TV presenter and professional dog trainer Graeme Hall, widely known as “The Dogfather,” has been unveiled as the 11th celebrity contestant joining the line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The new series will launch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September, featuring new hosting duties and a refreshed professional dance roster.
From Dogs Behaving Badly to the Strictly Ballroom
Famous for fronting Channel 5’s hit show Dog’s Behaving (Very) Badly, which has run for nearly a decade, Graeme Hall is swapping canine training for high-energy ballroom routines.
Hall’s extensive television and print career also includes fronting The Dog Hospital with Graeme Hall, writing a column for The Times, and serving as a regular contributor on ITV’s This Morning and BBC radio. Last year, he even secured a guest cameo in the hit period drama All Creatures Great and Small. As an author, his Sunday Times bestseller All Dogs Great and Small sits alongside his children’s book, The Ultimate Kid’s Guide to Dogs, which was published in July 2024 and shortlisted for The Junior Book Awards 2025.
“I can’t believe I am joining the cast of Strictly for 2026. I have always loved dancing, so to have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business is a dream come true. I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking! I can’t wait to get started. Bring it on!”
Graeme Hall, Dog trainer and television presenter, via BBC
A Star-Studded 2026 Line-Up Takes Shape
Hall is the 11th celebrity confirmed for the upcoming autumn run of the BBC dance competition. The roster brings together an eclectic mix of talent spanning television drama, reality shows, sport, music, and digital styling. Former England footballer and pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips was announced as the tenth contestant.
Among the confirmed names heading into the ballroom are Bethany Antonia (a House of the Dragon star), EastEnders icon Lacey Turner (who has played Stacey Slater since 2004), and actress Jaime Winstone (known for starring in Made in Dagenham and Tomb Raider). They are joined by Love Island winner Cach Mercer, Big Brother host Will Best, celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, Australian singer and former Eurovision fourth-place finisher Delta Goodrem, and Britain’s most successful Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey.
Dani Dyer is also returning to the contestant pool. The television personality was set to compete in the previous year’s series before an injury forced her to withdraw before reaching week one.
Major Changes Behind the Judges’ Desk and on Stage
The 2026 series marks a period of transition for the long-running institution. Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departed the program, paving the way for a new presenting trio composed of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.
The professional dancer line-up is likewise seeing a reshuffle. While seasoned judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas are all returning to their seats, the show has added five new professional dancers.
Returning fan favourites like Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu will be part of the professional roster.
Countdown to September
Despite changes across production and hosting roles, professional dancers have emphasized that the heart of Strictly is the competition.
BBC executives plan to unveil the remaining celebrity contestants over the summer. Fans can add the upcoming series to their watchlists on BBC iPlayer ahead of its official premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
