Johannes Radebe Leads a New Era of Strictly Come Dancing in 2026
Last updated: 19 October 2026
Johannes Radebe is taking on a new role in Strictly Come Dancing, joining Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe as the BBC dance competition enters its 24th season, which premiered in September 2026.
The new season brings a major change to the show’s presenting team, alongside five new professional dancers and a celebrity cast competing for the Glitterball Trophy. For South African audiences, the series has an added connection through Radebe, returning judge Motsi Mabuse and professional dancer Lethabo Monametsi.
The season premiered on BBC One in the UK on 19 September, with South African viewers able to watch on BBC BRIT (DStv Channel 120). The show continues to combine celebrity dance performances, weekly judging and public voting as contestants compete to stay in the competition.
Johannes Radebe Steps Into a New Strictly Role
After spending eight years as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, Radebe has moved into presenting, becoming part of the show’s first-ever three-person hosting team.
He joins Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe following the departure of long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Radebe’s transition marks a new chapter in a career that has taken him from South Africa’s dance scene to one of British television’s most recognisable entertainment programmes.
Speaking when the new presenting line-up was announced, Radebe said:
“To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.”
His new role places him at the centre of the show’s evolving format, helping guide celebrities through their performances and the emotions that come with competing in front of the judges and a live audience.
Lethabo Monametsi Makes Her Strictly Debut
South African dancer Lethabo Monametsi has joined the professional line-up for the 2026 season, marking an important milestone in her international career.
A South African Latin dance champion, Monametsi first developed her love for dance after watching South Africa’s own version of Strictly Come Dancing. She went on to win the television dance competition Dance Yo Dumo and represent South Africa internationally.
Her arrival on the British series brings her journey full circle, taking her from watching the format in South Africa to performing as one of its professional dancers.
Monametsi is one of five new professionals joining the ballroom this season, alongside Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
Her debut also adds to the show’s strong South African connection, with Radebe presenting and Mabuse continuing on the judging panel.
Read more about Monametsi’s journey in this Wits University alumni profile.
Motsi Mabuse Returns to the Judging Panel
Motsi Mabuse is back on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel for the 2026 season, continuing her role alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
Mabuse, who has become a familiar face on the programme, brings her expertise in ballroom and Latin dance to the competition as celebrities work to improve their technique, performance and confidence.
Together, Radebe, Mabuse and Monametsi give South African viewers three prominent connections to this year’s series, across presenting, judging and professional dancing.
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Celebrity Contestants
The 2026 celebrity cast features personalities from television, music, sport, social media and entertainment.
This year’s contestants are:
- Bethany Antonia — actor
- Cach Mercer — Love Island winner
- Chris Appleton — hair stylist
- Dani Dyer — television personality
- Dame Sarah Storey — Paralympian
- Delta Goodrem — singer-songwriter
- Graeme Hall — dog trainer
- Jaime Winstone — actor
- John Nellis — content creator
- Lacey Turner — actor
- Lawrence Robb — actor
- Melanie Walters — actor
- Shaun Wright-Phillips — former footballer
- Tabby Stoecker — Olympian
- Will Best — television and radio presenter
The contestants face weekly challenges as they learn new routines, perform different dance styles and compete for the judges’ scores and viewers’ votes.
As the series progresses, the competition becomes increasingly intense, with couples facing elimination as they work towards the final.
A New Presenting Team and a Fresh Ballroom Line-Up
The changes extend beyond the hosting team. For the first time in this season’s launch show, celebrities and their professional partners discovered their pairings in front of a studio audience.
The launch also introduced specially choreographed group performances and the five new professional dancers, giving viewers a fresh look at the ballroom before the live competition began.
Despite the changes, the central format remains familiar: celebrities train with professional dancers, perform before the judges and compete for the public’s support.
The combination of established favourites and new faces is designed to take the show into its next chapter while retaining the entertainment and competitive spirit that have defined it for more than two decades.
How to Watch Strictly Come Dancing in South Africa
South African audiences can watch Strictly Come Dancing on BBC BRIT, DStv Channel 120.
The 2026 season premiered on Sunday, 27 September on BBC BRIT in South Africa at 7pm. The series is now underway, with viewers following the celebrity couples as the competition develops.
For programme updates and further information, visit the official BBC website.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026: A Strong South African Connection
With Johannes Radebe stepping into a new presenting role, Motsi Mabuse returning as a judge and Lethabo Monametsi making her professional debut, the 2026 season gives South African viewers several reasons to follow the competition.
Their involvement reflects the international reach of South African dance talent, from professional performance to television presenting and judging.
As the celebrity contestants continue their journeys towards the Glitterball Trophy, the new season offers another mix of memorable routines, personal stories, competition and ballroom drama.
Follow Urban Street Culture for more entertainment news and updates on South African talent making an impact internationally.
