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, the famous faces taking part have now been confirmed. Here’s everyone on the line-up so far:
Lacey 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
Love 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
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
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 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
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.’
Dame Sarah Storey
Dame Sarah Storey’s 19 gold medals make her the most successful British Paralympian of all time – and with that many wins to her name, we’re sure she’s going to be hoping to add the Glitterball to that collection!
‘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,’ Sarah said.
Jaime Winstone
Actress Jaime Winstone, who has starred in films such as Made in Dagenham, Tomb Raider, and Wild Bill, is ready to cha cha cha into the ballroom and try her luck at Strictly.
You might also recognise Jaime for portraying legend Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs or for playing Peggy Mitchell in flashback specials on EastEnders.
‘I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year. I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me. I love a challenge though, so I can’t wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!! Let’s get physical – see you on the dance floor,’ she said.
Bethany Antonia
Also joining the Strictly line-up is House of the Dragon star, Bethany Antonia.
As well as playing Lady Baela Targaryen in the HBO show, Bethany has starred in shows such as Stay Close and Doctor Who and is currently in Hadestown in London’s West End.
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 dance floor.’
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips is warming up for the Strictly ballroom after a career playing for his country, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Queens Park Rangers.
‘Dancing is in my blood—but mainly at family events! Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge,’ he said.
Graeme Hall
Dog trainer Graeme Hall is the 11th star confirmed for Strictly, who you might recognise as the presenter of Channel 5’s Dog’s Behaving (Very) Badly.
He’s also a regular face on This Morning and has written three adult books including All Dogs Great and Small as well as a children’s book called The Ultimate Kid’s Guide to Dogs.
‘I can’t believe I am joining the cast of Strictly for 2026. I have always loved dancing, so to have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business is a dream come true,’ Graeme said of joining the show.
He added: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking! I can’t wait to get started. Bring it on!’
Lawrence Robb
Actor and Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb is the 12th celeb confirmed for Strictly 2026 ‘I don’t know who’s more excited about this, me or my Mother,’ he said as his role was confirmed.
Lawrence added: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time! It’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to bring my all to ballroom.
‘Wish me luck, and any advice is very welcome – trust me, I’ll need it!’
Tabby Stoecker
Olympian Tabby Stoecker has also joined the line-up.
She said: ‘I am over the moon to be joining the cast of Strictly 2026. I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’
John Nellis
Northern Irishman John Nellis was the 14th contestant announced for the series.
Originally from Newcastle in Co Down, he’s one of Ireland and the UK’s biggest football content creators, with a combined audience of over 15 million followers on YouTube.
‘I’m still in disbelief that I’ve been selected for Strictly and, if I’m honest, I’m a little nervous as I’ve never danced before,’ he said. ‘It’s such an incredible opportunity, and I’m going to throw myself into every moment.
‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it.’
Melanie Walters
Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, Hollyoaks, Doc Martin… Melanie Walters’ list of credits goes on and on, but she’s got to be best known for Gavin & Stacey.
Melanie played Gwen West in the beloved show and more recently appeared in Death Valley.
Chatting about Strictly a try, Melanie said: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.
‘This year I am completely thrilled and happy to swap my fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes. I just hope I don’t follow Cinderella and leave one on the Ballroom stairs.
‘I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show; it’s so exciting. See you in September.’
