Hollyoaks legend Sarah Jayne Dunn has taken to social media to vent her disappointment at missing out on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The former soap icon-turned OnlyFans sensation had been open about her desire to slip into sequins and take to the dancefloor, uploading 16 weeks of Instagram posts in an attempt to 'manifest' a place in the competition. However, it was not to be, and Dunn will not be part of the 2026 cast.
Social Media Reaction
Sharing a carousel of images on Instagram, Dunn captioned the post: 'Well, this chapter didn't end the way I'd hoped. Of course I'm disappointed. I wanted this more than I can put into words. But if this journey has taught me anything, it's that saying your dreams out loud isn't something to be embarrassed about. It's brave. It's vulnerable. And whether you get the outcome you're hoping for or not, there's something really powerful about backing yourself.'
She continued: 'Over the last few months I've been overwhelmed by your support. From every message, comment and share, to seeing my name mentioned on TV and radio… this journey has already given me more than I ever expected. So no, I won't be stepping onto the dancefloor this year. But I also won't be quietly talking myself out of the possibility that one day I will. Dreams don't always arrive on our timeline. That doesn't mean they're over. Thank you for coming on this journey with me. Here's to whatever comes next… and to always asking, “Why not me?” Manifesting continues… just with a different date.'
Return to Acting
Last year, Dunn spoke about wanting to return to acting and discussed her controversial exit from Hollyoaks, which she said was 'taken out of [her] hands'. She explained: 'I never really left, it was sort of misconstrued. When I joined OnlyFans, it was never my intention to leave the show. That decision was taken out of my hands, and widely publicised. When you're an actor, you don't ever 'leave', you're in-between jobs. I've auditioned for other stuff, and if the right job came along and it fitted into my life and schedule, then I'd do it. I've been acting since I was a teen, so there's always going to be part of me that misses it.'
On Instagram, she added: 'I haven't been on screen in over 4 years, but that doesn't mean I stopped wanting it. But now I'm a woman in my mid-40s trying to find my way back. Not because I ever stopped loving it… but because somewhere along the way, life shifted, and my priorities changed, and time just moved on. And suddenly… the thing that once felt like me felt further away. But here's the truth I can't ignore anymore, I still have that pull, that desire, that voice saying, 'you're not done yet'. And if I'm honest.. it's equal parts EXCITING and TERRIFYING to admit that out loud.'
She concluded: 'Because this industry moves fast, and stepping back into it as a woman in her 40s? That takes a different kind of confidence. But maybe it also brings something more… experience, depth and stories that couldn't have been told before. So this is me.. Showing up again as an actress – and not who I was, but who I am now. If you're casting, creating or reading this… I'm here. And if you're ever felt the pull to return to something you love, go for it.'
