Delta Goodrem Reportedly Secured for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem has been snapped up for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, according to insider reports. The 41-year-old Australian singer and actress, famed for her role as Nina Tucker in the soap, is said to have finalised a deal to compete for the Glitterball Trophy on the BBC's flagship dance programme.
Long-Term Pursuit by Show Bosses
A source close to the production told the Daily Mail's Eden Confidential column: 'It is all but a done deal. They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show.' This move follows the abbreviated 2025 stint of another Neighbours legend, Stefan Dennis, whose participation was cut short due to a calf injury sustained during a Charleston routine with professional partner Dianne Buswell.
Eurovision and Strictly Double Commitment
The signing could mark a hectic period for Goodrem, who is slated to represent Australia at next month's Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria. She will perform her ballad Eclipse, which she recently debuted live for a UK audience at a pop-up show in Camden, London. Goodrem expressed her excitement about Eurovision, stating: 'I'm so honoured to represent Australia on one of the biggest and most iconic music stages in the world.'
Josie Gibson in Advanced Talks for Strictly
Goodrem may not be the only high-profile addition to the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up. This Morning star Josie Gibson, 41, is reportedly in advanced discussions with BBC bosses about joining the show in September. A source revealed to 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.' Gibson, who won Big Brother in 2010, nearly signed for Strictly in 2023 but opted for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! instead.
Major Shake-Up for Strictly 2026
The 2026 series is undergoing significant changes, including the departure of long-time co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the 2025 finale. Names like Zoe Ball, Emma Willis, Miranda Hart, Rylan Clark, Bradley Walsh, and Roman Kemp are being tipped as potential replacements. Additionally, several professional dancers, including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, have been axed from the show.
BBC executives view Gibson as an ideal candidate to inject fresh energy into the programme, with insiders noting her 'down-to-earth charm' and 'warm and engaging' personality as key assets. They believe she could provide the boost needed for the revamped series, aiming to resonate with fans and maintain the show's popularity amid these structural adjustments.
Goodrem's involvement adds star power to the line-up, leveraging her fame from Neighbours and her music career, which includes hits like Born To Try. Her Eurovision appearance in Vienna will serve as a high-profile prelude to her Strictly journey, potentially drawing international attention to the BBC show. As preparations ramp up, audiences can anticipate a dynamic and refreshed Strictly Come Dancing experience in 2026.
