Big Brother presenter Will Best is the latest celebrity to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up, the BBC confirmed. The 41-year-old co-hosts ITV's reality show with AJ Odudu and also presents the Hits Radio Breakfast Show. Best won Celebrity Mastermind earlier this year with Danny Dyer as his specialist subject.
Best said in a statement: 'I can't quite believe it…I'm doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one. I've been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait! I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I'm going to try to enjoy every minute of it.'
Confirmed Celebrities for 2026
Influencer Cach Mercer, 25, winner of Love Island 2025 with partner Toni Laites, is also confirmed. He has over 1.3 million TikTok followers and a background in Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street dance. 'I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can't wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!' he said.
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, who counts Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande among his clients, will also compete. 'I've always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can't wait to get started,' he said.
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, 41, who represented Australia at Eurovision 2026, has been on the show's wishlist for years, according to reports. 'I've been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is, however, one stage I've never stepped onto, and that is the ballroom floor. I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can't wait to get started!' she said in a statement.
EastEnders star Lacey Turner, 38, who has played Stacey Slater for over 20 years, is taking a break from Albert Square to join the show. 'I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing. I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!' she wrote.
Reality TV star Dani Dyer, 29, returns after fracturing her ankle in 2025, forcing her withdrawal after the launch show. 'I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!' she said.
Rumoured Contestants
Paralympic cyclist Dame Sarah Storey, 37, Britain's most successful Paralympian with 30 medals (19 gold), is reported to have signed up. A source told The Sun: 'Sarah is delighted to be taking part in Strictly and is really excited to be learning a new skill. She is obviously very competitive and hopes to give the contest her all, while letting viewers get to know her personality. She's also keen to embrace the glamour of the show and is looking forward to getting dressed up.' Storey was previously forced to withdraw from Dancing on Ice due to injury.
Jeff Brazier, 47, father of former Strictly contestant Bobby Brazier, is in talks to join. A source told The Sun: 'Previously he said he wouldn't do it because he didn't want to step on Bobby's toes. But three years have passed now and it's a massive opportunity for Jeff. He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go. Jeff has yet to sign his contract but everyone around him is urging him to do it.'
This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, 41, is also reportedly being pursued by BBC bosses. A source told The Sun: 'Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while, and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.'
X Factor star and Dancing on Ice winner Jake Quickenden, 37, is also rumoured to have 'caught the eye of the Strictly bookers', according to a source. He currently stars in CBBC's Jamie Johnson FC and said he'd 'love to do it' should the opportunity arise.
Major Changes for 2026
The 2026 series marks a significant overhaul for the BBC's flagship dancing show. Longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have departed, replaced by a trio: broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and pro dancer Johannes Radebe. The professional dancer line-up has also seen changes, with fan favourites Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez leaving, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be 'benched' without a partner.
Last year's winners were Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu, who beat fellow finalists Amber Davis and Nikita Kuzmin, and George Clarke and Alexis Warr. Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September 2026.
