Huge surprise as Strictly Come Dancing judging line-up confirmed by BBC

Back once again for the new series will be the judging panel, including Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

They will be joined by longtime head judge Shirley Ballas, who recently caused fears among fans that she might be exiting amid a new spin-off show she is judging with her son Mark for Dancing on Ice.

The BBC statement on Strictly’s 2026 return continued: ‘There will be the much-loved themed weeks including Movies, Icons, Halloween and Musicals, plus the Instant Dance challenge will also be back, following its high-energy debut in 2025.

‘As well as all this, one of the most iconic milestones of the series, the annual visit to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, will once again be a highlight for everyone to look forward to.’

The BBC also reiterated that ‘remains the biggest entertainment title for viewer hours’ on the broadcaster.

The latest series, which saw Lioness Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu triumph, saw 8.6million tune in to watch her victory.

Strictly Come Dancing will be back on the BBC this autumn.

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