Dancing with the Stars Returns to Rai 1 for Season 21
Ballando con le stelle returns for its 21st season on Saturday, October 3, 2026, airing in primetime on Rai 1. After celebrating the program’s first twenty years in grand style, host Milly Carlucci described what starts this Saturday evening on Rai 1 as the first edition of a new era
for the show, adding that the new season is characterized by freedom. The twenty-first edition features various changes inside and outside the dancefloor, bringing a new cast of celebrity contestants ready to step onto the dancefloor to contend for the final title.
Thirteen Celebrity Couples Take to the Dancefloor
Thirteen celebrity contestants make up the cast for the 2026 competition, paired with professional dancers. The couples for the new season have been announced:
- Aurora Ramazzotti and Nikita Perotti
- Manuela Moreno and Carlo Aloia
- Noemi Bocchi and Giovanni Pernice
- Alessandro Matri and Giada Lini
- Massimo Ghini and Valentina Fiorini (new entry)
- Andy Diaz and Gioia Giovanatti (new entry)
- Jimmy Ghione and Anastasia Kuzmina
- Anna Safroncik and Leonardo Lini (new entry)
- Alberto Ravagnani and Erika Martinelli
- Monica Guerritore and Luca Urso (new entry)
- Riccardo Rossi and Elisa Terrasi (new entry)
- Eugenio Finardi and Rebecca Gabrielli
- Ornella Muti and Pasquale La Rocca
The contestant lineup spans various fields, featuring athletes like track star Andy Díaz and former footballer Alessandro Matri, musicians Eugenio Finardi, actors Ornella Muti, Monica Guerritore, Massimo Ghini, and Riccardo Rossi, alongside television personalities Aurora Ramazzotti, Jimmy Ghione, Manuela Moreno, and Anna Safroncik, as detailed by RaiNews.
Renewed Judges and Supporting Cast
Carolyn Smith returns as panel president, joined by Ivan Zazzaroni, Guillermo Mariotto, and new additions Barbara D’Urso and Alberto Matano.
Francesca Fialdini and Simona Ventura join the production as special commentators managing the “tesoretto” bonus points alongside Rossella Erra. Longtime professional dancer Simone Di Pasquale takes over from Paolo Belli, stepping into the Sala delle Stelle to manage backstage check-ins and greet contestants immediately following their routines.
Federica Sciarelli appears during the season premiere as the initial “Ballerina per una notte,” according to RaiNews.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Season
When does Dancing with the Stars Season 21 premiere?
The twenty-first season debuts on Saturday, October 3, 2026, broadcast live in primetime on Rai 1.
Who are the new professional dancers joining the show?
Five professional dancers join the lineup as new entries: Valentina Fiorini, Gioia Giovanatti, Leonardo Lini, Luca Urso, and Elisa Terrasi.
What role does Simone Di Pasquale have this season?
Simone Di Pasquale replaces Paolo Belli, moving off the dancefloor to manage contestant arrivals and backstage connections in the Sala delle Stelle.
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