Strictly Come Dancing 2026 launch: Tess Daly supports new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe as show introduces 15 new celebrities and 5 new professional dancers Former host Tess Daly expresses her excitement for the new season of Strictly Come Dancing, which premieres with a fresh lineup of presenters and dancers. The show features 15 new celebrities, including Lacey Turner and Delta Goodrem, as they vie for the Glitterball trophy under the guidance of the show's judges. Tess Daly threw her support behind the new cast of Strictly Come Dancing as it launched with new hosts and five new professional dancers on Saturday night. The presenter, 57, departed the show alongside her co-host Claudia Winkleman last year after 21 years. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Tess shared a picture of the new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe with the professional dancers and 15 celebrities. She wrote: '@bbcstrictly Class of 26! So excited for tonight!And to finally be able to watch Strictly in flat shoes'. The new trio joined the dance floor for the first ever time as they welcomed back judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. Sharing his nerves, Josh said: 'It's a little bit overwhelming to be here but we are so excited...' Tess Daly threw her support behind the new cast of Strictly Come Dancing as it launched with new hosts and five new professional dancers on Saturday night The presenter, 57, departed the show alongside her co-host Claudia Winkleman last year after 21 years Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Tess shared a picture of the new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe with the professional dancers and 15 celebrities 'We cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you,' Emma said. Viewers at home hailed Emma 'the goddess of British TV' as she launched the series in a plunging glitzy dress.While Emma went down a hit with fans, bemused fans asked 'why do we need three hosts' as they shared their verdict on social media. Users wrote on X: 'i love emma, jojo and josh but it feels so odd without tess and claude, this is gonna take some getting used to,' 'I can't understand why we need 3 presenters???' '3 hosts are different but I love emma willis so happy she's part of this,' 'Emma and Johannes have got this but Josh just does not fit #Strictly,' 'Why does it need 3 presenters? It just doesn't work,' 'Is it way too early to say I'm not sold on these hosts and I want Tess and Claud back?#strictly,' While Emma went down a hit with fans, bemused fans asked 'why do we need three hosts' as they shared their verdict on social media Emma marked her first ever Strictly show with an emotional post on Instagram, writing: 'Week one… I guess it's officially happening then. Dress on, game face ready and fully prepared for the glitter to take over… Strictly, let's be having you✨.' As the hosts previously explained, the new presenting format is fluid with no 'like for like' replacements for Claudia and Tess. Instead, seasoned TV presenter Emma, comedian Josh and Strictly pro dancer Johannes tried out different combinations during the launch episode. The launch show episode, pre-recorded last week, saw the new crop of celebrities find out who they will be dancing with for, potentially, 13 weeks as they vie for the Glitterball trophy.STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS LACEY TURNER AGE: 38 BEST 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 GOODREM AGE: 41 BEST KNOWN FOR? : Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums WHY 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 MERCER AGE: 25 BEST KNOWN FOR? : Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer WHY 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 STOREY AGE: 48 BEST 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: 28 BEST KNOWN FOR? : Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon WHY STRICTLY? : 'I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully! ) learn a new skill