Former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips has been announced as the 10th contestant for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 44-year-old, who played for Manchester City, Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and England, will trade his football boots for dance shoes when the BBC show returns in September.
"Dancing is in my blood—but mainly at family events!" said Shaun. "Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!"
Other contestants announced
He joins a star-studded line-up including House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia, who said: "I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! 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!"
Actress Jaime Winstone, known for playing Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs and later portraying Peggy Mitchell in an EastEnders flashback episode, is also taking part. She 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!"
More stars and changes behind the scenes
Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, who was born without her left hand, said she was doing the show for her daughter Louisa, who "is a very talented dancer". Presenter Will Best, fronting ITV's Big Brother revival since 2023, called the opportunity a "dream". Other names include EastEnders star Lacey Turner, pop singer Delta Goodrem, Love Island winner Cach Mercer, Kim Kardashian's hairdresser Chris Appleton and Dani Dyer. Dani was originally set to take part last year but withdrew due to an injury and was replaced by West End star Amber Davies; she now returns to the line-up.
Professional dancers Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk have all left the show. Johannes Radebe, a pro dancer last year, will remain but in a new role as one of the presenters, alongside Josh Widdecombe and Emma Willis, replacing long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. It Takes Two hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East have also departed, with replacements yet to be announced.
