Strictly spot for Graeme Hall, dog trainer ‘Dogfather’

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 6, 2026

Dog trainer and TV presenter Graeme Hall has been announced as the 11th celebrity contestant for the 2026 series of *Strictly Come Dancing*, joining a varied lineup that includes sports stars, actors, and returning participants. This season features a new presenting team and significant changes to the professional dancer roster, marking a fresh direction as rehearsals prepare to begin in September.

Television presenter and dog trainer Graeme Hall has been confirmed as the 11th celebrity contestant for the 2026 series of *Strictly Come Dancing*. Known widely as “The Dogfather,” Hall is set to join a diverse lineup of participants when the competition begins next month.

Hall, 59, is best known for hosting the Channel 5 program *Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly* and regularly appears as a canine expert on ITV’s *This Morning* and BBC radio. He is also an established author, having written several books on dog training, canine behavior, and pet understanding.

In a statement, Hall expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying he has always loved dancing and described being selected for the show as a “dream come true.” He added that, having been a long-time fan of *Strictly*, joining the cast is both an exciting challenge and “more than a bit nerve-racking.” “I can’t wait to get started. Bring it on!” he said.

The 2026 lineup features a mix of celebrities from various fields, including football legend Shaun Wright-Phillips, actress Jaime Winstone, singer Delta Goodrem, actor Bethany Antonia of *House of the Dragon*, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, TV presenter Will Best, EastEnders star Lacey Turner, reality television personality Dani Dyer, hair stylist Chris Appleton, and *Love Island* winner Cach Mercer. Notably, Dani Dyer is returning to the show after withdrawing last year due to injury.

This season is also marked by significant changes in the show’s production team. Longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be replaced by a new presenting trio: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and former *Strictly* professional Johannes Radebe. Additionally, several regular professional dancers, including Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk, have departed the program.

*Strictly Come Dancing* remains one of the UK’s most popular entertainment shows, combining celebrity competition with professional dance performances. Hall’s addition reflects the show’s continued appeal to a wide range of public figures and audiences. Rehearsals and the first live shows are scheduled to begin in September.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.