The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up is taking shape, with eight celebrities confirmed so far, including actress Jaime Winstone, Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey, and Big Brother presenter Will Best. The new series marks a major overhaul for the BBC show, with three new hosts replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and several professional dancers departing.
Confirmed celebrities for Strictly 2026
Jaime Winstone, known for films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider, is the daughter of Hollywood star Ray Winstone. She said in a statement: '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. I love a challenge though, so can't wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!!'
Dame Sarah Storey, Britain's most successful Paralympian with 30 medals including 19 gold, announced her retirement from competitive sport earlier this month. 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, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating!'
Will Best, co-host of ITV's Big Brother, said: '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!'
Cach Mercer, Love Island 2025 winner with partner Toni Laites, has over 1.3 million TikTok followers for his dance moves. He said: '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!'
Chris Appleton, celebrity hairstylist to stars like Kim Kardashian, 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 – and I can't wait to get started.'
Delta Goodrem, Australian singer who represented her country at Eurovision 2026, said: '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!'
Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater on EastEnders for over 20 years, 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 and not watching at home this year!'
Dani Dyer returns after fracturing her ankle last year and being forced to withdraw shortly after the launch show. 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!'
Major changes to the show
This year's series sees the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, replaced by broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional 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.
Rumoured contestants
According to reports, Jeff Brazier, father of 2023 runner-up 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.' Josie Gibson, This Morning presenter and former Big Brother winner, is also rumoured, with a source saying: 'Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while, and they've not given up their pursuit.' Jake Quickenden, X Factor star and Dancing on Ice winner, is reportedly being considered.
2025 winners
Last year's winners were Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu, who defeated finalists Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, and George Clarke and Alexis Warr.
