Strictly Stars Gather for TV BAFTAs 2026 Without Nominations

Strictly Come Dancing Stars Attend 2026 TV Baftas Despite No Nominations

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing made a grand appearance at the 2026 TV Baftas, even though the BBC dance show was not nominated in any category. This unexpected outcome came after Karen Carney and Carlos Gu’s victory in the 2025 series, which also marked Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final season as hosts. Rumours about their replacements are expected to be announced soon.

Instead, The Graham Norton Show, Last One Laughing, Would I Lie To You?, and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show were nominated for the entertainment TV Bafta, leaving Strictly completely out of the spotlight this year. Despite this, the show’s professionals and former contestants turned up in style, donning their finest attire for the red carpet event.

Dianne Buswell was the only one from Strictly on the red carpet, having recently welcomed her first child, Bowie, with real-life partner Joe Sugg. The flame-haired professional, who is set to return in 2026, looked stunning in a strapless black gown with an updo. Katya Jones also attended in a dramatic deep red gown. Strictly bosses reportedly saved the Russian choreographer from being let go, which left several other professionals, including Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuck, and Michelle Tsiakkas, devastated when their contracts weren’t renewed.

Lewis Cope, a standout contestant from last season, walked the red carpet with his girlfriend, while finalist Amber Davies made an appearance in a sparkly high-neck dress. Notably absent was ex-host Tess Daly, who recently announced her divorce from Vernon Kay after 23 years of marriage. Claudia Winkleman, on the other hand, returned from the Scottish Highlands, where she was filming the second season of The Celebrity Traitors, which features Miranda Hart, Maya Jama, James Blunt, and Richard E Grant.

Claudia arrived in her usual all-black outfit, with her trademark fringe sweeping across her forehead. She was accompanied by her husband, Kris Thykier. While the event was bittersweet for some, it wasn’t all bad news for Claudia, as The Celebrity Traitors was nominated for several awards following Alan Carr’s impressive £87,500 win.

Other notable attendees included Dame Mary Berry, who looked elegant in a pastel pink ensemble. At 91 years old, she received the Bafta fellowship, the highest accolade for contributions to television. Speaking to Roman Kemp on the red carpet, she expressed her pride in joining previous recipients. “You hear about actors and directors getting it, so as a cook, I feel very honoured,” she said.

The cast of Adolescence, which was nominated in 11 categories, also made an appearance. The Netflix series, which brought Owen Cooper to fame, tackled sensitive topics like incel culture and online safety. Owen was seen in a cool jacket, with co-creator Stephen Graham and his wife, Hannah, by his side.

The night also saw several baby bumps, with Vogue Williams making her debut with her fourth child. She and Spencer Matthews, who had faced complications earlier in the year, posed together in style. Scarlett Moffatt, expecting her second child, was also present, as was Laura Whitmore, who arrived with her husband, Iain Stirling.

Other celebrities in attendance included Danny and Dani Dyer, Amanda Holden, Louis Theroux, and Aimee Lou Wood. From the US, Adam Scott and Seth Rogen made appearances, while Steven Knight took a break from working on the next James Bond movie to celebrate his nominated show, A Thousand Blows.

Bafta chief executive Jane Millichip praised the strong year for television, highlighting shows like Adolescence, Celebrity Traitors, and Amandaland. “They are powerful shows that shine a light on British talent,” she said.

Greg Davies will host this year’s broadcast, taking over from Alan Cumming. The TV Baftas 2026 will air on the BBC from 7pm.