Strictly Come Dancing has announced the second contestant taking to the dance floor in 2026. The official confirmation came today, Thursday 11 June, via @bbcstrictly's verified social media accounts. Dani Dyer, 29, daughter of actor Danny Dyer, will be chasing the Glitterball Trophy later this year.
Dani Dyer Returns After Injury
Dani was initially part of the Strictly 2025 line-up but was forced to pull out due to a foot injury before the contest began. Now she is back and ready to compete. Reacting to the announcement, 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!"
She added: "I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Previous Injury and Mental Health Struggles
Last year, Dani suffered a fractured ankle after thinking she had rolled her foot. An MRI scan revealed the fracture, and she had to step away. At that time, she shared: "I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly. After an MRI scan it turns out I have fractured my ankle. Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable."
She went on: "It was so hard because I was having the best time of my life. [After I quit] I couldn't leave the house, because I knew if someone said to me, 'Are you OK?', I'd just cry. It's been really testing my mental health."
Second Contestant Revealed
Dani Dyer is the second contestant confirmed for Strictly 2026, following EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, who has portrayed Stacey Slater since 2004 and was unveiled on Wednesday. During the 2025 series, Dani was partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin. Whether the pair will be matched together once more on the 2026 programme remains uncertain.
Earlier this year, the ex-Love Island star hinted at a potential return. When asked about coming back, she said: "It's up to them. It's a magical thing to do, so we'll have to see when they start casting. But yeah absolutely – who could say no to Strictly?"
Strictly Come Dancing returns soon to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
