A brand new spin-off present for the favored BBC dancing competitors, Strictly Come Dancing, has been confirmed, promising to supply viewers an unprecedented degree of entry and fast response. Titled Strictly: Lights Up, the digital-first program goals to carry followers “nearer than ever” to the joy and drama of the ballroom.
‘Lights Up’ to Supply Speedy Put up-Elimination Insights
The brand new present, set to debut on BBC iPlayer, shall be hosted by comic Abi Clarke and radio presenter Tyler West, who participated within the competitors in 2022. Strictly: Lights Up will air instantly following the Sunday elimination episodes. Its core characteristic shall be offering instantaneous reactions from the couple that has simply been voted off, together with their dance-off rivals, the judging panel, the principle present hosts, and different studio company.
This new providing is a part of a broader technique to reinforce the digital expertise for Strictly Come Dancing followers. The BBC has introduced the creation of a devoted Strictly hub on BBC iPlayer. This hub will function a central repository for all issues associated to the present, that includes unique content material resembling behind-the-scenes clips and insights from the coaching room. Host Abi Clarke shall be a daily customer to rehearsals, providing followers a glimpse into the {couples}’ preparations.
Enhanced iPlayer Expertise for Viewers
Past the brand new spin-off, Strictly Come Dancing can be introducing a major change to how its most important episodes could be seen on iPlayer. For the primary time, viewers may have the choice to look at particular person dances from the competitors. Moreover, full episodes shall be made out there with a chaptering characteristic, permitting audiences to simply navigate and leap on to their favourite celeb performances or “unmissable moments.”
The introduction of Strictly: Lights Up and the improved iPlayer options come because the present embraces a brand new period. The current launch present for the 2026 season noticed a stable viewership, attracting a mean of 5.3 million viewers, a slight lower from the earlier 12 months. This season additionally includes a new internet hosting line-up for the principle present, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe taking the helm, alongside 5 new skilled dancers. The sister present, It Takes Two, has additionally undergone a revamp, with Ellie Taylor now internet hosting interviews with the {couples} every week.
A New Period for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
Sarah James, Senior Government Producer for BBC Studios, highlighted the rising iPlayer viewers as a key driver for these new initiatives. “With Strictly’s iPlayer viewers rising year-on-year, that is the proper time to announce a spread of latest exclusives that can carry viewers nearer to Strictly than ever earlier than,” James acknowledged. She emphasised that Lights Up, hosted by Abi and Tyler, is designed to be “a post-results present like no different,” offering fast reactions that have been beforehand unseen by the general public.
James added, “Throughout the principle reveals, BBC iPlayer and Strictly socials, there’s by no means been a lot for Strictly followers to get pleasure from.” This sentiment was echoed by the brand new hosts. Abi Clarke and Tyler West, in a social media announcement, described their new present as “so juicy” and urged followers to not miss it. Fellow celebrities and former presenters have additionally proven help, with comic Ellie Taylor and former It Takes Two presenter Fleur East expressing enthusiasm for the brand new enterprise.
The 2026 Contestants and Upcoming Schedule
The present season of Strictly Come Dancing includes a numerous forged competing for the coveted Glitterball trophy. Among the many celebrities are Lacey Turner, Will Finest, Delta Goodrem, Cach Mercer, Melanie Walters, and Chris Appleton. The lineup additionally consists of Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme ‘The Dogfather’ Corridor, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and John Nellis. Notably, Dani Dyer, who needed to withdraw final season resulting from damage earlier than performing, has returned and is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, her unique skilled companion.
The primary elimination of the 2026 collection is scheduled to happen this weekend. Following the Sunday outcomes present, Strictly: Lights Up will premiere on BBC iPlayer, providing followers their first style of the brand new, immersive Strictly expertise. The principle competitors continues on BBC One each Saturday evening.
Conclusion: Deeper Engagement for ‘Strictly’ Followers
The launch of Strictly: Lights Up, coupled with the improved iPlayer options and a revamped It Takes Two, indicators a major evolution in how audiences can have interaction with Strictly Come Dancing. By offering extra fast content material, behind-the-scenes entry, and viewer-friendly navigation choices, the BBC is clearly aiming to deepen the connection between the present and its devoted fanbase, making certain that the magic of the ballroom extends far past the principle broadcast.
