BBC Strictly 'set for another major change' as show's huge shake-ups continue

Olivia Gantzer
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:35:21 +0000

Strictly Come Dancing's upcoming series is set to include an array of changes following a transformative period for the long-running show, and it seems the modifications could keep on coming.

It is understood that the programme's spin-off show, It Takes Two, will also undergo a huge format change, switching from its traditional chat show style to a "vodcast" structure.

The reports come amid announcements of huge shake-ups, with a number of popular professional dancers having been axed to make way for changes to the new series.

Rumours have already been circulating that It Takes Two presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East could also be facing the axe, and latest claims indicate the show, which airs on weekdays alongside the main series, could be looking to emulate other spin-off vodcasts such as The Traitors: Uncloaked and The Apprentice: You're Fired.

Speaking to The Sun, a source stated: "There is definitely a creative renewal on the table for It Takes Two, and they are poised to sign off on the radical option of a vodcast.

"But Beeb bosses have seen it embraced on other huge BBC One shows, particularly The Traitors, where the Uncloaked aftershow got millions tuning in.

"More and more people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy podcasts and vodcasts so, despite being quite a departure, it’s actually quite a shrewd move."

A BBC spokesperson has previously told GB News: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."

While Strictly Come Dancing doesn't air until later in the year, the BBC have been announcing several shake-ups throughout the last few months.

The updates began after show presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would be departing the series after decades at the helm.

It would appear the show decided to go in a different direction since the major upcoming change was announced, with the news followed by announcements about professional dancer departures.

No replacements have yet been confirmed for Ms Daly or Ms Winkleman, but it was reported earlier this week that BBC executives were thought to be conducting confidential auditions to fill the coveted roles.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

David Haye aims social media dig at I'm A Celeb co-star Adam Thomas following 'bullying' accusations

Kaleb Cooper issues desperate plea after fire rips through Clarkson's Farm star's barn: 'Bad day'

Michael Jackson biopic blasted for 'omissions' by critics as daughter Paris labels film 'dishonest'

Nine television personalities are reported to have made the shortlist and were understood to have been called to an undisclosed venue in the capital for the tryouts throughout the week.

The selection process is believed to have started Monday, April 20, with candidates undergoing rigorous chemistry tests alongside their presenting assessments.

Sarah James, the show's executive producer, and Kalpna Patel-Knight, the BBC's head of entertainment, are thought to be overseeing proceedings closely.

Incoming director general Matt Brittin will also receive updates throughout the week, reflecting the significance the corporation places on securing the right talent for what insiders describe as the BBC's "crown jewel".

Among those rumoured to be vying for the coveted presenting role are Rylan Clark and Emma Willis, a duo already popular with audiences from their joint appearances on ITV's This Morning.

Comedian Tom Allen, Irish broadcaster Angela Scanlon and The One Show's Alex Jones have also been summoned to the secret location.

This Morning presenter Alison Hammond and The Chase host Bradley Walsh round out the mainstream television contingent.

Adding an unexpected dimension to the lineup is La Voix, the drag performer who competed on last year's series alongside professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec and previously appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race.

Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball, who formerly hosted the companion programme It Takes Two, completes the nine-strong shortlist of candidates being considered by BBC bosses.