See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR Published: 19:11 BST, 22 August 2026 | Updated: 19:24 BST, 22 August 2026
Strictly Come Dancing is bringing back celebrities meeting their professional dance partner for the first time on the dancefloor. In recent years, the pairings have been filmed in introductory video tapes around the country. But the show will now revert back to what was done pre-Covid. TV dog trainer Graeme Hall, 59, who is starring in this year's series, revealed the change on Radio Northampton this week. He said: 'This year, they're doing it slightly differently. We don't find out until the launch show. You have no say in it, the pros have no say in it.'The first show of the new series will air on September 19 when the celebrity and professional pairings are revealed. Strictly Come Dancing is bringing back celebrities meeting their professional dance partner for the first time on the dancefloor (pictured Dani Dyer will make her return after injury) In recent years, the pairings have been filmed in introductory video tapes around the country. But the show will now revert back to what was done pre-Covid (pictured pro dancer Nikita) The first episode is pre-recorded and the following week will mark the return of the live shows, where the new batch of stars will compete for the first time.But there's no elimination that week as the first couple is normally eliminated after the following weekend's performances and public vote, on October 4.It has been confirmed that the final for this year's series will take place just days before Christmas Day on December 19. Graeme also talked about the reaction to the line-up – with some fans of the show branding the cast 'the worst to date'.Some of the best known of the line-up are Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, Will Best and Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters, however many of the stars have been deemed unrecognisable to viewers. YouTuber John Nellis, for example, doesn't even have a Wikipedia page. But that doesn't seem to matter to producers, who are said to have specifically selected stars who have large social media followings.Stars such as Kim Kardashian's hair stylist Chris Appleton might not be a household name, but he does boast a huge social media following with four million fans on Instagram. TV dog trainer Graeme Hall, 59, who is starring in this year's series. said: 'This year, they're doing it slightly differently. We don't find out until the launch show'John has an even bigger fanbase, with 15.7 million YouTube subscribers.Indeed, while bosses may be keen to attract Gen Z (14 to 29 years old), the majority of Strictly viewers are currently Gen X (46 to 61 years old) and Baby Boomers (62 to 80 years old). He said: 'I think you get it every year, it's this "oh I don't recognise a single one of them. They're not celebs". But do you know what? I was watching it last year and I thought George was great, I didn't know him from Adam when he was on.'Of starring in the show, he added: 'It's a dream come true There are not a lot of people in the world that have had the chance to do this. So I'm just going to love every minute, enjoy it for what it is and hope it keeps going as long as possible.'STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS LACEY TURNER AGE: 38BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC's EastEnders WHY STRICTLY?: 'I'm so excited and terrified at the same time but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.'DELTA GOODREMAGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albumsWHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career - from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!'CACH MERCERAGE: 25BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencerWHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!'DAME SARAH STOREYAGE: 48BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain's most successful Paralympian WHY STRICTLY?: 'Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.'BETHANY ANTONIA AGE: 28BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the DragonWHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.'GRAEME 'THE DOGFATHER' HALLAGE: 59BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) BadlyWHY STRICTLY?: 'I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!'TABBY STOECKER AGE: 25BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racerWHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!'MELANIE WALTERS AGE: 64BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & StaceyWHY STRICTLY?: 'Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.' DANI DYERAGE: 30BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny DyerWHY STRICTLY?: 'I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!'CHRIS APPLETONAGE: 43BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars - including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer LopezWHY STRICTLY?: 'I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly 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.'WILL BESTAGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TVWHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!'JAIME WINSTONEAGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb RaiderWHY STRICTLY?: 'I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.'SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS AGE: 44BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester CityWHY STRICTLY?: 'Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!'LAWRENCE ROBBAGE: 34BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV's EmmerdaleWHY STRICTLY?: 'I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!'JOHN NELLIS AGE: 33BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channelWHY STRICTLY?: 'I can't wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!'
