Strictly 2026 fans have already picked out this year’s potential finalists – despite the series only just getting started!
The 15 new celebrities discovered their professional partners during tonight’s launch show, and some pairings have already sent fans into a frenzy.
Vito and Lacey are favourites (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2026 pairings revealed
Tonight’s show saw the celebrities discover who they’d be partnered with for the new series (Saturday, September 19).
This year has brought a brand new twist, with the celebrities and professional dancers finding out their pairings while they were actually dancing.
The stars and their pros took part in a routine together, swapping partners several times along the way. During breaks in the dance, the hosts then revealed which celebrity would be paired with which professional.
The new format certainly went down well with fans, who were particularly excited by a couple of the pairings.
In fact, some viewers have wasted no time in predicting that they’ll make it all the way to the final.
Are they going to be this year’s winners? (Credit: BBC)
Lacey Turner predicted to be in this year’s final
During the routine, EastEnders star Lacey Turner discovered she’d be dancing with Vito Coppola, who previously won the show in 2022.
Fans were quick to get excited about the pairing, with several already predicting that Lacey and Vito could be among this year’s finalists.
“I think I’ve found my first 2 finalists already, and it’s only the launch show,” one fan tweeted, alongside a picture of Lacey, Vito, as well as Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin.
“Go Lacey and Vito, hopefully another strong partnership,” another said. “Lacey Turner for the mf win!” a third wrote.
“MOTHER LACEY SHE’S TAKING THE WHOLE THING,” another fan gushed.
“Manifesting Lacey & Vito as #strictly winners 2026,” a fifth said. “Winners. No doubt about it,” another added. “OUR WINNERS OF SCD 2026 RIGHT HERE! TEAM LITO ALL THE WAY!,” another wrote.
Will Graeme be first out? (Credit: BBC)
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