Here are the confirmed celebs (so far!) for the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing line-up ahead of the revamped show’s return, with Dame Sarah Storey the seventh to be announced.
The BBC staple returns to iPlayer and BBC One in September with presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe as the new hosts.
The judging panel remains the same – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas – to offer their expert opinions and scores of the dancing celebs and their professional partners.
There has also been a shake-up with the pro dancer line-up. Fan favourites Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez have departed. Meanwhile, Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be without a partner for this series.
Here are the confirmed celebs for this year’s Strictly:
Dame Sarah Storey
Dame Sarah Storey (BBC)
Paralympic legend Dame Sarah Storey was the seventh celebrity contestant to be announced, on 17 July.
After a career of 19 Paralympic gold medals, making her the most successful British Paralympian ever, Storey is swapping the podium for the dance floor.
She says: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting. I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
Will Best
Will Best (BBC)
Big Brother host Will Best was announced on 14 July, and looks set to be one of the main sources of eye-candy for the mums (and gay fans, obv).
Best, who also presents Hits Radio’s Breakfast Show, 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!”
The TV star, who has amassed a legion of gay fans thanks to his often minimal clothing on Big Brother and Instagram, added: “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.”
Cach Mercer (BBC)
Cach Mercer
Love Island 2025 winner Cach Mercer was confirmed for the show on 9 July, less than a year after taking the crown on the dating show alongside then-girlfriend Toni Laites.
Coming from a dancing background, and having more than 50million views on TikTok, Mercer is sure to be one to watch on the dance floor later this year.
He says: “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!”
Chris Appleton is taking to the floor. (BBC)
Chris Appleton
World-renowned hair stylist Chris Appleton was the first man announced for this year’s Strictly line-up.
The 43-year-old has styled some of the biggest names in the entertainment world, including Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience,” he shared about his casting.
“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.
Lacey Turner is swapping Eastenders for Strictly. (BBC)
Lacey Turner
EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater on the soap since 2004, was the first contestant announced. Her performance has won her numerous accolades, including several British Soap Awards and National Television Awards.
Now, the 38-year-old actor is swapping the film set for the dance floor.
In a statement about her appearance, Turner shared: “I am so excited to being 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 is giving Strictly another go. (BBC)
Dani Dyer
Former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer was part of the Strictly 2025 cast. However, her time on the show was just one week long before she was forced to withdraw due to an ankle fracture.
Dyer, the 29-year-old daughter of actor Danny Dyer, was originally partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, but it’s unclear whether they’ll be paired up this year.
“I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September!” Dyer said of her second chance on Strictly.
“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!”
Will Delta Goodrem beat her 4th Eurovision place on Strictly? (BBC)
Delta Goodrem
Australian singer and actor Delta Goodrem will be bringing her Australian charm to the Strictly dance floor.
Goodreem represented Australia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, finishing fourth, and previously starred on the beloved soap opera Neighbours.
The 41-year-old has also been a judge on The Voice Australia; time will tell if adding dancing will make her a triple threat.
“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!” she shared.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!”
These are all the names confirmed so far. But, as is always the case, there are plenty of rumours about who else will be joining the cast.
X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden is said to be joining the confirmed 2026 celeb line-up.
Also, Paralympian cyclist Dame Sarah Storey is tipped to join this year’s pool of Strictly stars.
Further news about Strictly will be revealed throughout the summer.
The brand-new series of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be getting underway on BBC One and iPlayer this September.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
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