Strictly stars unite for TV Baftas 2026 despite major nominations snub

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing were out in force to celebrate this year’s TV Baftas – despite not being nominated.

In a shocking turn of events, the glitzy BBC dance show was not recognised in any categories this time around.

This comes after Karen Carney and Carlos Gu’s triumph in the 2025 series, which also marked Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final one as hosts, with an announcement of their replacements thought to be imminent.

Instead, The Graham Norton Show, Last One Laughing, Would I Lie To You?, and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show were nominated for the entertainment TV Bafta, shutting Strictly out entirely.

Still, its professionals and former contestants donned their finest attire to walk the red carpet this weekend, without the added pressure of potentially having to make a speech.

Dianne Buswell was solo on the carpet, having welcomed her first child, Bowie, with real-life partner Joe Sugg just weeks ago.

The flame-haired pro – who has been confirmed to return to the line-up in 2026 – looked gorgeous in a strapless black gown, with her vibrant locks styled in an up do.

She was joined by Katya Jones in a dramatic, deep red gown. The Russian choreographer was reportedly saved by Strictly bosses from the mass cull of professionals, which left Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuck, and Michelle Tsiakkas ‘devastated’ when their contracts were not renewed.

Meanwhile, contestant Lewis Cope, who wowed everyone with his skills last season, walked the carpet with his girlfriend.

Noticeably absent was ex-host Tess, who has made her fair share of headlines this weekend, announcing she and Vernon Kay are divorcing after nearly 23 years of marriage.

Claudia, on the other hand, jetted back from the Scottish Highlands, where she’s been filming for season 2 of The Celebrity Traitors, which stars Miranda Hart, Maya Jama, James Blunt, Richard E Grant, and more.

The award-winning presenter represented Strictly without her right-hand woman, donning her usual all-black clothing and her trademark fringe sweeping across her forehead.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Claudia, though, as Celeb Traitors was put up for several gongs following Alan Carr’s epic (and unlikely) £87,500 win.

Back in Bafta land, Bake Off queen Dame Mary Berry looked delightful in a pastel pink ensemble with matching ballet pumps and a pear necklace.

The 91-year-old has been honoured with this year’s Bafta fellowship, the highest accolade that can be bestowed on a person to recognise their exceptional contributions.

Speaking to Roman Kemp on the red carpet, Dame Mary said sweetly: ‘You hear about actors and directors getting it, so as a cook, I feel very honoured. I’m immensely honoured to join those wonderful people who already won it; it’s amazing.’

Other major names stepping out for one of the most prestigious nights in British television included the cast of Adolescence, which looks set to wrap up its headline-making year in glittering style, having been nominated in 11 categories, including for best limited drama.

The Netflix series propelled schoolboy Owen Cooper to unprecedented overnight stardom in 2025, thanks to his portrayal of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate.

Diving into incel culture and sparking important conversations about online safety and manosphere culture – even in parliament – the four-parter completely rocked the TV landscape, both with moving performances from Cooper and co-stars Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Erin Doherty, and by shooting each ep in one continuous take.

This afternoon, Owen posed proudly at the Baftas in a super cool jacket, with co-creator Stephen and his wife, Hannah, having pretty much taken him under their wing in the last 12 months.

Tonight was also a big one for baby bumps, as plenty made an appearance.

Vogue Williams debuted hers, having confirmed she and Spencer Matthews are expecting their fourth child.

It’s been a tough year for the spouses, with Spencer tellingMetroahead of the London Marathon that they’d experienced ‘complications’, including a miscarriage.

Stronger than ever, they posed arm-in-arm at tonight’s bash, Spencer looking dapper in a black tux and Vogue wearing a contrasting white lace number, oozing elegance.

Scarlett Moffatt is also pregnant, expecting her second baby with Scott Dobinson, to whom she got engaged in 2023.

The ex-Gogglebox star cradled her growing belly proudly, surely hoping for a calmer night at the Baftas than she had at the I’m A Celebrity South Africa final.

Rounding off the pregnancies, we had TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who arrived with Love Island commentator husband Iain Stirling.

Other celebrities in attendance this year included Danny and Dani Dyer, Amanda Holden, Louis Theroux, and Aimee Lou Wood.

From across the pond came Severance star Adam Scott, while Steven Knight took a night off from working on the next James Bond movie to celebrate his nominated show A Thousand Blows.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Bafta chief executive Jane Millichip praised a ‘particularly strong year’ for television, expressing how ‘excited’ she was to hand out trophies to the winners.

‘This is the last awards of the season for Bafta, and it pretty much closes the awards season itself, so it always feels really celebratory,’ she said following the Film Awards.

She lauded recent television shows for their ‘really stand-out water cooler moments, adding: ‘Whether it’s comedy, entertainment, or drama: Adolescence, Celebrity Traitors, Amandaland, Last One Laughing.

‘They are all really powerful shows in their own right, and I think it’s an amazing platform for British talent.

‘(The awards are) not only recognising great work and excellence but also shine a light on that talent. Hopefully, it will inspire the talents of the future.’

Taskmaster comedian Greg Davies hosts this year’s broadcast, succeeding Alan Cumming.

Watch the TV Baftas 2026 on the BBC from 7pm.