Jake Quickenden, the former X Factor and I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! star, is reportedly in advanced discussions to join the 2026 line-up of Strictly Come Dancing. Sources at the BBC have indicated that the Dancing on Ice champion would be a natural performer on the dancefloor.
Rise to Fame
Quickenden first gained prominence on The X Factor in 2012. He returned to the singing competition two years later, leaving during the live shows as the fifth contestant eliminated. His television career has since flourished, including a runner-up finish on I'm A Celebrity in 2014. In 2018, he won Dancing on Ice alongside professional skater Vanessa Bauer. Now, the newly-single star has become a top contender among Strictly producers, who are eager for him to bring excitement to the programme's return.
Profile Boost
Sources suggest Quickenden's profile at the BBC has strengthened following his casting in the football drama Jamie Johnson FC. An insider revealed, "Jake has caught the eye of the Strictly bookers. He's fun, hunky and known as an all-round nice guy. He's an actor and singer, so is a natural performer. And he won Dancing On Ice, so has clearly got the moves." The source noted it would be "good timing" for Jake after his four-year marriage to Sophie Church ended recently.
Past Interest
Two years ago, Quickenden commented, "I don't think there's been many people that have gone from Dancing on Ice to Strictly, but if it ever came around, I'd love to do it." Should he sign this year, he would join EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, the first celebrity confirmed, alongside Love Island's Dani Dyer, who returns after being forced to pull out last year.
Celebrity Reactions
Dani Dyer, wife of West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen, 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 added, "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!"
Show Revamp
Amidst the shake-up, insiders suggest the show will sport a fresh new look when it returns. The dance floor is expected to receive a revamp, with producers considering altering the iconic backdrop. The existing studio, the George Lucas studio at Elstree, features brightly coloured panels, lights and screens. However, sources suggest this may change to bigger screens showing visuals throughout performances. A source told The Sun, "It was natural that bosses look at giving the show a whole new look as it enters a new era, but they aren't ditching the traditional presentation of the show, just the way it is delivered." When contacted by the Mirror, Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment.
