Strictly Come Dancing fever has officially begun for 2026, with the first of many cast reveals already dropped. This year's batch of competitors will surely be hoping to replicate the success of Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu, who emerged as last year's winners.
The newcomers join Strictly at an important time, with several enormous changes taking place on the BBC's flagship dancing show. This includes the departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, replaced by three new hosts: broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and pro dancer Johannes Radebe.
The pro dancer line-up has also undergone sweeping changes, with fan favourites Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez departing, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be 'benched' without a partner.
Confirmed cast for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Delta Goodrem
The Australian singer-songwriter was just 15 when she signed her first record deal, and her career has gone from strength to strength ever since. The 41-year-old has released seven albums, sold millions of copies, and represented Australia at Eurovision 2026. '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,' she said in a statement. 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can't wait to get started!'
Lacey Turner
She has played EastEnders' favourite Stacey Slater for over 20 years, but now Lacey Turner is set to appear on the BBC in a very different way. The 38-year-old soap actress is taking a break from Albert Square to pursue new ventures, moving from the cobblestones onto the dance floor. In the announcement, Lacey wrote: '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!'
Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer had one of the briefest Strictly stints ever last year, forced to withdraw shortly after the launch show due to an ankle fracture. But now, she is back! Originally partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, who went on to reach the final with Amber Davies, Dani previously said on The Jonathan Ross Show that she would 'love' to do Strictly again. 'I was devastated. It was hell for me when I hurt my foot; I was so sad.' Her dream has become a reality as she is the second celebrity confirmed for the 2026 line-up. '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!' the 29-year-old said in a statement.
Rumoured stars for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Dame Sarah Storey
Paralympic athlete Dame Sarah Storey, 37, is said to have signed up to this series of Strictly, with an official announcement rumoured to be on the cards. 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.' Cyclist Dame Sarah is Britain's most successful Paralympian, having won 30 medals – including 19 Gold – over her career. She had been due to compete in last year's Dancing on Ice but was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury while training.
Jeff Brazier
The Brazier name is familiar to Strictly fans – in 2023, EastEnders actor and model Bobby Brazier danced his way to runner-up with professional partner Dianne Buswell. According to The Sun, Bobby's father, 47-year-old Jeff, is in talks to compete in the upcoming series. A source told the publication that he had become 'tempted' after being approached by the BBC. The insider added: '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.'
Josie Gibson
She rose to fame as a Big Brother winner and has since cemented herself as a British TV favourite. Josie Gibson is now often seen presenting on This Morning, and in 2023, she placed fourth in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! If reports are to be believed, she could be looking to earn herself a place on the podium by signing up to Strictly and wowing on the dance floor. 'Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while, and they've not given up their pursuit,' said a source. They added to The Sun that talks are progressing well. 'Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs,' the insider also claimed. 'Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.' Josie, 41, wouldn't be the first ITV daytime star to tackle Strictly, with previous series signing up the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and Ed Balls.
Jake Quickenden
Rising to fame on The X Factor in 2012, Jake Quickenden has his roots in reality TV. Subsequently appearing on I'm A Celeb and Dancing On Ice (which he won in 2018), Jake currently stars in the CBBC series Jamie Johnson FC. Of those Strictly rumours, a source told The Sun that he had 'caught the eye of the Strictly bookers.' They added: 'He's fun, hunky and known as an all-round nice guy. He's an actor and singer, so is a natural performer. And he won Dancing On Ice, so has clearly got the moves. And now he's in the BBC stables, he's part of the gang.' The 37-year-old star said that he would be keen to take part, revealing that he would 'love to do it' should the opportunity arise.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
