Strictly Come Dancing has announced its fifth celebrity contestant for the 2026 series: Love Island star Cach Mercer. The reality TV personality won the ITV show in 2025 alongside Toni Laites, sharing the £50,000 prize pot, though the pair have since separated. Mercer now swaps the Love Island villa for the Strictly ballroom.
Mercer's Excitement and Support from Judges
Speaking about joining the show, Mercer said: “I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!” Fans and familiar faces flooded social media with support. Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell commented: “Exciting times welcome x.” American pro Alexis Warr added: “Period welcome welcome! Can’t wait.” Judge Motsi Mabuse said: “Welcome to Strictly” and head judge Shirley Ballas added “Welcome” with a red love heart emoji.
Full Lineup and Returning Contestant Dani Dyer
Mercer joins previously announced contestants Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton and Dani Dyer for the 2026 series. Notably, Dani Dyer was originally part of the Strictly 2025 cast but withdrew due to injury before the competition began. The 29-year-old was partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, who then reached the final with last-minute replacement Amber Davies. A similar situation occurred for Jamie Laing in 2019, who left due to injury but returned in 2020 and reached the final with Karen Hauer.
New Hosts for the 2026 Series
The BBC recently announced three new hosts for this year: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. This marks the first time the show has had three permanent presenters since Sir Bruce Forsyth shared duties with Claudia Winkleman in his later years on the programme. Strictly Come Dancing returns in September.
