Strictly Come Dancing fever is well underway ahead of the 2026 series, with several cast members already revealed. This year's competitors will hope to replicate the success of Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu, last year's winners.
The newcomers join Strictly at an important time, with major changes on the BBC show, including the departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. The pro dancer line-up has also changed, with Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez departing, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be benched.
Confirmed contestants for 2026
Jaime Winstone – The actress, known for Kidulthood, Bullet Boy, Tomb Raider, and Wild Bill, is the daughter of Hollywood star Ray Winstone. She played Barbara Windsor in the 2017 biopic Babs and a young Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders. She said: 'I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year. I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.'
Dame Sarah Storey – Great Britain's most successful Paralympian, with multiple gold medals in cycling and swimming. Born without a functioning left hand, she began her Paralympic career as a swimmer at age 14. She announced her retirement from competitive sport earlier this month. She said: 'Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.'
Will Best – Big Brother presenter, 41, co-hosts ITV's reality show with AJ Odudu and appears on Hits Radio Breakfast Show. He recently won Celebrity Mastermind with the specialist subject of Danny Dyer. He said: 'I can't quite believe it…I'm doing Strictly! What an absolute dream.'
Cach Mercer – Influencer who won Love Island with partner Toni Laites in 2025. His social media fame comes from Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves, with over 1.3 million TikTok followers. He said: 'I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast.'
Chris Appleton – Hairstylist to stars including Kim Kardashian, J-Lo, Sofia Vergara, and Ariana Grande. In 2023, Kim K officiated his wedding to Lukas Gage (they later divorced). He said: 'I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story.'
Delta Goodrem – Australian singer-songwriter, 41, signed her first record deal at 15. She released seven albums and represented Australia at Eurovision 2026. She said: 'I've been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages… there is, however, one stage I've never stepped onto, and that is the ballroom floor.'
Lacey Turner – EastEnders' Stacey Slater for over 20 years. 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.'
Dani Dyer – She withdrew from the 2025 series shortly after the launch show due to an ankle fracture. Now she returns. 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!'
Rumoured contestants
Jeff Brazier – Father of Bobby Brazier, who was runner-up in 2023. A source told The Sun he is in talks to compete, saying: 'Previously he said he wouldn't do it because he didn't want to step on Bobby's toes. But three years have passed now.'
Josie Gibson – Big Brother winner and This Morning presenter. A source told The Sun: 'Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while, and they've not given up their pursuit.'
Jake Quickenden – X-Factor star, won Dancing On Ice in 2018. A source told The Sun he'd 'caught the eye of the Strictly bookers.'
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
