Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Movie Week Arrives Early as Couples Face First Elimination
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 brings Movie Week forward to the second episode. All 15 couples perform iconic routines as they battle to avoid elimination.
POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — The 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing is shaking up its traditional schedule by moving the highly anticipated Movie Week to the second installment of the competition. This change ensures that all 15 participating couples have the opportunity to showcase a routine inspired by a cinematic classic before the season’s first elimination takes place.
The broadcast will open with a professional ensemble performance themed around Zootropolis. Following this, the celebrity contestants will debut routines featuring music and motifs from Toy Story, Beauty and the Beast, Wicked: For Good, Mary Poppins, and The Greatest Showman. Additionally, judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are scheduled to perform a special routine inspired by the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada.
Pressure is mounting for several contestants as they head into the live show. Melanie Walters, known for her role in Gavin & Stacey, is aiming to improve her standing after finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard last week. Meanwhile, Love Island personality Cach Mercer is expected to adhere strictly to his choreography after receiving criticism from the judges for improvising during his Quickstep performance in the season opener.
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New host Johannes Radebe, who discussed his transition into the presenting role with The Independent, explained that the decision to pull Movie Week forward was designed to guarantee that every star experiences at least one themed week. Radebe noted that the structural changes are intended to bring excitement to the format, allowing the professional dancers to demonstrate their creativity with their partners.
Beyond the main competition, the BBC is expanding its coverage with a new spin-off titled Strictly: Lights Up. Hosted by comedian Abi Clarke and 2022 contestant Tyler West, the program will air on BBC iPlayer following the Sunday results show, offering reactions from eliminated couples, judges, and special guests. The network is also launching a dedicated Strictly hub on iPlayer to house exclusive content for fans.
Viewers can tune in to BBC One at 6.15pm to watch the latest performances. As the competition intensifies, the focus remains on which pair will be the first to exit the ballroom floor.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
