Professional dancers have begun training for the 2026 season of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Following a significant cast overhaul, returning stars like Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell are joining five new professionals for the September launch.
The departure of Gorka Marquez and four other pros
The BBC is attempting to revitalize its flagship dance competition through a significant structural overhaul. as reported by the source, this "major shake-up" involved a "bloodbath" that saw several high-profile professionals removed from the lineup.
The departure of fan favorites like Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk marks a pivot for the 2026 series. This move comes as the show seeks a "fresh start," a strategy often used by long-runing franchises to combat audience fatigue or shift demographic appeal. By removing established names, the producers are clearly looking to reset the show's identity.
From Ukraine to Canada: The five new faces
The new professional roster introduces five international talents to the dancefloor. These newcomers include Ukrainian Aleksandra Isaeva, Italian Cristian Priori, South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi, Canadian Mark Karmalita, and UK National Ballroom Champion Maddie Ingoldsby.
These additions join a core group of returning professionals, including Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, and Jowita Przystal . The return of Amy Dowden is particularly notable following her recent health battles, while Dianne Buswell returns to the studio after welcoming her son, Bowden, in March. Other returning stars include Carlos Gu, the 33-year-old Glitterball Trophy winner, alongside Katya Jones, Kai Widdrington, and Aljaž Škorjanec.
Lacey Turner and the controversial celebrity lineup
The celebrity lineup for the September launch features a mix of soap stars and social media personalities. Lacey Turner, known for her role in EastEnders,has been confirmed as a contestant,though she admitted to feeling "terrified" about the upcoming training.
Other revealed contestants include Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Dani Dyer, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Dame Sarah Storey, and Delta Goodrem. The report notes that the signing of 25-year-old influencer Cach Mercer has already sparked backlash among some viewers. Mercer, who has built a following on TikTok through Afrobeat and hip-hop dance, brings a different social media energy to the competition.
What the BBC's 'fresh start' still leaves unsaid
While the cast is largely settled,several details regarding the 2026 series remain unverified. The BBC has promised a "fresh start" with a "new set of challenges," but the specific nature of these format changes has not been disclosed.
Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the audience will react to the absence of the axed professionals. Whether the new international cohort can maintain the show's viewership levels amidst such a drastic transition is a question that will only be answered once the series airs this September.
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