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 💃

I nearly cried packing away my summer clothes!

Cried, with joy, right?!

They must’ve made changes to the format, especially with 3 presenters rather than 2.

Usually find the launch show overlong and a bit of a drag, too much waffle and repetition, but we’ll surely get a flavour tonight of what’s in store.
I have hope too.

My summer stuff is much nicer @mumofoneisonozempic

Thank you for this. Google refused to tell me what time strictly was on so you've helped with that! Thank you.

i really can't stand Emma Willis but I'm going to give it a go as I wasn't a fan of Tess either but still enjoyed the show, though not as much as I used to. The contestants are getting worse, which doesn't help but I mostly watch for the professional dancers anyway.

I am catching up on Fridays Gogglebox.

I hope I can watch this series. Not sure yet if I am going to be annoyed/bored/whatever but we shall see.

2 hours no breaks IS long for just pairing people @Bluffinwithmymuffinpresumably Karen & Carlos will do a turn as well

I think the Beeb were a bit between a rock and a hard place. If they went for two hosts and kept the dance floor/ upstairs roles they were inviting direct comparison to Tess & Claudia but if they make changes to the format they risk the new hosts coping the flack for those changes if they aren't liked.

@TheSunIsAlwaysThere yes, I was surprised by the lineup considering the “big reboot” aspect

As an aside… WTAF is this dreadful bore fest Inner Circle

It’s the absolute pits! I have it on mute.

I’m going to keep an open mind! I find Emma ok as a tv presenter but think she’s awful on the radio. The big test for the three of them will be when the show goes out live!

This is so blatantly nicked from Goldenballs.

Here we go 💃

Exciting! Here we go…!

Gawd I loved Goldenballs. I’d steal every time.

BA-Dah-Dah-Dum-Dum-Dum-Pah-Pah-Dah-Dah-Dah

I reserve judgement on the new format/presenters, but I will miss JoJo dancing in the competition. Also will miss the Pros that have gone.

I am watching! Who are all these people?

This is so true. With this being recorded it is a safety net for them. Live will be a true test of chemistry and presenting skills

I’m really not sure I’m going to like it!

Placemarking. Going to be 5 minutes behind here as DD is still in the shower!

Shirley’s still got it!

Get hollerng up them stairs!!

I really enjoyed that opening number