South African fans of ballroom and reality television can look forward to another dose of sequins, dramatic performances and fierce competition as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC BRIT on 27 September.
The 24th season of the hit entertainment format will premiere on BBC BRIT (DStv Channel 120) on Sunday 27 September at 7pm, bringing with it a new presenting line-up, a fresh group of celebrity contestants and five new professional dancers.
This year’s season will have a particularly strong South African connection, with Johannes Radebe taking on a new role as co-host, Motsi Mabuse returning as a judge and Lethabo Monametsi joining the professional dancer line-up for the first time.
Johannes Radebe takes on new role
Radebe, who has become one of the show’s most recognisable professional dancers, will now join Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe as part of Strictly’s first-ever three-person presenting team.
The move marks a new chapter for the South African dancer, who has built a strong following through his performances on the show.
Speaking when the new presenting line-up was announced, Johannes said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.”
The new season will also introduce a new way for celebrities and professional dancers to meet their partners, with the pairings being revealed in front of the studio audience during a special launch show.
The opening episode will feature group performances, surprises and more dancing as the new contestants begin their journey towards the Glitterball Trophy.
Meet the celebrity contestants
The 2026 celebrity line-up features personalities from television, sport, music and entertainment.
This year’s contestants are actors Bethany Antonia, Jaime Winstone, Lacey Turner, Lawrence Robb and Melanie Walters, Love Island winner Cach Mercer, hair stylist Chris Appleton, TV personality Dani Dyer, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, dog trainer Graeme Hall, content creator John Nellis, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, Olympian Tabby Stoecker and TV and radio presenter Will Best.
They will each be paired with a professional dancer before taking to the famous Strictly ballroom to compete for the Glitterball Trophy.
Lethabo Monametsi joins the professionals
South African Latin Champion Lethabo Monametsi is among five new professional dancers making their Strictly debut this season.
She joins Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita in the professional line-up.
Monametsi’s journey into the Strictly ballroom has its own South African connection. She first developed her love for dance through South Africa’s version of Strictly Come Dancing before going on to win the television dance competition Dance Yo Dumo and represent South Africa internationally.
She has also built a career across stage and screen, and now joins one of the world’s most recognised dance television franchises.
Motsi Mabuse returns to judging panel
Motsi Mabuse will once again take her place on the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
Her return means South Africa will have three prominent representatives across the show’s presenting, judging and professional dancer roles this season.
BBC Studios Africa Vice President for Africa Pierre Cloete said the South African connection adds another reason for local viewers to follow the new season.
“Few shows create shared television moments quite like Strictly Come Dancing. Whether viewers are choosing favourites, debating the judges’ scores or celebrating incredible performances, it remains one of television’s ultimate feel-good experiences,” he said.
“With Johannes Radebe, Motsi Mabuse and Lethabo Monametsi all playing key roles this season, there’s an extra reason for South African audiences to tune in and enjoy an unforgettable new chapter of Strictly on BBC BRIT.”
More than just a dance competition
For more than two decades, Strictly Come Dancing has become known for its mix of celebrity transformations, spectacular choreography, emotional journeys and the often-heated judging panel.
Each week, viewers follow the couples as they attempt to improve their routines, earn higher scores and avoid elimination, with the remaining contestants ultimately competing for the Glitterball Trophy.
With a new presenting team, 15 celebrities, five new professional dancers and strong South African representation, the 2026 season promises to bring another round of ballroom drama to audiences.
Strictly Come Dancing premieres on BBC BRIT (DStv Channel 120) on Sunday 27 September at 7pm.
