The line-up for Strictly Come Dancing’s 2026 series is slowly coming together, with the BBC gradually revealing this year’s celebrity cast.
The long-running dance competition has confirmed the first eight stars who’ll be bopping across the ballroom in the hopes of impressing judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke when the series begins in September.
The broadcaster appears to be breaking its reported rule about not allowing reality stars to take part as one of the latest additions to the line-up includes Love Island’s Cach Mercer, who left the ITV villa last year and is yet to carve out a different niche in showbiz (unlike presenter Dani Dyer and West End star Amber Davies).
With new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm of the new-and-improved Strictly ship, here’s the full list of stars who’ll be competing – and those rumoured to be joining them.
Confirmed
Lacey Turner
EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater on the soap since 2004, was the first 2026 contestant to be announced. The actor has won multiple awards during her time on the show while also appearing in stage productions and TV dramas, including the lead role in BBC series Our Girl.
Turner said in a statement: “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
Former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer was set to take part in last year’s Strictly, but had to withdraw after injuring herself. Now, the TV personality – whose dad is EastEnders actor Danny Dyer – is being given a second chance by bosses.
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“I’m so excited to say that I’m going to be back in the ballroom this September,” she told her fans. “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 see everyone else that’s on it. See you soon, Strictly!”
Delta Goodrem
Australian singer, Eurovision star and former Neighbours actor Delta Goodrem said she is “thrilled” to be adding the Strictly stage to the many she’s performed on throughout her career.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Goodrem has also been a judge on The Voice Australia and competed for the country at the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing fourth earlier this year.
Chris Appleton
Chris Appleton was the fourth contestant to be confirmed for Strictly’s 2026 line-up, with the hair stylist best known for working with Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and other big stars.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience,” he said on Friday 19 June. “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
Reality star Cacherel Mercer may be relatively fresh out of the Love Island villa but he’s heading to the Strictly dance floor later this year.
The 25-year-old model rose to fame on the ITV dating show last year, winning the series with now-ex Toni Laites.
“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 ahead of his Strictly stint.
Will Best
TV presenter Will Best was the sixth contestant to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing’s 2026 line-up – with the broadcaster set for a busy end to the year with both the BBC show and Big Brother to host.
The 41-year-old, whose father is politician Baron Richard Best, shot to fame as a presenter on T4 in the early 2010s before becoming the co-host of ITV’s Big Brother revival in 2023 alongside Strictly alumni AJ Odudu. He also presents The Hits Radio Breakfast Show alongside Fleur East and James Barr.
“I can’t quite believe it…I’m doing Strictly!” he said in a statement. “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
Paralympian cyclist Dame Sarah Storey was the seventh contestant to be announced for Strictly 2026. Storey is the most successful Paralympian of all time, having won 19 gold medals, and her appearance on the show comes shortly after her retirement.
“Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting,” the 48-year-old said.
“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!”
Storey is the latest Paralympian to compete after Jonnie Peacock, Will Bayley, Jody Cundy and Ellie Simmonds.
Jaime Winstone
Actor Jaime Winstone, 41 is part of Strictly Come Dancing’s 2026 line up – best known for starring in films such as Made in Dagenham, Kidulthood and Love, Rosie.
Winstone, whose father is the national treasure Ray Winstone, received widespread praise for her performance as the legendary Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs. She also appeared in EastEnders’ flashback specials as Peggy Mitchell, most recently during the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations last year.
“I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year,” she said in a statement. “I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.”
“I love a challenge though, so can’t wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!! Let’s get physical – see you on the dance floor!”
Rumoured
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Another star with a famous dad, who might appear on this year’s Strictly, is Man City and Chelsea football pro Shaun Wright-Phillips.
A source told the outlet that bosses “are delighted to have landed” him as a contestant as footballers “always bring a different audience to the show”. It’s also claimed producers are hoping his popular dad – footballer-turned-pundit Ian Wright – will be a regular presence in the Strictly studio.
Mark Clattenburg
Former football referee Mark Clattenburg is rumoured to be appearing on Strictly.
Clattenburg, 51, retired from the sport in 2017 and became the head referee in BBC’s Gladiators reboot in 2024.
“Clatts manages to appeal to young and old, families, children and football fans – plus he’s easy on the eye for the mums,” a source told the outlet.
“That amazing fan base is a major bonus, the sort of thing the BBC is always keen to utililise. No final decision has been made yet, but if Clatts doesn’t make the cut this year, he’ll remain a target. The line-up is shaping up nicely, but there are a few spots left.”
Jake Quickenden
According to reports, former X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden has “caught the eye of Strictly bookers”.
“He’s an actor and singer, so is a natural performer,” the outlet said of the reality TV stalwart who has appeared on I’m a Celebrity and won Dancing on Ice in 2018.
Quickenden’s possible appearance on Strictly was teased on Friday’s episode of Loose Women (12 June), when he introduced a competition for viewers. Afterwards, panellist Kaye Adams joked: “It’s a 10 from me!”