The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to feature a diverse line-up of celebrities, including a House of the Dragon star, Britain's most successful Paralympian, and a beloved soap actress. This year also marks a new era for the BBC show, with three new hosts replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Confirmed contestants for Strictly 2026
Bethany Antonia, best known for playing Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO's House of the Dragon, is among the first confirmed contestants. The 28-year-old actress began her career at age 14 in The Tempest and has appeared in shows like Doctor Who and Stath Lets Flats. In a statement, she said: 'I can't quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.'
Jaime Winstone, daughter of Hollywood star Ray Winstone, is also joining the cast. Known for films like Kidulthood and Tomb Raider, she played Barbara Windsor in the 2017 biopic Babs. She said: 'I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year. I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.'
Dame Sarah Storey, 48, is Great Britain's most successful Paralympian, with multiple gold medals in cycling and swimming. She announced her retirement from competitive sport earlier this month. As the first dame to compete on Strictly, she said: 'Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting. I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter, Louisa, is a very talented dancer.'
Will Best, co-host of ITV's Big Brother, is also confirmed. The 41-year-old recently won Celebrity Mastermind with the specialist subject of Danny Dyer. He said: 'I can't quite believe it…I'm doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one.'
Influencer Cach Mercer, who won Love Island in 2025, brings his Afrobeat and hip-hop dance moves to the ballroom. He has 1.3 million TikTok followers. He 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.'
Chris Appleton, celebrity hairstylist to Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, is also taking part. He said: '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.'
Australian singer Delta Goodrem, 41, who represented Australia at Eurovision 2026, joins the line-up. She said: 'I've been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career…there is, however, one stage I've never stepped onto, and that is the ballroom floor.'
Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater on EastEnders for over 20 years, is taking a break from Albert Square to compete. She said: '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.'
Dani Dyer returns after fracturing her ankle last year and withdrawing shortly after the launch show. She was originally partnered with Nikita Kuzmin. She said: '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!'
Rumoured contestants
Jeff Brazier, father of former Strictly runner-up Bobby Brazier, is in talks to join, according to The Sun. A source said: 'He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go.'
Josie Gibson, Big Brother winner and This Morning presenter, is 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.'
Jake Quickenden, who won Dancing on Ice in 2018, is also rumoured. 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.'
Major changes to the show
The 2026 series introduces three new hosts: broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and pro dancer Johannes Radebe, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The professional dancer line-up has also seen departures, including Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be benched without partners.
Last year's winners were Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC in September 2026.
