Strictly 2026 : THE LAUNCH SHOW 19.25hrs How will our new presenters fare ? NO SPOILERS

[EineReiseDurchDieZeit]

A shiny new thread for a shiny new series. Please bring your dancing shoes over here.

Not sure whether I am doing weekly threads or not yet. Yet to decide, but I’m doing one for the first episode anyway.

The preshow chat thread has been quiet and I’m wondering if lots of people aren’t watching due to the departure of Tess and Claude. I have my reservations about the new presenting team but I’m willing to give them a chance.

KEEP DANCING 💃

Dani is going to annoy me.

Graeme Hall, the dog trainer competed in local and amateur Latin and ballroom events before he took up dog training.

I now want Gwen (Melanie) to win

I’m not sure I can stand Josh’s cackling

How are you hearing her potter cos I'd imagine your dancing sounds like Emma's a bit. No way you say DAAAAHncing??

Tess also said dancing with a short a.

First show is always so much filler (we don’t usually watch the first one to be fair for that reason) so no surprises there. I also don’t mind that it’s relative unknowns, we still always find someone to cheer on.

I reckon shes shy, but hopefully will be her real self soon.

I also want to give this a chance. It’s a new presentation with a new team and they are doing a decent job so far. I think it could work when they all relax into it and Emma gets a better stylist!

This IS going to be ridic level filler isn’t it?!

Her face is so different.

They should have had Jonathan Ross presenting he’s a heavy weight and can roll with it !

I want Gwen to do me an omelette 😄

Plus as we go on more judges and less presenter chat

Has Dani had a nose job since last year??

Emma could be presenting any show.

Ooof?! We have a RINGER!

That would've been amazing!

Am confused. Are these their partners or not?

Also rooting for Gwen, also Lacey

I thought they were gonna find out on the launch show like back in the day!!!

oh ok Emma has explained. Too much filler.

I’ve turned over to watch The Voice.

I think yes, she looks different

i elongate the A in dancing a bit but that’s because I have a slight westcountry accent and I do speak like a posh pirate at times

Didn’t they used to have this waaaay back? Tess and Bruce downstairs and Claudia upstairs?