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 💃

God, yes, I'd forgotten John Bercow was on it!

@C8H10N4O2 the most recent Aussie series is a reboot and they’ve gone US Style, all reality stars

The new US series is called Traitors : New Blood

He was there, in the group dance.

I'm sure I read somewhere that Iain Sterling is going to be in the next US season series ans that it's most reality TV types.

No @Runningupthecurtains the new US series is a civilian series. Trailer on YouTube

Not in the traditional sense but if they clip it up on insta/ TikTok they may get the young folk interested. It worked for dancing with the stars in USA

Ahh he must be on the series after that then. I believe they are going to 2 series a year so presumably that a total civvy one along side the usual (for the US) reality/ minor celeb version.

will have to rewatch it for him :D

No, she isn't acting, nor is she filming herself at all - the script is for the commentary/information content of the videos.

Emma is absolutely fantastic. She's a natural in front of the camera, so charismatic and nice to see a woman confident enough in her appearance to not get work done and appear in the VTs with little/no make up. A huge upgrade on Tess.

On the other hand, Johanes and Josh were all at sea. Jojo's existing chemistry with the dancers held him in good stead, but he's just not a presenter. I guess Josh is/was the comedy relief, but he's just not funny.

If it has just been Emma, that would have been enough - she's that good.

The only thing I can say about the 2 fellas is let's give them time. I remember Janette Manrara starting on It Takes Two and she was so nervous and wooden but she got in to her stride and came good (although plenty still didn't take to her) (plus, she hosted the live tour show I went to see and was fantastic).

Emma has a fair bit of experience with hosting and won’t be fazed by the live events.
She is a natural.

Overall, the feedback seems to be positive , and they had more people watching than for last years launch show.

The only negative I saw was something that flashed up on my Facebook page. It was an interview with former pros. Brendan Cole was being negative, but without any real substance, and to be honest, made himself look like an idiot. James Jordan stepped in a couple of times, saying how well the launch show went, praising Emma and saying it’ll be interesting to see how the live shows go.

Emma's great.
I think I will watch on catchup from now on though. Not because of new presenters, but just because there's been too much filler the last couple of years.

I think I saw the same interview. I agree James was surprisingly generous and measured.

Brendan is so bitter he has never got over being let go. Good for J J jumping in,.

Tabby Stoeker has done a behind the scenes vlog. It’s on YouTube - I wont link as some people complain that YouTube videos slow thread loading down but it’s very easy to find

Josh talks about the show on today’s Parenting Hell a bit. Suffice to say he loved doing it and sounds like he’s having a whale of a time.

Emma was brilliant and I think that the men will improve. Jojo brings excellent experience to the role and Josh has a quick mind and can probably cope under pressure.

If either /both struggle or dislike it, they can withdraw after the end of this series. It’s only a few months’ commitment. Claudia did that with her chat show, for example. She tried but wasn’t suited to it so she won’t do another series. Fair enough.

Kai's curly hair makes him look younger I think. Or rather a young 31 that he is. I always thought he was older.

What’s the format next week? Is Josh doing the Claudia role, and Emma’s and Johannes the dance-floor role? I’m so use to having just one on the dance floor now, it’ll seem odd having two, or will they rotate?

Claudia did that with her chat show, for example. She tried but wasn’t suited to it so she won’t do another series. Fair enough.
Oh, I didn't know that! I only watched a couple. Thought it was quite good, but did largely hang on Claudia's (formidable) professionalism and personality. I guess she found it too hard work or too stressful?
Does make me wonder if she might have stayed on Strictly instead...

Why's her husband being successful a reason to enjoy autumn at home?

Is it a swipe at her for having enough money not to have to worry too much about work?