How to watch Strictly Come Dancing series 24 from anywhere
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Strictly Come Dancing returns for series 24 on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, with a pre-recorded launch show airing at 7:25PM BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The first live show follows on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, and the competition runs every weekend until Christmas. This year brings a major shake-up: for the first time ever, three presenters host the show, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
In the UK, every episode is free to watch live and on demand on BBC iPlayer. Outside the UK, iPlayer is geo-blocked, so viewers traveling or living abroad will need a VPN to access their usual stream. Below, we cover where to watch in each country, how to set up a VPN step by step, and what to expect from the new series, including the companion show Strictly: It Takes Two.
Where to watch Strictly Come Dancing series 24
The BBC holds exclusive rights to Strictly Come Dancing in the UK, and coverage is split across BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer.
| Country | Platform | Cost | Notes |
| United Kingdom | BBC iPlayer | Free | Live and on demand; free account with UK postcode and TV licence required |
At the time of writing, the BBC hasn't confirmed an official international broadcaster for series 24 in the US, Canada, or Australia. Previous seasons have reached some international markets with a delay, but nothing has been announced for 2026. If you are a UK viewer traveling abroad or an international fan, the most reliable way to watch is via BBC iPlayer with a VPN.
How to watch Strictly Come Dancing from anywhere with a VPN
BBC iPlayer restricts access to viewers inside the UK. If you try to stream from abroad, you will see a message saying iPlayer is only available in the UK. A virtual private network (VPN) routes your connection through a UK server, which helps restore access to your iPlayer account while you travel. Here is how to set it up:
- Choose a reliable streaming VPN. We recommend NordVPN for its consistent BBC iPlayer unblocking and fast UK servers.
- Install the VPN app. NordVPN supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and more.
- Connect to a UK server. Open the app and pick any server in the United Kingdom.
- Open BBC iPlayer. Sign in to your free account. New users will need to register with an email address and a UK postcode, and confirm they hold a valid TV license.
- Start watching. Load the Strictly Come Dancing page and stream live on Saturday evenings or catch up on demand. If iPlayer still blocks you, clear your browser cookies or try a different UK server.
Why you need a VPN to watch Strictly outside the UK
The BBC geo-blocks iPlayer because its programs are funded by the UK TV license, and its distribution agreements limit streaming to the UK. When you connect from a foreign IP address, iPlayer detects your location and blocks playback, even if you pay for a TV license at home. As a result, you will see this error message:
A VPN masks your real IP address and assigns you a UK one, so iPlayer treats your connection as local. This is a well-established and legal way for UK license payers to access their home streaming service while on holiday or working abroad. If you want to understand the mechanics better, our guide explains how to change your location with a VPN.
Best VPNs for streaming Strictly Come Dancing
Not every VPN can reliably unblock BBC iPlayer, which actively blocks many VPN IP ranges. These three providers performed most consistently in our testing:
- NordVPN – our top pick for BBC iPlayer, with fast UK servers, apps for all major platforms, and strong connection speeds for HD streaming. Plans start from $3.49/month on long-term deals, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our full NordVPN review for test results.
- Surfshark – a budget-friendly alternative that allows unlimited simultaneous connections, useful for households streaming on several devices. See our Surfshark review for details.
- Proton VPN – a privacy-focused option with solid unblocking performance and a strong no-logs policy. Our Proton VPN review covers its streaming performance.
How to watch on different devices
| Device | BBC iPlayer app | VPN support |
| Windows / Mac | Via browser | Native VPN apps |
| iPhone / iPad | Yes | Native VPN apps |
| Android | Yes | Native VPN apps |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick | Yes | Native VPN apps |
| Smart TVs (Samsung, LG) | Yes | Router setup or Smart DNS |
| Apple TV / Roku / Chromecast | Yes | Router setup or casting |
Most smart TVs do not support VPN apps directly. The simplest workaround is to configure the VPN on your router, use the provider's Smart DNS feature, or cast from a phone or laptop that is already connected to the VPN.
Strictly Come Dancing series 24: what to expect
Strictly Come Dancing series 24 is one of the biggest shake-ups in the show's history. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe take over as a three-person presenting team, the first time Strictly has ever used three hosts. The judging panel is unchanged, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas all returning.
Fifteen celebrity contestants compete this year, paired with a professional roster that mixes 14 returning dancers, including Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, and Vito Coppola, with five brand-new professionals from the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and Ukraine. Themed weeks return, including Movies, Icons, Halloween, and Musicals, along with the Instant Dance challenge and the traditional trip to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The companion show Strictly: It Takes Two also returns on BBC Two and iPlayer, airing weeknights from Elstree Studios with new host Ellie Taylor. The previous series averaged 7.8m viewers, peaking at 8.6m for the Grand Final, so expect another competitive autumn.
FAQ
Where can I watch Strictly Come Dancing series 24?
In the UK, series 24 airs live on BBC One and streams free on BBC iPlayer, with episodes airing every Saturday and results shows on Sunday. No official international broadcaster has been confirmed for the US, Canada, or Australia at the time of writing. Viewers outside the UK can access iPlayer with a reliable VPN like NordVPN connected to a UK server.
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start?
The pre-recorded launch show airs on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at 7:25PM BST on BBC One and iPlayer. The first live show follows on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, and the series runs weekly until the Grand Final in December.
How can I watch Strictly Come Dancing from abroad?
UK viewers traveling abroad can watch through their BBC iPlayer account by connecting to a VPN server in the UK first. BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted and blocks foreign IP addresses by default. A streaming-capable VPN may restore access to your usual account. You will still need a valid TV license declaration and a free iPlayer account.
Can I watch Strictly Come Dancing for free?
Yes. In the UK, BBC iPlayer is completely free, requiring only an account and a TV license. There is no confirmed free international stream for series 24, so viewers abroad typically use a VPN to reach iPlayer's free coverage.
Who is hosting Strictly Come Dancing in 2026?
Series 24 is presented by Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe, replacing long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. It is the first three-presenter lineup in the show's history.
Where can I watch highlights and behind-the-scenes content?
Strictly: It Takes Two airs weeknights on BBC Two and iPlayer with host Ellie Taylor, offering interviews, backstage access, and dance analysis. Highlights and clips are also posted on the official Strictly Come Dancing YouTube and social channels, and full episodes remain on iPlayer on demand after broadcast.
