The BBC has begun unveiling the celebrities who will be taking part in the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. While the show won't return to television until September, anticipation is already building as three stars have been confirmed.
This announcement follows major changes to the beloved Saturday evening programme. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe are set to take over from previous hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The professional dancer line-up has also undergone significant transformation, with several popular dancers departing and fresh faces being brought in, as reported by the Express.
Here is a rundown of the confirmed participants for Strictly Come Dancing 2026:
Lacey Turner
Lacey Turner is widely recognised for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders, which concluded at the close of 2025. Discussing her involvement, the actress commented: "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
Love Island personality Dani Dyer will be stepping onto the ballroom floor later this year. BBC viewers will remember her from last year's line-up as part of the 2025 cast, though she was forced to pull out before the competition kicked off due to injury. Speaking about her comeback, she revealed: "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!"
Delta Goodrem
The singer recently flew the flag for Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest, securing one of the nation's finest-ever finishes. Delta 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!"
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later this year.
