Social media star John Nellis has been announced as the 14th contestant for Strictly Come Dancing. The YouTuber will take to the dancefloor later this year in a newly revamped edition of the BBC dancing programme, with Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdecombe and Emma Willis fronting the show for the first time.
John Nellis's Reaction
YouTube star John said: "I'm still in disbelief that I've been selected for Strictly and, if I'm honest, I'm a little nervous as I've never danced before! It's such an incredible opportunity, and I'm going to throw myself into every moment. I can't wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill, and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!"
Former air traffic control officer John left his job to take on content creation full-time. Since then, he's rapidly become one of the leading stars in his field, having won Sport Creator of the Year at the 2024 TikTok Awards UK and Ireland. Over the course of his career, he's amassed a combined audience of over 20 million followers and billions of views. His videos have even featured the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. The creator, originally from Newcastle, County Down, has travelled across the world for his job, collaborating with the likes of Erling Haaland, with his video amassing more than 60 million combined views.
Fan Reaction
But the news hasn't gone down too well with fans. One said: "Who are these people it's not celebrities." While a second went on to write: "Worst line up in years and I'm normally not the one complaining about the line up." "Are they limited on actual celebrities this year!!?" asked a third. "I love Strictly but damn they are scraping that barrel for all they are worth this year," fumed a third.
Other Confirmed Contestants
The announcement comes just days after Team GB Olympian Tabby Stoecker was announced as a contestant. The athlete who won gold at this year's 2026 Winter Olympic Games, and recently joined BBC's Gladiators, said of her decision to join: "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!" While Tabby only made her debut in the sports five years ago, she's gone on to take home some incredible trophies, including being a World Cup race winner, a European Championship medallist and a double World Champion medallist. When she scored the historic gold medal earlier this year, Tabby was partnered with Matt West in what was the inaugural mixed team skeleton event. For Tabby, the news comes in the same week that she was announced as joining the Gladiators lineup, which is currently being filmed in Sheffield.
Elsewhere, Emmerdale's Lawrence Robb, who plays Mackenzie Boyd on the ITV soap opera, has also been announced. Speaking about joining the show, the actor 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! It's a dream come true, and I can't wait to bring my all to the ballroom. Wish me luck, and any advice is very welcome - trust me, I'll need it!"
Graeme 'The Dogfather' Hall has also been confirmed as a star who is best known for sharing advice and caring tips for dogs said: "I can't believe I am joining the cast of Strictly for 2026. I have always loved dancing, so to have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business is a dream come true. I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking! I can't wait to get started. Bring it on!"
Elsewhere, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, Lacey Turner, House of the Dragon's Bethany Antonia, actress Jaime Winestone, Dany Dyer, Cach Mercer, Delta Goodrem and Chris Appleton will also be showcasing their best moves when Strictly returns.
