Former soap actress Sarah Jayne Dunn has publicly appealed to the producers of Strictly Come Dancing, urging them to select her as a contestant for the upcoming 2026 series. The 44-year-old star, best known for her long-running role as Mandy Richardson on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, has harboured a desire to compete on the BBC's flagship Saturday night show for many years.
Social Media Manifestation Campaign
In a recent video shared on Instagram, Dunn unveiled a personal campaign where she committed to taking weekly steps to edge closer to securing a place on Strictly. She described the initiative as either "brilliant or completely delusional," but emphasised her determination to push beyond her comfort zone. Dunn expressed, "I am manifesting Strictly 2026. This is something I've dreamt about since Strictly Come Dancing was called Come Dancing."
She highlighted her passion for dancing, though she admitted her current skills are not in ballroom or Latin styles. "I love dancing, but the dancing that I do is not ballroom or Latin; I'm doing the Paso," she said. Dunn appealed to her followers for support, ideas, and encouragement, vowing to silence inner doubts and embrace vulnerability in pursuit of this goal.
Background and Hollyoaks Exit
Sarah Jayne Dunn's tenure on Hollyoaks ended abruptly in 2021 after she began selling risqué content on the adult subscription platform OnlyFans. Executives at the Channel 4 programme stated that the show, which targets a young audience, prohibits cast members from being active on certain 18+ websites. They expressed regret over her departure, noting her character's integral role in key storylines.
If successful, Dunn would join a roster of Hollyoaks alumni who have previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing. Notable examples include Gemma Atkinson, who finished as runner-up in 2017 and met her fiancé Gorka Marquez on the show, Chelsee Healey, who participated in 2011, and Danny Mac, the 2016 runner-up. Katie McGlynn also appeared in the 2021 series after her roles in Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Context
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing marks a significant transition, as it will be the first in over a decade without hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly at the helm. Dunn's campaign adds a layer of public interest to the upcoming season, blending celebrity ambition with the show's evolving format.
In her video, Dunn outlined practical steps to enhance her chances, such as enrolling in ballroom classes and involving her husband, Jon, in the process. She concluded with optimism, stating, "What have I got to lose? The worst-case scenario is that I do this series, I have fun, and I engage with you guys, and I learn some new skills."
