Love Island winner Cach Mercer has been announced as the fifth celebrity to join the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 2025 male champion rose to fame after winning the public vote on the ITV dating show and has since amassed almost 50 million likes on TikTok, where he showcases his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves. He also works as a model and DJ and is an ambassador for a young persons' mental health charity.
Cach Mercer's Excitement for the Ballroom
Following the news, Mercer said: "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!"
Earlier Than Usual Line-Up Announcements
The BBC has been announcing the celebrity line-up for the show since mid-June, much earlier than the usual mid-August release. This series also features significant changes, with five professional dancers leaving and five new ones joining. Additionally, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have departed, and three presenters – Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdecombe – will replace them when the show returns later this year.
Previous Contestants Announced
Earlier confirmed contestants include celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, who counts Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Sofía Vergara, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry as clients. He said: "I'm thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I've always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can't wait to get started."
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner was the first to announce her participation. 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!"
Dani Dyer, another Love Island winner who had to withdraw last year due to injury, is also returning. She said: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem shared: "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!"
