The Strictly Come Dancing judging panel BBC/Guy Levy
We haven’t even had the summer holidays yet, and we’re already getting announcements about the Strictly Come Dancing cast.
After months of speculation about who the new hosts of the BBC dance competition could be, attention has now turned to which famous faces will be hitting the ballroom when the show returns in the autumn.
Traditionally, Strictly starts revealing its celebrity line-up in early August, ahead of the show’s return in September.
However, this year, it looks like BBC bosses are getting ahead of the rumours and gossip by announcing the line-up early, with stars from across the world of music, TV and more already being unveiled.
If you’re already looking forward to Strictly’s return, here’s our quick guide to who has been cast so far…
Lacey Turner
The first cast member announced this year was EastEnders star Lacey Turner.
Lacey is best known for playing Stacey Slater in the BBC soap on-and-off since 2005.
She has also starred in the military drama Our Girl and appeared in Call The Midwife.
“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!” she said when her Strictly stint was confirmed by the BBC in mid-June.
The soap star added: “I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”
Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer was originally supposed to take part in last year’s season of Strictly, even filming an appearance in the pre-recorded launch show, but was eventually forced to pull due to injury just days before the first live show.
She was replaced on the line-up by fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies, who made it through to the 2025 final.
Almost a year later, Dani is now getting a second chance at nabbing the coveted Glitterball trophy.
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!” Dani added.
Delta Goodrem
Pop singer and actor Delta Goodrem was the third name announced for this year’s Strictly.
Although best known as a singer thanks to hits like Born To Try and Lost Without You, the Australian performer found fame playing Nina Tucker in Neighbours, a role she held for around three years in the mid-2000s.
She’s also no stranger to reality TV, having served as both a coach on The Voice and The Voice Kids in her home country.
Delta’s addition to the ballroom competition comes after her success at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. During the live final in Vienna back in May, she represented Australia with her song Eclipse, finishing in fourth place overall.
When announced as taking part in Strictly, she beamed: “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!”
Chris Appleton
The fourth addition to the Strictly 2026 cast is Chris Appleton, hairstylist to the stars and the man behind some of Kim Kardashian’s most famous red carpet hairdos.
Chris has earned a following online for his hair tutorials, as well as his collaborations with high-profile clients like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande.
The UK-born stylist said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience.
“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.”
Strictly Come Dancing will return to our screens in the autumn. Keep an eye out as we update you on the cast.
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