The countdown to Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is officially underway, and the show’s professional dancers have already given fans an exciting glimpse behind the scenes as rehearsals kicked off for the brand-new series.

From emotional family moments to inspiring personal milestones, the first day back in the rehearsal studio was filled with smiles, reunions and plenty of anticipation for what promises to be one of the biggest seasons yet.

Amy Dowden Looks Stronger Than Ever

One of the most inspiring moments came from Amy Dowden, who shared a radiant mirror selfie from the rehearsal studio after returning for another season.

Dressed in a black crop top and matching tracksuit bottoms, Amy proudly showed off her toned physique as she celebrated being back where she loves most.

The Welsh dancer couldn’t hide her excitement as she wrote:

“And we’re off! What a great day with these beautiful, talented souls! Welcoming our fabulous new pros too! Let’s go!”

For many fans, seeing Amy looking so healthy and full of energy was especially emotional.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, Amy endured months of treatment and underwent a second mastectomy last year. Her return to the Strictly ballroom once again highlights the resilience that has inspired viewers throughout her recovery journey.

Dianne Buswell Faces an Emotional First Day Back

While Amy celebrated her comeback, fellow professional Dianne Buswell experienced a very different kind of emotional milestone.

Before heading to rehearsals, the Australian dancer shared a touching photo with her baby son, Bowden, admitting that returning to work after becoming a mum wasn’t easy.

Alongside the sweet snap, Dianne wrote:

“First day back at work, mummy will miss you so much my boy.”

Dianne and her partner, YouTuber Joe Sugg, welcomed Bowden in March, making this her first Strictly season as a new mother.

The moment resonated with many parents, who flooded social media with messages of encouragement as Dianne balanced motherhood with preparing for another demanding series.

This year also marks her 10th season as a Strictly professional.

The Ballroom Comes Alive Again

The rehearsal studio quickly filled with familiar faces.

Jowita Przystał looked ready for another competitive season as she shared a sporty selfie in a grey sports bra and leggings.

Returning champion Carlos Gu, who lifted last year’s Glitterball Trophy alongside footballer Karen Carney, reunited with fellow professionals including:

• Katya Jones
• Kai Widdrington
• Aljaž Škorjanec
• Lauren Oakley
• Nancy Xu
• Neil Jones
• Nikita Kuzmin
• Alexis Warr
• Julian Caillon
• Vito Coppola

Group photos captured plenty of laughter as the dancers reunited after months apart, with Amy and Dianne even pulling funny faces for the camera.

Five New Professionals Join the Strictly Family

This year’s cast also introduces five brand-new professional dancers following one of the biggest shake-ups in the show’s recent history.

Joining the Strictly family are:

• Aleksandra Isaeva (Ukraine)
• Cristian Priori (Italy)
• Lethabo Monametsi (South Africa)
• Mark Karmalita (Canada)
• Maddie Ingoldsby (United Kingdom)

Their arrival follows major changes to the professional line-up, with Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Márquez all departing ahead of the new series.

Fans are already eager to see which celebrities will be paired with the newcomers when the competition begins.

Celebrity Line-Up Continues to Grow

The celebrity cast is also beginning to take shape.

So far, eight contestants have been confirmed:

• Will Best
• Lacey Turner
• Dani Dyer
• Chris Appleton
• Cach Mercer
• Dame Sarah Storey
• Delta Goodrem
• Jaime Winstone

Among the biggest talking points is Lacey Turner, who admitted she’s both “terrified” and thrilled to be joining the competition while taking an extended break from EastEnders.

In an Instagram announcement, the actress confessed she had finally found the courage to step onto the famous dancefloor after watching many friends take part over the years.

Strictly Sparks Early Debate

Not every announcement has been universally welcomed.

The casting of former Love Island winner Cach Mercer has already divided opinion among viewers.

Although many know him from reality television, others pointed out that Cach already has extensive dance experience, regularly teaching Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance classes.

Some fans questioned whether that background gives him an advantage over other contestants, echoing similar debates surrounding previous competitors with professional dance experience.

Dani Dyer Gets Her Second Chance

Another emotional storyline this season belongs to Dani Dyer, who returns to the competition after heartbreak last year.

The TV personality was forced to withdraw from the 2025 series after suffering a fractured ankle during rehearsals before the live shows even began.

Now fully recovered, Dani says she’s determined to finally experience the Strictly journey she missed.

“I’m so excited to be back in the ballroom this September,” she said.

“I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!”

A Fresh Start for Strictly

With beloved professionals returning, exciting new dancers joining the cast and celebrities already generating plenty of conversation, Strictly Come Dancing appears ready for another unforgettable season.

For Amy Dowden, it’s a powerful reminder of how far she’s come.

For Dianne Buswell, it’s the beginning of balancing motherhood with life on one of television’s biggest shows.

And for millions of viewers, it’s proof that the magic of the ballroom is finally back.