Strictly launch show date revealed and you can get free tickets
The show is returning later this year!
Last updated 7 hours ago
Despite a year of significant changes, including new hosts and a fresh line-up of professional dancers, excitement for the return of Strictly Come Dancing remains as strong as ever.
With seven celebs already confirmed, the BBC has now confirmed when the all-important launch show will be recorded, as well as the final!
When does Strictly start?
The dazzling launch show, which will see Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe host for the first time, will be recorded on Wednesday 9th September. The pre-recorded show is then expected to air on TV on Saturday 19th September, with live weekly episodes then following.
Can I get tickets?
You can! Fans of the show are being urged to apply for free tickets for the launch show on Wednesday 9th September.
You can apply for a maximum of one pair of tickets, but tickets are non-transferable. They cannot be transferred to another date or a person who is not named on the ticket.
The BBC also say: 'Because we know how far people travel to come to see Strictly, this year anyone who is successful in the random draw will be guaranteed admission'.
You can apply for tickets for the launch show until 10pm on Tuesday 4th August 2026.
You can apply for tickets in the random ballot right here.
Where is it recorded?
Strictly is recorded at Elstree Film Studios.
The full address is: Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG.
Filming is set to take place between 3pm-10pm.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Which celebs are rumoured?
When is the Strictly final?
It's understood the live final will take place just before Christmas on Saturday 19th December.
So far, bosses have unveiled seven celebs for the new series, including Dani Dyer, who was forced to quit the show ahead of the first live performance last year, after injuring her ankle.
Hits Radio presenter Will Best is also taking part, as well as singer Delta Goodrem, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, and Paralympic athlete Dame Sarah Storey.
Check out the Strictly line-up so far:
Lacey Turner
Best known for: Actress
Lacey said: "I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
Dani Dyer
Best known for: TV personality
Dani said: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Delta Goodrem
Best known for: Singer and actress
Delta said: "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! I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can't wait to get started!"
Chris Appleton
Best known for: World-renowned conceptual hair stylist
Chris said: 'I'm thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I've always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story - and I can't wait to get started.'
Cach Mercer
Best known for: Love Island winner
Cach said: "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!"
Will Best
Best known for: Radio presenter and Big Brother host
Will said: "I can't quite believe it…I'm doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one. I've been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait! I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I'm going to try to enjoy every minute of it."
Dame Sarah Storey
Best known for: Paralympic athlete
Sarah said: "Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting. I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating! I can't wait to get started!"
Strictly Come Dancing will begin on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 19th September.