The BBC has revealed the full line-up of celebrity contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, following a major overhaul that saw the departure of presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, along with several long-serving professional dancers. The new season will be hosted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe, while the judging panel remains unchanged with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas.
Soap Stars and TV Personalities Lead the Cast
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, known for her role as Stacey Slater, is the first announced contestant. She said: "I am so excited to being 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, who had to withdraw from last year's competition due to a foot injury, returns to the dancefloor. 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! I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Emmerdale's Lawrence Robb, who plays Mackenzie 'Mack' Boyd, will also take part. He said: "I don't know who’s more excited about this, me or my Mother. I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!"
Olympic and Sporting Legends Join the Competition
Dame Sarah Storey, the most successful British Paralympian with nineteen gold medals, will compete. 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! I can’t wait to get started!"
Former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, with 36 caps, will also dance. He said: "Dancing is in my blood—but mainly at family events! Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!"
Team GB skeleton athlete Tabby Stoecker is also on the list. She said: "I am over the moon to be joining the cast of Strictly 2026. I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!"
Entertainment Stars and Eurovision Sensation
Singer and actress Delta Goodrem, fresh from representing Australia in Eurovision, will join. She 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!"
TV presenter Will Best, known for hosting Big Brother, will also take part. He 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! I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I’m going to try to enjoy every minute of it."
Other contestants include world-renowned hairstylist Chris Appleton, former Love Island winner Cach Mercer, actress Jaime Winstone, House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia, dog trainer Graeme Hall, and YouTuber John Nellis.
