Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb is the latest celebrity announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, saying it is a “dream come true”. The actor, from Glasgow, was the 12th star confirmed for the upcoming series on Thursday.
From Emmerdale to the Ballroom
Robb portrays Mackenzie “Mack” Boyd on the ITV soap, a member of the well-known Dingle family. Before joining Emmerdale, he appeared in the Sky series I Hate Suzie with Billie Piper and starred in Legally Blonde: The Musical on the West End.
Speaking about joining Strictly Come Dancing, Robb 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 ballroom. Wish me luck, and any advice is very welcome – trust me I’ll need it!”
2026 Line-Up and New Hosts
Lawrence joins Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Graeme Hall in the 2026 line-up.
The upcoming series of the BBC show will also be hosted by three new faces – broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe. They will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced they were leaving the show late last year.
New Professionals and Premiere Date
The BBC has also confirmed five new professional dancers are joining the show this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita. The new series will premiere on Saturday September 19 on BBC One.
