First Celebrities Confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Strictly Come Dancing is returning for a brand new series in 2026, and the first celebrities have been announced. The BBC show has undergone a major revamp, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down. Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdecombe have taken over hosting duties. Additionally, five professional dancers—Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas—have departed, with new pros joining the lineup.
The first confirmed celebrity is EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater on the BBC soap. Speaking about joining the show, 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 and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
Dani Dyer Returns After Injury
Love Island star Dani Dyer is returning to the competition after being forced to withdraw from the previous series due to an ankle injury. "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.
Delta Goodrem and Chris Appleton Join the Cast
Eurovision singer Delta Goodrem has also signed up, saying she is "absolutely thrilled" to be on the show. "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!"
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, known for styling Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry, is the fourth confirmed contestant. "I'm thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. 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.
Rumoured Contestants: Melanie Walters, Roman Kemp, Sarah Storey
Several other celebrities are rumoured to be joining the lineup. Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, known for her role as Gwen West, is reportedly signed up. TV and radio presenter Roman Kemp is also in the mix, though he denied any involvement during an appearance on The One Show. Emma Barton, who played Honey on EastEnders, hinted at his participation, but Kemp quickly said: "I have never done it. I’ve never done it."
Olympian Sarah Storey is also rumoured for the show. A source said: "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."
