Strictly’s first live show sees dip in viewers as new hosting trio take over
New Strictly hosts Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe (BBC/Guy Levy)
Strictly Come Dancing’s first live show of 2026 peaked at 5million viewers on BBC One, with the BBC saying it was still the most watched programme of the night despite a year-on-year dip.
Across the two-and-a-half-hour programme, the episode averaged 4.8million viewers, down on the equivalent 2025 first live show, which averaged 6.2 million, reports The Independent. The show went head-to-head with ITV1’s coverage of an England and Spain football match in the same slot.
The episode was the first live show fronted by new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left the BBC stalwart.
A Strictly spokesperson said: “Strictly was the most watched programme of the night, with a peak of five million viewers.” They added: “As ever, overnight ratings do not give the full picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world.”
Week one leaderboard
On the dancefloor, social media star John Nellis and partner Katya Jones scored highest on the night, with 31 points for a foxtrot to Alex Warren’s Ordinary. Judge Craig Revel Horwood called the routine “classy, elegant and graceful”.
Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington followed with 29 points.
The opening live show featured performances from all 15 celebrities and ended with no public vote or elimination, with scores set to roll over to next weekend.
New hosts, new era
The first live show aired on 26 September, a week after the pre-recorded launch programme drew a peak of 5.8million viewers and an average of 5.3million.
It saw the 15 celebs matched up with their professional partners. House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia was partnered with Nancy Xu, marking the series’ only same-sex pairing.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 3 October at 6:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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