Delta Goodrem has shared an update on her professional dance partner for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. The Australian singer-songwriter, 41, appeared on Sunday Brunch on August 9 to discuss her forthcoming stint on the BBC One show.
Partner pairing imminent
During the Channel 4 programme, Delta joined hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, alongside guests JB Gill, Tracy Ann Oberman, Nick Helm, and Holly Humberstone. The conversation turned to Strictly as former contestants JB and Simon shared their experiences.
Despite the competition starting in a matter of weeks, celebrity contestants have not yet been paired with professional dancers. Delta confirmed the pairing process is due to take place within the coming week.
When Tim asked, "When did you find out who your dancer is?", Delta replied: "No, I think in a couple of weeks, so it's still like a week or so away when we start the process. I'm excited, nervous, all those kinds of things."
Advice from former contestants
Tim noted that both Simon and JB loved their time on the show. JB told Delta: "Oh, you're going to have such a good time. Honestly, it's so good, really fun. I'm sure everyone you're going to be going up against will be brilliant."
Simon described the first day of rehearsals as terrifying, telling Delta and JB: "Basically, you see all the pro dancers being pro dancers, and you can both dance, I couldn't, and I'm thinking, 'what am I doing here'."
When asked if she thinks she will win, Delta said: "Oh look, I am going to go in and give my very best that I possibly can. I have no expectations or awareness of what level of dancing."
Professional line-up for 2026
Returning professionals include Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, and Vito Coppola.
New professional dancers joining in 2026 are Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
Delta's excitement
Delta, one of Australia's most accomplished artists, 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!"
Other celebrities confirmed for Strictly 2026 include Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme 'The Dogfather' Hall, and Lawrence Robb, with more names yet to be announced.
