Strictly Come Dancing has announced the second celebrity set to take to the dancefloor this autumn and winter, following the earlier confirmation of EastEnders actress Lacey Turner. The BBC show is back for a new series, and Dani Dyer will make her return after an early exit last year due to injury.
Dani Dyer Returns to the Ballroom
Dani Dyer, known for winning Love Island, is the second star confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. She was forced to leave the competition prematurely in the previous series due to an injury. Now, she is ready to step back onto the dancefloor and give it another go.
Lacey Turner was the first star to be announced. Speaking about signing up, 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!"
New Hosts Take Over
Strictly has undergone a major change at the top, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both stepping down from their hosting roles. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe have been confirmed as their replacements.
Emma Willis said: "It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Strictly – I've cheered and danced along from my sofa for years - so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can't quite comprehend. It's impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind - two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can't wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges."
Johannes Radebe added: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward. To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I'm ready - sequins, nerves, and all... please bear with me. Love Jojo."
Josh Widdicombe said: "Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can't wait to spend my weekends with them. I'll dust off the penguin costume."
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to air this autumn and winter on BBC.
