Love Island winner Cach Mercer has been confirmed as the latest star to join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The reigning champion of the ITV dating series becomes the fifth celebrity announced for the upcoming season of the BBC dancing competition.
Mercer's Excitement and Background
Mercer expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!”
He rose to fame on the 2025 series of Love Island, winning the public vote to become the male champion alongside Toni Laites. The couple split the £50,000 prize pot but have since broken up.
Social Media Fame and Other Ventures
With nearly 50 million likes on TikTok alone, Mercer has amassed a large social media following by showcasing his Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street dance moves. He also works as a model and DJ and serves as an ambassador for a young persons’ mental health charity. In 2022, he appeared on the MTV dating show Are You The One? UK.
2026 Line-Up and Host Changes
Mercer joins Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, and Chris Appleton in the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing line-up. The news follows the announcement that broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts for the upcoming series. Daly and Winkleman announced their departure from the show late last year.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens later this year.
