Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly preparing to kick off its 2026 series in spectacular style with a major tribute to pop icon Madonna.
The BBC dance competition’s professional dancers are said to have recently filmed an ambitious group routine featuring a medley of some of Madonna’s biggest hits. The performance is expected to be one of the centrepieces of this year’s launch show and has reportedly been described by insiders as one of Strictly’s strongest group numbers in years.
New professional dancers Aleksandra Isaeva and Lethabo Monametsi are reportedly among those taking centre stage, with the female professionals transforming into different versions of Madonna from throughout her career. Established Strictly favourites including Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystal, Dianne Buswell and Alexis Warr are also expected to have standout moments.
The elaborate routine comes as Strictly enters a significant new era in 2026. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking over hosting duties, while five new professional dancers are joining the programme.
According to the report, producers are particularly keen to make an impact with this year’s large-scale group performances as attention turns to the revamped series.
The Madonna spectacular follows last year’s tribute to Britney Spears, which saw the professional dancers perform a routine celebrating some of the singer’s best-known songs.
Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One with its pre-recorded launch show on Saturday, September 19, with the first live show scheduled for September 26.
Read the full story on TV Guide:
https://www.tvguide.co.uk/articles/strictly-come-dancing-films-huge-madonna-tribute-for-2026-launch-show/