The BBC has been revealing the lineup for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 over recent weeks, with the latest addition being Bethany Antonia, known for her role in House of the Dragon. The show is expected to return in September on BBC One and iPlayer.
New Hosts and Judges
Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe will host the upcoming series, replacing long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left after the 2025 series. The judging panel remains unchanged: Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke return.
Professional Dancers
Five new professional dancers join the show this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita. They replace Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, who will not return. Returning professionals from the 2025 series include Jowita Przystal, Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won last year with former England footballer Karen Carney.
Celebrity Contestants Announced So Far
Bethany Antonia, 28, is the latest celebrity to join the lineup. She is best known for playing Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon and is currently performing in the West End production of Hadestown as Eurydice.
Previously announced contestants include Lacey Turner (EastEnders), Dani Dyer (former Love Island winner), Delta Goodrem (singer and actress), Chris Appleton (celebrity hairstylist), Cach Mercer (Love Island 2025 winner), Will Best (radio and TV host), Jaime Winstone (actress), and Dame Sarah Storey (Paralympic champion). Further celebrities will be announced throughout the summer ahead of the new series airing in September.
