Graeme Hall, the television dog trainer known as ‘The Dogfather’, will make a return to the ballroom floor as the 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 begins.
Hall is partnered with professional dancer Lauren Oakley.
While many viewers recognise Hall for his work with unruly pets, his appearance on the BBC flagship programme marks a personal milestone following a health scare. In February 2019, Hall suffered a stroke caused by a hole in his heart.
The medical emergency effectively ended his previous hobby of competitive dancing. Before his illness, Hall had been competing in the National League for ballroom and Latin between 2013 and 2019.
The revelation of his amateur competitive history has led some viewers to label him a ‘dark horse’ for the 2026 series. Hall first took up dancing in 2012 for a charity event called Strictly Northampton before pursuing it at a higher amateur level.
According to The Mirror, his return to the dancefloor comes seven years after he was forced to step away from the sport to focus on his health.
Strictly 2026: What to expect
The 24th series features a revamped hosting line-up, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe taking over presenting duties.
Under the competition rules for the opening week, no celebrities will be eliminated. Instead, the scores provided by the judging panel will be carried over to the following weekend, when the first public vote will take place.
For viewers requiring accessibility features, the programme is available with live audio description. This can be accessed via the BBC iPlayer or through the Red Button on digital television (Channel 601 on Freeview).
The 2026 series marks the start of a significant new chapter for the show, which has undergone several production shifts ahead of the 24th series. Hall and Oakley will be joined by a full roster of celebrities, including athletes, actors, and presenters, all vying for the Glitterball trophy.