The BBC has started revealing the celebrities who will compete in the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing, months before the show airs. Here is a look at the stars confirmed so far.
Lacey Turner
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38, was the first contestant announced. Best known for playing Stacey Slater on the BBC soap, she expressed her excitement: “I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year.” In a video message, she added: “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.” Turner, from Edgware, has also appeared in True Love, Call The Midwife, and Our Girl.
Dani Dyer
Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, 29, gets a second chance after withdrawing from the 2025 series due to injury. She won Love Island in 2018 and also triumphed on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Dyer 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, Celebrity Gogglebox, and EastEnders.
Delta Goodrem
Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, 41, rose to fame on Neighbours as Nina Tucker. After representing Australia at Eurovision, she is now joining Strictly. Goodrem said: “I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career… 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.” She has also been a coach on The Voice Australia and achieved five number-one albums in Australia.
Chris Appleton
Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, known for working with Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. 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.” His other clients include Sofia Vergara, Ariana Grande, and Katy Perry.
