The BBC has begun announcing the celebrity lineup for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing, months before the show is set to air. The first seven contestants have been confirmed, including actors, reality stars, musicians, and a Paralympic champion.
Lacey Turner Leads the Lineup
EastEnders star Lacey Turner was the first contestant announced. The 38-year-old actress, known for playing Stacey Slater on the BBC soap, expressed her excitement: "I am so excited to be making my way to the dancefloor 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." Turner, who also appeared in Call The Midwife and Our Girl, added in a video message: "I am so excited and so terrified at the same time, but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plucked up the courage and made my way onto that dancefloor."
Dani Dyer Returns After Injury
Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, 29, has been given a second chance after withdrawing from last year's competition due to an injury before the series began. Dyer, who won Love Island in 2018 and recently won Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, 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." She has also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and EastEnders.
Delta Goodrem Brings Musical Talent
Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, 41, rose to fame on Neighbours as Nina Tucker. She has since become a coach on The Voice Australia and achieved five number one albums in Australia. Goodrem said: "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."
Chris Appleton: Celebrity Hair Stylist
Chris Appleton, a hair stylist known for working with Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and other A-listers, 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."
Cach Mercer: Love Island Winner
Reality star Cach Mercer, who won Love Island in 2025 with Toni Laites, is set to take part. The couple split the £50,000 prize but have since broken up. 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!"
Will Best: Big Brother Host
Big Brother co-host Will Best, 41, described joining Strictly as "an absolute dream." The TV and radio presenter, who fronts the ITV reality series alongside AJ Odudu, said: "I can’t quite believe it… I’m doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one. I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dancefloor!"
Dame Sarah Storey: Paralympic Legend
Dame Sarah Storey, the most successful British Paralympian with 19 gold medals, has also signed up. The 48-year-old cyclist and swimmer recently announced her retirement from sport. She said: "Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting. I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating." Storey was born without a functioning left hand due to a condition in the womb.
