The sun might be shining, but that doesn’t mean we’re not ready for our evenings to have a little sparkle and Strictly Come Dancing to be back on our TV screens.
The show, which is due to get underway in September, will have a different vibe than previous years with three new presenters at the helm – but what about the celebs taking part?
With two months still to go, a handful of famous faces have been confirmed as taking part in the 2026 series. Here’s everyone on the line-up so far:
Frst celebrity of 2026 is Lacey Turner. Pic: BBC StrictlyLacey Turner
Lacey Turner, who played the feisty Stacey Slater in EastEnders for over 21 years, was the first celeb confirmed for Strictly 2026.
The actress is delighted to be taking part, saying: ‘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! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!’
Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer will appear on Strictly Come Dancing 2026. Pic: InstagramLove Island alum Dani has gone from strength to strength since the reality TV show, and now she’s ready to show off her moves on Strictly.
Dani had been part of the line-up in 2025 but unfortunately had to withdraw from the show after being injured.
Speaking as her big return was confirmed, Dyer 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.’
Delta Goodrem
Delta Goodrem, Strictly Come Dancing. Pic: BBC
Another celeb hoping to impress on Strictly is Delta Goodrem, who was recently in Ireland supporting Take That at their Aviva show.
Delta has another Irish connection through her ex-fiancé, Brian McFadden, whom she split from in 2011.
‘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,’ Delta said.
Chris Appleton
Chris Appleton, Strictly Come Dancing. Pic: BBC Strictly
Hair stylist Chris has worked with stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Sofía Vergara, Ariana Grande, and Katy Perry, and now he’s stepping in front of the cameras himself on Strictly.
He said: ‘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.’
Cach Mercer
Cach Mercer, Strictly Come Dancing. Pic: BBC
Cach rose to fame on Love Island, winning the public vote to be crowned the 2025 male champion, and often shows off his dance moves to his thousands of social media followers.
‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine, and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time,’ he said.
Will Best
Will Best, Strictly Come Dancing. Pic: BBC
Over the last 15 years, Will has worked on several big-name shows, including ITV’s Big Brother and the Hits Radio Breakfast Show, and now he’s set for Strictly.
Will said: ‘I can’t quite believe it…I’m doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one. I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!
‘I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I’m going to try to enjoy every minute of it.’
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source evoke.ie ’
