The BBC has revealed the ninth celebrity contestant competing in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, with House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia confirmed to be taking to the iconic ballroom floor for a chance to be crowned the 2026 champion.
Bethany currently stars as Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon, with the 28-year-old also appearing in the likes of Get Even, Stay Close, Sense and Sensibility and House of the Dragon. The actress made her professional debut at the age of 14 in an adaptation of The Tempest.
Speaking about joining the show, Bethany said: “I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill. See you on the dancefloor!
Fans were quick to share their delight at the new signing, with one enthusing: “Omg! She has such a sweet personality, she will be awesome!” while a second added: “Once again another great celebrity… only 53 days to go.” A third posted: “Baela Targaryen!!!! I am so excited.”
Who is hosting Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
Following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Strictly has signed three familiar faces to front the show: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
TV presenter Emma, best known for hosting Big Brother and The Voice, said she was a “huge fan” of the show, adding: “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.”
Meanwhile, comedian Josh said he was “giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television”.
Strictly pro Johannes said taking on a presenting role “is beyond anything I ever imagined”.
Who is in the current Strictly line-up?
© BBCLacey Turner
EastEnders legend Lacey was the first star to be confirmed for this year’s line-up. The actress is best known for her stint on the iconic BBC soap opera, where she played Stacey Slater.
© BBCDani Dyer
Reality TV star Dani will get another chance to lift the Glitterball trophy, having been forced to pull out of the 2025 series due to an injury. The television personality, who is famed for winning Love Island and appearing alongside her famous dad, Danny Dyer, on various reality shows, was due to dance with Nikita Kuzmin in last year’s show.
© BBCDelta Goodrem
Following her success at the Eurovision Song Contest, where she finished in fourth place with Eclipse, Delta is trading the microphone for a pair of dancing shoes this autumn.
© BBCChris Appleton
Stylist to the stars Chris is swapping the hair salon for the Strictly ballroom. The Leicester-born star, who was the first male contestant to be announced for this series, has worked with many top A-listers, including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.
© BBCCach Mercer
After winning Love Island last year, Cach is hoping to lift the Glitterball Trophy in Strictly’s 2026 season. With almost 50 million likes on TikTok alone, we know Cach will have a legion of fans rooting for him!
© BBCWill Best
After 15 years in the industry, presenter Will has finally signed up for the ballroom competition. The broadcaster is known for hosting Big Brother and the Hits Radio Breakfast Show.
© BBCSarah is a major booking
Sarah Storey
Dame Sarah Storey will make history on Strictly when she competes as the first-ever Dame on the show. The swimmer and cyclist is Britain’s most highly-decorated Paralympian in history.
© BBCJaime Winstone
Star of stage and screen Jaime is a familiar face thanks to her impressive film and television career. The actress is known for her roles in Made in Dagenham, Wild Bill, Mad Dogs and Four Lives. She received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the legendary Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs.
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