The 21st season of Rai 1’s dance competition Ballando con le stelle premieres on October 3, 2026, live from the newly inaugurated Pippo Baudo studio at Saxa Rubra, marking the show’s first run in roughly a decade without judge Selvaggia Lucarelli, fanpage.it reported. Discussing the upcoming season, host Milly Carlucci stated, “La cosa bella di quando comincia un programma televisivo è che tu hai schierato tutti i tuoi pezzi sugli scacchi ma non sai come andrà la partita.”
Milly Carlucci Shapes a New Season Without Selvaggia Lucarelli
For years, Selvaggia Lucarelli anchored the program’s most contentious moments, driving weekly social media debates through on-air clashes with contestants and direct replies. Addressing whether the 21st edition will feature a calmer atmosphere, Carlucci declined to name Lucarelli directly. Instead, the host explained that the new season’s dynamic relies on the cast’s real-time interactions, noting that the production acts as a blank script.
“Mi aspetto di essere sorpresa da qualcosa che non è stato ancora vissuto fino a oggi perché si è creato un mondo nuovo,” Carlucci said, adding that she hopes the new theatrical direction proves engaging for viewers watching from home. Meanwhile, zazoom.it reported that Ivan Zazzaroni revealed Barbara D’Urso will join the panel to carve out a different path. D’Urso publicly announced her participation on the show’s set terms, stating she agreed to the fee offered by Rai without luxury lodging.
Federica Sciarelli Debuts as First Night’s Guest Dancer
The opening episode on October 3 breaks traditional casting conventions by featuring Federica Sciarelli as the first “dancer for a night.” Known for decades as the host of the investigative program Chi l’ha visto?, Sciarelli steps into a starkly different television format defined by sequins and glamour. Carlucci defended the unexpected booking by praising Sciarelli’s professional background and describing her as a whirlwind of energy who will surprise audiences on stage.
The upcoming premiere also avoids the on-screen presence of singer Paolo Belli. zazoom.it reported that Belli’s appearance on Rai 1 was deemed inappropriate following a fatal accident involving the artist in July.
RaiPlay Online Voting Introduces Technical Shifts
Technical changes accompany the on-screen lineup adjustments for the 21st season. Claudio Fasulo, deputy director of Prime Time Entertainment, announced a historic first for the network: viewers can now vote online via the RaiPlay website and mobile application using a dedicated ‘vota’ button, supplementing traditional social media voting. This digital expansion increases the home audience’s influence over final standings, potentially allowing popular sentiment to override judges’ scores during a season already transformed by panel changes.
Ballando Con Le Stelle Premieres October 3 on Rai 1
When does the 21st season of Ballando con le stelle premiere?
The 21st edition launches on October 3, 2026, airing in prime time on Rai 1.
Where is the new season being broadcast from?
The show broadcasts live from the newly opened Pippo Baudo studio located at Saxa Rubra.
How does voting work for the new season?
Alongside existing social media voting methods, viewers can cast votes online for the first time in Rai history through the RaiPlay app and website.
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