Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu have opened up about the big changes being made to the 2026 series – from the cast shake-up to its new hosts.
The BBC dance competition is back in September for its 24th series and the first in its history without longtime host Tess Daly after her departure alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman last October.
Instead, broadcaster Emma Willis and comedian Josh Widdicombe will be stepping into those Strictly hosting shoes alongside Johannes Radebe, who has been a professional dancer on the show for the last eight years.
Speaking about the new series, Amy Dowden – who is currently competing on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted with Carlos Gu – told The Independent that it’s “going to be incredible”, with the cast of professional dancers currently in rehearsals.
“We’ve got new presenters, fabulous new dancers. We’re working really hard in the training room right now with so many fabulous numbers, so you’re gonna have to tune in and wait and see,” she said.
As for Radebe’s new role, she said that the pros are “all so excited” for him. Fellow professional Gu added: “We are so happy for him. He deserves it.”
Ahead of the 2026 series, the BBC show has also undergone one of the biggest cast culls in recent years – with five stars confirming that they wouldn’t be returning. Karen Hauer, Strictly’s longest serving female professional, announced she was leaving after 13 years, while Gorka Marquez was confirmed to be off the show after ten years.
Others leaving include Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova and Michelle Tsiakkas, who revealed that she was dropped from the show without being “given as to reason”.
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Addressing the cast changes, Dowden said: “Obviously, I know for a lot of them it was their own decision and it was time for them to take on new challenges.
“But once you’re part of the Strictly family, you’re always part of the family.”
Five new professionals have joined the cast for this year, including British ballroom champion Maddie Ingoldsby, 21, Ukrainian choreographer and one of the world’s best Latin dancers Aleksandra Isaeva, 22, and South African dancer Lethabo Monametsi, 23.
They’ll be joined by Italian Latin champion Cristian Priori, 34 and Canadian Latin star Mark Karmalita, 22.
Last week, the final celebrity in the 2026 Strictly line-up was announced, with Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters being confirmed to take part.
She’ll be competing against EastEnders star Lacey Turner, Big Brother host Will Best, Love Island’s Dani Dyer, singer Delta Goodrem and actor Bethany Antonia among others.
Strictly returns in September, while Celebrity Hunted is currently airing on Channel 4 at 9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.