Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One for its 24th season on Saturday, 26 September, introducing a new three-person hosting lineup alongside strong opening routines from the celebrity contestants. John Nellis and Katya Jones led the Week One leaderboard with 31 points for a foxtrot, while viewers offered mixed feedback on the revamped presentation format featuring Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.
### New Presenting Trio Splits Viewer Opinion
The 2026 season marks the first time the show has used a three-host lineup. Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe stationed themselves downstairs near the judges, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke. Johannes Radebe took over the upstairs auditorium space formerly held by Claudia Winkleman to greet couples after their performances.
While Radebe received praise for his calm demeanor, several viewers on social media reported audio issues during his segments. Multiple users noted that Radebe began speaking before camera cuts finished as couples rushed up the stairs, rendering his voice difficult to hear. Others questioned why Radebe was reading terms and conditions while contestants celebrated their routines.
### Week One Leaderboard Standings
No celebrities faced elimination during the opening weekend, allowing all 15 couples to carry their scores forward into the second week of competition. John Nellis and Katya Jones secured the top spot with 31 points.
Delta and Kai followed closely behind with 29 points, while Lacey and Vito earned 27 points. At the other end of the initial leaderboard, Melanie and Aljaž, Dame Sarah and Julian, and Shaun and Alexis tied with 15 points each.
### Schedule and Upcoming Movie Week
The competition continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, 3 October, starting at 6.15pm for Movie Week. Willis, Widdicombe, and Radebe will return to welcome the 15 couples back to the ballroom.
Judges’ scores from the opening two weeks will be combined for the first time during the upcoming broadcast, at which point the public vote opens. The bottom two couples will then compete against each other in the next show’s dance-off.