Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has confirmed five contestants so far, with Dani Dyer returning after her injury last year, alongside Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, and Cach Mercer. The show also sees major changes including new hosts and a revamped professional dancer line-up.
Confirmed contestants for Strictly 2026
Dani Dyer, 29, is returning after fracturing her ankle in 2025 shortly after the launch show. She was originally partnered with Nikita Kuzmin. '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!' she said in a statement.
Lacey Turner, 38, known for playing Stacey Slater on EastEnders for over 20 years, is taking a break from Albert Square to join the show. '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 in her announcement.
Delta Goodrem, 41, the Australian singer-songwriter who represented Australia at Eurovision 2026, has been on Strictly bosses' wishlist for years. 'I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!' she said.
Chris Appleton, 43, a Hollywood hairstylist whose clients include Kim Kardashian, J-Lo, and Ariana Grande, said: '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.'
Cach Mercer, an influencer with 1.3 million TikTok followers who won Love Island in 2025, stated: '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!'
Major changes to the show
This year marks a new era for Strictly, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and pro dancer Johannes Radebe. The professional dancer line-up has also seen departures: Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez have left, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be benched without a partner.
Rumoured contestants for Strictly 2026
Dame Sarah Storey, 37, Britain’s most successful Paralympian with 30 medals including 19 gold, is rumoured 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.' She had to withdraw from Dancing on Ice last year due to injury.
Jeff Brazier, 47, father of previous Strictly runner-up Bobby Brazier, is in talks. A source said he was initially reluctant not to step on his son'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.'
Josie Gibson, 41, Big Brother winner and This Morning presenter, is reportedly in talks. A source told The Sun: 'Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs.'
Jake Quickenden, 37, who won Dancing on Ice in 2018 and stars in CBBC's Jamie Johnson FC, has caught the eye of Strictly bookers. A source said: '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.'
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September 2026.
