Dianne Buswell is taking Strictly Come Dancing in a brand-new direction. The popular professional dancer will lead a new CBBC spin-off called Strictly Pro Dance Off, bringing the show’s famous routines, competitive spirit and professional dancers to younger viewers.
The new programme launches alongside the return of Strictly Come Dancing for its 2026 series and marks the first new spin-off from the UK franchise in 22 years.
Designed for children and families, the bite-sized series will give viewers the chance to learn dance routines alongside their favourite Strictly professionals before watching them compete against each other. ([The Standard][1])
What Is Strictly Pro Dance Off?
Strictly Pro Dance Off is a new interactive CBBC programme built around the professional dancers rather than the celebrity contestants.
Each episode will last just seven minutes, making it a quick and energetic addition to Saturday morning television.
The format brings three professional dancers together in a virtual training room. One professional takes on the role of teacher, while the other two learn a routine before going head-to-head in a dance battle.
The teacher then uses Strictly-style score paddles to assess the performances.
The BBC says the series will combine dance tutorials, competition and behind-the-scenes entertainment while introducing younger audiences to different ballroom and Latin dance styles. ([Tollbit][2])
Dianne Buswell Takes the Lead
Dianne Buswell will be at the centre of the first episode, giving Strictly fans another chance to see her in action.
The Australian-born professional dancer has become one of the most recognisable faces on the BBC ballroom show since joining the professional line-up.
For the opening episode, Dianne will teach a Jive to fellow professionals Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley.
Once they have learned the routine, the pair will compete in a dance-off, with Dianne taking on the role of teacher and judge.
The concept gives viewers a different look at the professional dancers, showing not only their performance skills but also how they teach, learn and react when competition enters the picture. ([The Standard][1])
When Does Strictly Pro Dance Off Start?
The new CBBC show launches on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 9am.
It will be available on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, with the first broadcast airing during Saturday Mash-Up!.
New episodes are scheduled for Saturday mornings, giving families a short dance-focused programme before the main Strictly Come Dancing action later in the day.
The routines will also connect with themes featured on the main BBC programme, allowing younger viewers to get involved with the week’s dance styles before watching the celebrity contestants perform. ([Tollbit][2])
All the Strictly Professionals Get Involved
Dianne is not the only professional dancer involved in the new CBBC project.
The series will feature the returning Strictly Come Dancing professionals as well as the five new dancers joining the BBC show for its 2026 series.
The new professional dancers are:
- Aleksandra Isaeva
- Cristian Priori
- Lethabo Monametsi
- Maddie Ingoldsby
- Mark Karmalita
Their involvement gives the spin-off an opportunity to introduce the latest additions to the Strictly professional family to a younger audience.
Across the series, viewers will see the dancers teach routines, compete against one another and reveal more about the techniques behind different styles. ([The Standard][1])
A New Way for Children to Enjoy Strictly
The biggest difference between Strictly Pro Dance Off and the main BBC programme is its interactive approach.
Instead of simply watching professional performances, children are encouraged to follow along and try the routines themselves.
The short format is also designed to keep the action fast-moving, with popular music, dance instruction and competition packed into each episode.
Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning for BBC Children’s and Education 7+, said the series brings elements children enjoy about Strictly into a shorter format created specifically for them. ([Tollbit][2])
The programme will also help younger viewers understand how different dance styles work, from the footwork involved in a Jive to the performance techniques used by professional dancers.
Dianne Buswell’s New Chapter
The new show arrives at an interesting time for Dianne, who remains part of the professional line-up for the main 2026 Strictly Come Dancing series.
Her involvement in Strictly Pro Dance Off gives her another role within the franchise, allowing her to step away from the celebrity-partner format and take centre stage as a professional instructor.
It also gives fans an opportunity to see a more playful side of Dianne as she works with fellow dancers and helps younger viewers discover the joy of ballroom and Latin dance.
For families who already enjoy Strictly, the spin-off offers another way to engage with the show’s professional dancers outside the Saturday night competition.
Strictly Come Dancing Returns With Major Changes
The CBBC spin-off launches on the same day as the main Strictly Come Dancing 2026 series returns.
The new season is already attracting attention because the BBC programme has undergone several major changes.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking over presenting duties following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
There are also five new professional dancers joining the line-up, while the judging panel remains unchanged with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. ([The Standard][3])
The main show also has a new launch-night format, with celebrities meeting their professional partners through a dance-based pairing process rather than the traditional reveal.
That means Strictly viewers have plenty of new material to discover this year.
Dianne Buswell Gives Young Fans More Strictly Magic
With its short episodes, interactive routines and professional dance battles, Strictly Pro Dance Off is designed to make ballroom and Latin dancing accessible to a younger audience.
Dianne Buswell’s involvement adds a familiar face to the new format, while Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley’s opening Jive battle sets the tone for the series.
For Strictly Come Dancing fans, it also provides a fresh look behind the professional dancers’ routines — and for children watching at home, there is an opportunity to grab some space in the living room and join in.
As the glittering 2026 Strictly season gets underway, Dianne’s new CBBC role ensures that the dancing will not be confined to Saturday night’s main event.
Strictly Pro Dance Off begins on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, September 19, at 9am. ([Tollbit][2])
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The source of this news is The Standard.