The BBC has announced a brand new Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show set to air alongside the main series and It Takes Two once the live shows restart this weekend.
Fronted by comedian Abi Clarke and Strictly alum Tyler West, who competed in the 2022 series, Strictly: Lights Up will be available on BBC iPlayer after each Sunday’s results show.
Announcing the show on Monday (21 September) afternoon, the BBC said Lights Up will feature “immediate reactions from the night's eliminated couple [and] their dance-off opponents - plus the judges, hosts, other Strictly stars and studio guests”.
The broadcaster also revealed plans for a special “Strictly hub” on iPlayer, where fans will be able to enjoy additional exclusive content.
This will include training room episodes where Clarke visits the couples to see how rehearsals are going. A brand new online-only weekly highlights show will also round up each week’s action.
It comes after the BBC confirmed West’s fellow Strictly 2022 star Ellie Taylor as the new host of weekday spin-off show It Takes Two.
The comedian replaced Fleur East and Janette Manrara, amid rumours that the entire show is being revamped as a vodcast, meaning episodes will be filmed for viewers and recorded for podcast listeners.
Taylor appeared to confirm the change when her presenting role was announced last month. Appearing on Radio 2, she said It Takes Two will be “the show that everyone knows and loves but refreshed for 2026”.
“We’re gonna be talking to couples but also groups of celeb [contestants] and groups of pros away from their dance partners, for slightly more candid conversation,” she explained.
Taylor continued: “One thing that we’re really keen to have is more involvement from the viewers at home. You know when you have a WhatsApp chat and you’re gossiping about what’s going on with Strictly? We want it to feel like that. One big, fat celebration of the wonderful world of Strictly.”
This year marks a new era for Strictly Come Dancing.
Following the departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show’s new presenters – Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe – made their debut in Saturday night’s prerecorded launch show, which saw this year’s pairings revealed.
While Daly and Winkleman had specific roles on the show, the new hosts are set to take a more chaotic approach and swap around throughout each episode.
Saturday’s launch episode gave viewers a taste of what’s to come – and while Willis in particular was a huge hit, some fans and critics have questioned whether Strictly really needs three presenters.
All the Strictly 2026 stars with previous dance experience
Richard Hammond reflects on near-fatal Top Gear crash, 20 years on
Claudia Winkleman shares one-word verdict on Strictly replacement Emma Willis
Nigella Lawson offers glimpse of new look Bake Off in first trailer
Bob Harris shares positive cancer news after undergoing treatment
Reacher star claims Lee Child book adaptation was cancelled because of Trump
