Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC's popular dance competition, is set to return this month with a new line-up of celebrities, but the selection has sparked mixed reactions from fans. The 2026 series will feature 15 new contestants learning ballroom and Latin dance styles alongside professional partners. However, some viewers have criticized the line-up as the weakest in the show's 24-year history, expressing concerns about the overall quality and appeal of the celebrity participants. Among the most discussed contestants are male stars like John Nellis, a football influencer, Chris Appleton, a celebrity hair stylist, and Graeme Hall, a dog trainer. Incoming host Emma Willis, who will co-host the series with comedian Josh Widdicombe and dancer Johannes Radebe, admitted she had not heard of some of the celebrities involved. Willis explained that the show aimed to attract a wide audience by including personalities from various fields, emphasizing the importance of appealing to multiple generations. Willis also referenced the show's previous success with social media stars such as Joe Sugg, Saffron Barker, and George Clarke, who reached the final in 2025. Although she initially didn’t know who Clarke was, she was impressed by his performance on the show. This approach of casting diverse personalities has been a recurring theme in recent seasons, aiming to keep the show fresh and accessible to a broader audience. Strictly Come Dancing is undergoing a significant transformation following the departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The new presenting trio—Radebe, Widdicombe, and Willis—has not yet defined their individual roles, and there will be no backstage roving reporter, a role that was previously filled by Daly. Radebe had been speculated to take on the backstage role, but it has been confirmed that there is no direct replacement for Daly and Winkleman. The new hosts are currently working on their on-screen dynamic and will make their debut in the launch show on 19 September, followed by the first live show the next week.