2026 – South African audiences can once again prepare for sequins, showstopping performances and plenty of ballroom drama as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC BRIT (DStv Channel 120) on Sunday 27 September at 7pm.
One of the world’s most successful entertainment formats returns for its 24th season with a brand-new presenting line-up, a fresh celebrity cast and five new professional dancers joining the famous Strictly ballroom.
For South African viewers, the new season brings three homegrown reasons to tune in.
Johannes Radebe steps into a major new role as co-host alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, helping to lead the show into a new era. Meanwhile, Motsi Mabuse returns to the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke. Completing the South African representation is Lethabo Monametsi, who joins the Strictly professional dancer line-up for the first time.
A new era for Strictly
Following his hugely successful journey from professional dancer to household name, Johannes now takes centre stage as part of Strictly’s first-ever three-person presenting team.
Speaking when the new presenting line-up was announced, Johannes said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.”
For the first time, celebrities and professional dancers will discover their Strictly partners in front of the studio audience as part of a brand-new launch show packed with specially choreographed group performances, surprises and more dancing than ever before.
Meet the celebrity class of 2026
This year’s contestants taking to the dancefloor are:
• Bethany Antonia (actor)
• Cach Mercer (Love Island winner)
• Chris Appleton (hair stylist)
• Dani Dyer (TV personality)
• Dame Sarah Storey (Paralympian)
• Delta Goodrem (singer-songwriter)
• Graeme Hall (dog trainer)
• Jaime Winstone (actor)
• John Nellis (content creator)
• Lacey Turner (actor)
• Lawrence Robb (actor)
• Melanie Walters (actor)
• Shaun Wright-Phillips (former footballer)
• Tabby Stoecker (Olympian)
• Will Best (TV and radio presenter)
New professionals join the ballroom
Five new professional dancers will make their Strictly debut this season:
• Aleksandra Isaeva
• Cristian Priori
• Lethabo Monametsi
• Maddie Ingoldsby
• Mark Karmalita
Among the newcomers is South African Latin Champion Lethabo Monametsi, who first discovered her love of dance through South Africa’s own version of Strictly Come Dancing. Since then, she has won the television dance competition Dance Yo Dumo, represented South Africa internationally and built an impressive career on stage and screen.
More than a dance competition
For more than two decades, Strictly Come Dancing has created the kind of television moments audiences love to share, debate and celebrate together. Whether viewers are backing a favourite couple, disagreeing with a judge’s score or predicting who might lift the Glitterball Trophy, the format continues to bring audiences together week after week.
Pierre Cloete, Vice President for Africa at BBC Studios, said: “Few shows create shared television moments quite like Strictly Come Dancing. Whether viewers are choosing favourites, debating the judges’ scores or celebrating incredible performances, it remains one of television’s ultimate feel-good experiences. With Johannes Radebe, Motsi Mabuse and Lethabo Monametsi all playing key roles this season, there’s an extra reason for South African audiences to tune in and enjoy an unforgettable new chapter of Strictly on BBC BRIT.”
With a brand-new presenting team, a fresh cast of celebrities, new professional dancers and more South African representation than ever before, the 2026 season promises another unforgettable journey to the Glitterball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing premieres on BBC BRIT (DStv Channel 120) on Sunday 27 September at 7pm.
