Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are convinced they have identified the next celebrity set to grace the dance floor in 2026, following a subtle hint in a recent episode of Emmerdale. The ITV soap opera aired a scene on Wednesday, June 10, in which Sam Dingle, portrayed by James Hooton, showcased his ballroom dancing abilities while dancing with his wife Lydia, played by Karen Blick, at Home Farm. This moment sparked a flurry of speculation among viewers.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one viewer commented, "I wonder if Sam's doing Strictly." Another quickly responded, "Good call." A third chimed in with, "Haha...I think so too," while a fourth added, "I thought the same." The consensus among fans seems to be that James Hooton may be swapping the Yorkshire Dales for the glittering ballroom of the BBC One programme.
James Hooton's Emmerdale Legacy
James Hooton first appeared on Emmerdale in 1995 and has remained a staple of the show ever since. As the beloved Sam Dingle, he has been involved in numerous major storylines, endearing himself to audiences over the decades. Should he join Strictly Come Dancing, he would follow in the footsteps of other soap stars who have taken part in the series.
Confirmed Contestants for 2026
The BBC has already confirmed several contestants for the 2026 series, which will be hosted by newcomers Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe. Among those already announced are reality television personality Dani Dyer and EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater. Dani Dyer, the former Love Island contestant and wife of West Ham player Jarrod Bowen, expressed her excitement: "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!"
Lacey Turner also shared her reasons for participating: "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!"
What's Next for Strictly?
With the new series set to air later this year, fans are eagerly awaiting further announcements regarding the full lineup. If James Hooton is indeed confirmed, he will join a diverse cast of celebrities ready to take on the challenge of ballroom dancing. Emmerdale continues to air Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
