House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia has been confirmed as the ninth celebrity to compete in the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC announced her participation ahead of the show's return this autumn.
"I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September!" Antonia said. "I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill. See you on the dancefloor!"
Other Contestants Revealed
Antonia joins a line-up that includes actress Jaime Winstone, daughter of Ray Winstone. The 41-year-old, known for films like Made in Dagenham and Tomb Raider and for playing Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs, said: "I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year. I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me. I love a challenge though, so can’t wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!! Let’s get physical – see you on the dance floor!"
Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, has also been announced. The sports legend, born without her left hand, said she has "always loved watching Strictly" and is doing it for her daughter Louisa, who "is a very talented dancer".
Big Brother presenter Will Best called doing the show a "dream". "I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!" he added. "I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I’m going to try to enjoy every minute of it."
Other names include Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Love Island winner Cach Mercer, celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton and Dani Dyer. Dyer was originally slated for 2025 but could not take part due to an injury, allowing her to return for 2026. She was meant to dance with Nikita Kuzmin, who later reached the final with fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies. Kuzmin remains on the show, meaning they could dance together again.
Changes to the Show
Several professional dancers have left this year. Gorka Marquez stepped away to focus on other commitments, while Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk have also parted ways with the show. Johannes Radebe, a pro dancer last year, remains but has taken on a new role as one of the presenters.
Strictly will welcome three new presenters following the departure of long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. The BBC announced that Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdecombe and Emma Willis will take over hosting duties.
Further changes affect the spin-off It Takes Two: hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East will no longer be on the show. It has not been revealed who will replace them.
