Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up: The full cast of contestants for the new series

THE full cast of contestants for series 24 of Strictly Come Dancing has been announced! And the group of celebrity dancers isn’t the only thing to change about the hit BBC show this year, with a brand new set of presenters coming in to fill the boots of fan-favourites Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Strictly 2026 presenters Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe Credit: BBC Beloved pair Tess and Claudia were co-hosts of Strictly Come Dancing for 11 years until they emotionally announced their shock departure last year. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will step into the role as a trio. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Speaking about her new role, Emma gushed: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend. Johannes said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. read more on strictly 2026 “This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.” While Josh added: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television.” The new series is set to get underway with the pre-recorded show on BBC One on September 19. As usual, the live episodes will begin airing from the following week, with the regular four judges all coming back to give this year’s cast their scores out of 10. Most read in TV But who are the 15 stars ready to light up the dancefloor next month? What is the Strictly 2026 line-up? Lacey Turner EastEnders star Lacey Turner was the first celebrity confirmed for this year’s series Credit: bbcstrictly/Instagram Lacey Turner became the first celebrity contestant announced to be taking part in series 24 of Strictly back in June. The award-winning actress is best known for her portrayal of Stacey Slater on EastEnders, a role she had held for 21 years on and off. On joining Strictly, she said: “I am so excited to be making my way to the dancefloor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!” Dani Dyer Dani Dyer returns to Strictly after injury forced her out of last year’s competition Credit: bbcstrictly/Instagram Love Island winner Dani Dyer is back for a second crack after her 2025 series ended almost before it started. She fractured her ankle following the opening live show, having performed just one quickstep with Nikita Kuzmin. The mum-of-three is said to be hoping for a reunion with the same pro this time around. Chris Appleton Celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton is Kim Kardashian’s best friend Credit: PA Celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton is best known as Kim Kardashian’s closest friend and go-to stylist. It was Kim who talked him into signing up, and she is said to be keen to watch from the studio audience. He said: “I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dancefloor is a whole different story.” Delta Goodrem Delta Goodrem joins the line-up after entering Eurovision 2026 Credit: bbcstrictly/Instagram Australian singer Delta Goodrem joins the line-up following her Eurovision Song Contest appearance earlier this year. A source told The Sun: “Bosses really wanted Delta last year but she decided it wasn’t the right time. “After seeing her on Eurovision they doubled their efforts and they are overjoyed Delta has agreed to take part this time.” Melanie Walters Melanie Walters played Gwen West in Gavin and Stacey Credit: PA Swansea-born actress Melanie Walters is best known for playing Gwen West in Gavin and Stacey. Millions tuned in for the show’s 2024 Christmas special, and BBC bosses were delighted to land her. Away from acting she teaches pilates and works as a qualified personal trainer. Will Best Big Brother host Will Best admits he has no idea whether he can dance Credit: PA The Big Brother host Will Best announced his signing on Instagram, calling the whole thing surreal. He admitted he is already nervous and has no idea whether he can dance. Trying out a few moves on camera, he joked: “It’s all in the hips, innit?” Cach Mercer Love Island winner Cach Mercer is the second former Islander on this year’s cast Credit: PA Love Island winner Cach Mercer took the crown on the ITV dating show last year alongside his now-ex Toni Laites. After Dani, he is the second Love Island winner in this year’s Strictly line-up. His dance background has already drawn complaints from fans about an unfair advantage. Dame Sarah Storey Dame Sarah Storey is Britain’s most decorated Paralympian Credit: PA Dame Sarah Storey is Britain’s most decorated Paralympian – she has won 30 medals, 19 of which are gold. She was due to appear on Dancing On Ice last year but withdrew after fracturing her ankle in training. A source told The Sun: “She is obviously very competitive and hopes to give the contest her all, while letting viewers get to know her personality.” Jaime Winstone Jaime Winstone has played both Barbara Windsor and a young Peggy Mitchell Credit: Instagram/@bbcstrictly Actress Jaime Winstone played Barbara Windsor in a drama about the star’s life. She also appeared as a young Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders flashback episodes. Bosses are hoping her father Ray Winstone will be a regular in the audience. Shaun Wright-Phillips Former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is swapping the football pitch for the ballroom Credit: PA Former Manchester City and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips played for England at World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Producers reckon footballers bring in a different audience and often become underdog favourites. They are also hoping his dad Ian Wright will turn up to cheer him on. Bethany Antonia House Of The Dragon star Bethany Antonia is taking to the dancefloor Credit: @bbcstrictly/Instagram Bethany Antonia plays Lady Baela Targaryen in Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. She has also appeared in Doctor Who, Stay Close, Nolly, Get Even and Stath Lets Flats. Bethany said: “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!” Graeme Hall Dog trainer Graeme Hall is known to Channel 5 viewers as The Dogfather Credit: PA Known as The Dogfather, Graeme Hall fronts Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. Strictly welcomed him with a post asking who was ready to fetch the Glitterball. In a video following the announcement, Graeme said: “Come September, you’re gonna see a bit of me on the dancefloor because, yeah, you guessed it, I’m doing Strictly!” Lawrence Robb Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb says he is terrified about taking to the dancefloor Credit: PA Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb has played Mackenzie Boyd in the Dales since 2020. Fans feared for his character during last year’s showdown with village villain John Sugden. Confirming the news, he said: “Help, please. Very much looking forward to it, very exciting, but I’m terrified.” John Nellis Belfast YouTuber John Nellis has more than 15million subscribers Credit: BBC Belfast YouTuber John Nellis worked as an air traffic controller until 2022. He turned his football obsession into a career and has racked up more than 15million subscribers. John said: “I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!” Tabby Stoecker Tabby Stoecker won skeleton gold at this year’s Winter Games Credit: PA Team GB star Tabby Stoecker won mixed team skeleton gold at this year’s Winter Games. She signed for Strictly the same week she made her Gladiators debut. A TV insider said: “Signing with two of telly’s biggest shows is hugely prestigious. It is virtually unprecedented. It also means that she’ll be on our screens on a Saturday night for almost seven months in a row.” Comment now