Strictly Come Dancing’s start date has reportedly been confirmed now that the official ticket draw is open.
Fans of the BBC show have been eagerly awaiting the official start date for the series, since the bosses have only confirmed the general time frame, which is autumn, so far.
But now, the random ticket draw is open, so fans can apply to be in the audience for the upcoming Strictly shows.
Due to these dates being made public knowledge, TV Zone has reported that the BBC has confirmed the key dates for this year’s series, including the start date in September, Blackpool week in November, and the grand final in December.
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Ticket allocation can be applied for via the BBC website, and the first date on the agenda is Saturday, September 26.
However, TV Zone believes the first show will be a pre-recorded programme airing the week prior, on September 19, making this the first week of the competition.
The first results show of the 2026 series will reportedly air a week later on Sunday, October 4.
On November 21, the tickets are for Blackpool Tower Ballroom, suggesting this could be the week that the celebrities head to Lancashire’s iconic venue.
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The last date available for ticket requests is Saturday, December 19, which is thought to be the week of the final and the day one couple will raise the Glitterball trophy.
You can enter the ticket draw for Strictly shows via the BBC website (linked above).
Newsquest has approached the BBC for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing full lineup for 2026
Here are all the contestants announced for Strictly 2026:
- Lacey Turner - EastEnders' Stacey Slater
- Dani Dyer - TV personality (returning after injury in 2025)
- Delta Goodrem - Singer
- Chris Appleton - Hair stylist
- Cach Mercer - Reality TV star
- Will Best - TV and radio host
- Dame Sarah Storey - Britain's most successful Paralympian
- Jaime Winstone - actress
- Bethany Antonia - actress
- Shaun Wright-Phillips - former professional footballer
- Graeme Hall - famous dog trainer
- Lawrence Robb - Emmerdale's Mackenzie Boyd
- Tabby Stoecker - Team GB skeleton athlete
- John Nellis - football content creator
- Melanie Walters - Gavin and Stacey star
The first celebrity to be revealed was Lacey Turner on June 10, with the following 14 revealed gradually over the following weeks.
This year, fans will see a new hosting trio (Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe) replace long-standing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Would you like to see Strictly Come Dancing live? Let us know in the comments below.
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