The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing is taking shape, with several celebrities already confirmed and more rumoured to join. This year's competition follows the victory of Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu in 2025. The new cast will enter the ballroom amid significant changes, including the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. The professional dancer line-up has also seen major shifts: Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez have left, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be benched without partners.
Confirmed Contestants
Will Best – The Big Brother presenter, 41, co-hosts the ITV reality show with AJ Odudu and also works on Hits Radio Breakfast Show. He recently won Celebrity Mastermind with Danny Dyer as his specialist subject. Best said: 'I can't quite believe it…I'm doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one. I've been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait! 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.'
Cach Mercer – The influencer, who won Love Island in 2025 with partner Toni Laites, is known for his Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street dance moves on TikTok, where he has over 1.3 million followers. He 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!'
Chris Appleton – The 43-year-old hairstylist from Leicester has styled celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, and Ariana Grande. Kim Kardashian officiated his wedding to Lukas Gage in 2023 (the couple later divorced). Appleton said: 'I've always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can't wait to get started.'
Delta Goodrem – The Australian singer-songwriter, 41, signed her first record deal at 15, has released seven albums, sold millions of copies, and represented Australia at Eurovision 2026. She said: 'I've been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is, however, one stage I've never stepped onto, and that is the ballroom floor. I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can't wait to get started!'
Lacey Turner – The 38-year-old EastEnders actress, who has played Stacey Slater for over 20 years, is taking a break from Albert Square. She said: '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!'
Dani Dyer – The reality TV star, 29, was forced to withdraw from the 2025 series after the launch show due to an ankle fracture. She originally partnered Nikita Kuzmin, who later reached the final with Amber Davies. Dyer said on The Jonathan Ross Show that she would 'love' to do Strictly again. Now confirmed for 2026, 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!'
Rumoured Contestants
Dame Sarah Storey – The 37-year-old Paralympic cyclist is Britain's most successful Paralympian with 30 medals, including 19 gold. A source told The Sun: 'Sarah is delighted to be taking part in Strictly and is really excited to be learning a new skill. She is obviously very competitive and hopes to give the contest her all, while letting viewers get to know her personality. She's also keen to embrace the glamour of the show and is looking forward to getting dressed up.' She was previously due to appear on Dancing on Ice in 2025 but withdrew due to injury.
Jeff Brazier – The 47-year-old father of Bobby Brazier, who was runner-up on Strictly in 2023, is in talks to join. A source told The Sun: 'Previously he said he wouldn't do it because he didn't want to step on Bobby's toes. But three years have passed now and it's a massive opportunity for Jeff. He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go. Jeff has yet to sign his contract but everyone around him is urging him to do it.'
Josie Gibson – The Big Brother winner, 41, now presents on This Morning and placed fourth in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2023. A source told The Sun: 'Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while, and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.'
Jake Quickenden – The 37-year-old rose to fame on The X Factor in 2012, won Dancing on Ice in 2018, and currently stars in CBBC's Jamie Johnson FC. A source told The Sun he had 'caught the eye of the Strictly bookers,' adding: '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. And now he's in the BBC stables, he's part of the gang.' Quickenden has said he would 'love to do it'.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September 2026.
