Delta Goodrem, the Eurovision 2026 star, has been officially announced as the next celebrity to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up. She will appear alongside Dani Dyer, who returns after an injury forced her withdrawal last year, and EastEnders actress Lacey Turner.
Delta Goodrem's Excitement
The acclaimed singer expressed her enthusiasm: '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!'
Delta Goodrem boasts an impressive career encompassing acting, singing, songwriting, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship.
Eurovision Success
She took to the Eurovision stage in Vienna, Austria, in May, representing Australia with the song Eclipse. She secured the country's second-best result in the competition's history by finishing in fourth place, according to reports from Wales Online.
Fan and Judge Reactions
Fans have been overjoyed by the announcement. Judge Motsi Mabuse commented: 'Welcome, @deltagoodrem. From one Southern Hemisphere girl to another, I can't wait to see you sparkle in the ballroom. Let's dance!'
One fan wrote: 'The Eurovision 2026 powerhouse herself!! Between her and Dani, who am I gonna stan? Strictly, you're making this extremely difficult.'
Another said: 'Now THIS is a booking!! YES DELTA!!!!'
Speculation and GMB Appearance
Speculation had been swirling that the pop star would join the reality TV competition after she played coy when questioned about it on Good Morning Britain. During an appearance on the ITV daytime programme, Delta claimed she was 'always open' to Strictly but refused to shut down the rumours.
After a behind-the-scenes clip of Delta dancing at an afterparty aired, former Strictly star and GMB host Ed Balls commented on her 'good frame'. Co-presenter Susanna Reid, who has also competed on Strictly, replied: 'What are you suggesting Ed?' as Richard Arnold quipped: 'You knew we were going to go here!'
Teasing the then-rumours, Delta had said: 'Every time I've been in the UK and I can immerse into [Strictly], I love music with all my heart. As I said last year before Eurovision, I'm always open. I love the variety of the arts... I'm always open!'
She added: 'I'd have to work really hard because I'm a piano girl at the end of the day.' She joked that she would come to the Good Morning Britain stars for advice before stepping into the ballroom.
Other Rumoured Contestants
Names such as Natalie Imbruglia and Josie Gibson are also rumoured to be joining Strictly this year.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Changes
The BBC programme is undergoing a major shake-up after a series of professional dancers have left amid a so-called 'bloodbath', and three new hosts have been confirmed as replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
