Emmerdale fans are convinced that a beloved Dingle legend has signed up for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The popular BBC One dance competition is set to return later this year with a fresh lineup of celebrities, and soap enthusiasts are certain that one of Emmerdale's most enduring stars will be among them.
James Hooton Rumored for Strictly
James Hooton, who has played the iconic Sam Dingle on Emmerdale since 1995, is the focus of the speculation. The actor has been a staple of the ITV soap for decades, featuring in numerous major storylines. However, it was a recent episode that sparked the rumors.
In Wednesday's episode (June 10), Sam Dingle was seen showcasing his ballroom dancing skills alongside his wife Lydia, played by Karen Blick, at Home Farm. The dapper display left fans wondering if Hooton might be preparing for the Strictly dance floor.
One viewer commented on an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, "I wonder if Sam's doing Strictly." Another responded, "Good call." A third added, "Haha...I think so too." Yet another wrote, "I thought the same." The buzz has only grown since the episode aired.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Lineup
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will be hosted by newcomers Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe. The BBC has already announced several participants, including reality star Dani Dyer and EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater on the BBC soap.
Dani Dyer, former Love Island star and wife of West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen, expressed her excitement about returning to the show after being forced to withdraw last year. She 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! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Lacey Turner also shared her enthusiasm, stating, "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!"
If James Hooton joins the lineup, he would be the third soap star confirmed for the series, following Turner and Dyer. Emmerdale airs weekdays at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
