Producers intervene to wake up the live audience after an awkward studio silence.
Judges' scoring
Craig Revel Horwood dishes out a harsh score of two to kick off the new series.
Why this matters
Strictly's major host shake-up marks one of the biggest format changes in the show's history, proving live Saturday night TV can still deliver unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat drama.
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Your questions answered
- Who are the new hosts of Strictly 2026?
- The new series introduced a three-person presenting lineup made up of Emma, Josh, and long-time pro Johannes.
- Why did producers intervene during the live show?
- Production staff had to jump in to rally the studio audience after an awkward silence fell across the live room.
- What score did Craig Revel Horwood give on week one?
- Craig lived up to his strict reputation by pulling out a low score of two on the opening night.
- Are there new pro dancers on Strictly this year?
- Yes, the 2026 series introduced several new professional dancers to the ballroom lineup.
- Did any celebrity get eliminated in week one?
- No celebrities were eliminated during the opening live show, with public voting kicking off in week two.
- Is Johannes still dancing on Strictly?
- Johannes stepped into a main hosting position alongside Emma and Josh for the 2026 launch.
- When does the first Strictly elimination happen?
- The first couple will leave the competition at the end of the second live show after the public vote.