What time does ‘Strictly Come Dancing' start? Week one live show details revealed

“Strictly Come Dancing” 2026 returns to screens tonight for its first live show of the series, and fans are eager to know when to tune in.

The first show airs on Saturday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m. on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The episode runs for an epic 150 minutes, wrapping up at around 8:45 p.m.

All 15 couples will dance for the first time, performing full routines after last week’s pre-recorded launch show paired them up. Tonight’s line-up includes four Cha Cha Chas, three Sambas, three Quicksteps, and two Tangos; a 10-5 split favouring Latin over ballroom.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will score for the first time, joined by new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. The show opens with a group number set to an orchestral version of “Joy” by RAYE.

For now, there’s no public vote or elimination in week one. Judges’ scores carry over to week two, when viewers vote for the first time. The bottom two will then face the first dance-off.