Who is in Strictly Come Dancing 2026? The full celebrity line-up has now been confirmed, with 15 contestants preparing to take to the BBC ballroom this autumn. This year’s cast includes EastEnders stars, sporting legends, a Eurovision singer, a former England footballer and some familiar faces from reality TV.
1. Here is the full Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
The 15 celebrities confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 are:
Lacey Turner
Dani Dyer
Delta Goodrem
Chris Appleton
Cach Mercer
Will Best
Dame Sarah Storey
Jaime Winstone
Bethany Antonia
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Graeme Hall
Lawrence Robb
Tabby Stoecker
John Nellis
Melanie Walters
The line-up was completed in August, with Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters becoming the final celebrity announced.
2. Lacey Turner is one of the biggest names taking part
EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner, best known for playing Stacey Slater, was the first celebrity confirmed for Strictly 2026.
She is joined by Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia, Jaime Winstone and Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, giving this year’s series a particularly strong acting line-up.
3. Dani Dyer is getting a second chance
Dani Dyer was originally due to compete in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 but had to withdraw after suffering an ankle injury.
She is back for 2026 and hoping to finally make it onto the competitive dance floor. Love Island 2025 winner Cach Mercer, Big Brother presenter Will Best, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, dog trainer and TV presenter Graeme Hall and YouTuber John Nellis are also among this year’s contestants.
4. There are some seriously successful sports stars
The sporting contingent could be one to watch.
Former England, Manchester City and Chelsea footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips is taking part alongside Britain’s most successful Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.
They will be joined by Team GB skeleton star Tabby Stoecker, who won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem adds some major music experience to the cast after representing Australia at Eurovision 2026 and finishing fourth.
5. Strictly itself looks different in 2026
It isn’t only the celebrity line-up that has changed.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting team, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The judges remain Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, while five new professional dancers have also joined the show.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is due to launch on Saturday 19 September 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
With 15 celebrities ranging from Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer to Delta Goodrem, Dame Sarah Storey and Shaun Wright-Phillips, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 looks set to be one of the show’s biggest shake-ups in years.
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