The Strictly Come Dancing fever has formally began for 2026, with the primary of many forged reveals already dropped.
This yr’s entrants will definitely hope to emulate the success of lioness Karen Carney {and professional} companion Carlos Gu, who emerged as winners final yr.
And the newcomers will be a part of Strictly at a key time, bringing some large adjustments to the BBC’s flagship dance present.
This, after all, consists of the departure of presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman – changed by three new presenters (rely ’em!) at broadcaster Emma Willis, comic Josh Widdicombe and pro-dancer Johannes Radebe.
The road-up {of professional} dancers has additionally undergone some main adjustments, with fan favorites Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez leaving, whereas Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will likely be on the bench and not using a companion.
Obtain personalised updates about Strictly
Get up to search out information in your TV reveals in your inbox each morning with Metro’s TV publication.
Join our publication after which choose your program within the hyperlink we ship you so we are able to obtain TV information tailor-made to you.
As bosses look to usher in a brand new period for Strictly – hopefully scandal-free any more – let’s check out who’s been confirmed and rumored for the 2026 line-up.
Who’s confirmed within the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing forged?
Delta Goodrem
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem was simply 15 years previous when she signed her first recording contract and her profession has gone from power to power since.
The 41-year-old has launched seven albums, offered hundreds of thousands of copies and even represented Australia at Eurovision 2026 – mainly she is aware of the stage just like the again of her hand.
But there’s a distinction between singing and dancing, however that may be a problem that Deta is glad to tackle.
‘I’ve had the unimaginable honor of acting on many various levels all through my profession – from TV, theatre, movie units to touring my very own reveals world wide. Nonetheless, there’s one stage I’ve by no means stepped on, and that’s the ballroom ground,” she stated in an announcement.
‘I am completely thrilled to be becoming a member of Strictly and might’t wait to get began!’
With such an perspective, is it any surprise that Delta has been on the Strictly boss’s want checklist for years?
Lacey Turner
She has performed EastEnders favourite Stacey Slater for greater than twenty years, however now Lacey Turner will seem on the BBC in a really totally different method.
Whereas the 38-year-old cleaning soap actress takes a break from Albert Sq. to pursue new ventures, it seems to be like her journey will take her from the cobbles straight to the dance ground.
Within the announcement, Lacey wrote: ‘I am so excited to be hitting the dance ground this yr to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing.
‘I am an enormous fan and might’t consider I am competing this yr and never watching from residence! I am wanting ahead to assembly everybody and studying a brand new talent!’
It would not be the primary time an EastEnders icon has appeared on Strictly – who may neglect Jake Wooden (aka Max Branning) together with his Mambo No. 5 salsa?
Dani Dyer
Poor Dani Dyer had one of many shortest Strictly stints ever final yr as she needed to withdraw shortly after the launch present resulting from a damaged ankle. However now – she’s again!
Dani initially teamed up with Nikita Kuzmin, who reached the ultimate alongside Amber Davies when she got here on on the final minute.
The fact TV star beforehand stated on The Jonathan Ross Present that she would ‘love’ to do Strictly once more, saying: “In the event that they referred to as me I’d reply the cellphone. I used to be devastated. It was hell for me after I harm my foot; I used to be so unhappy.”
Her dream has now grow to be a actuality as she has grow to be the second celeb confirmed for the 2026 line-up.
Do not miss a TV overview! Add us as a most well-liked supply
As a loyal Metro TV reader, we need to ensure you by no means miss our articles if you’re searching for tales. Our TV consultants are right here to carry you the newest opinions, streaming updates, movies and unique interviews, with a vibrant group of extremely engaged readers.
To ensure you see tales from us first in Google Search, click on the button beneath and examine Metro.co.uk.
“I am so excited to be again within the ballroom in September! I simply cannot wait to place my dancing footwear on once more and hopefully this time I can truly make it to the primary week!’ the 29-year-old stated in an announcement.
“I am simply over the moon and might’t wait to search out out who else is doing it!”
Who’s rumored for the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing forged?
![CORRECTION / Gold medalist Sarah Storey of Great Britain celebrates on the podium after winning the women's cycling C5 individual time trial during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at the Fuji International Speedway in Oyama on August 31, 2021. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) / The incorrect entry[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo of CHARLY TRIBALLEAU has been changed in AFP systems as follows: [August 31] instead of [August 30]. Remove the incorrect entry immediately[s] of all your online services and delete them from your servers. If you have been given permission by AFP to distribute it to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly follow these instructions will result in liability on your part for any continued use or use after notice. We would like to thank you very much for all your attention and quick action. We apologize for any inconvenience this notification may cause and we remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PRI_197179719-abc4.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Dame Sarah Flooring
Paralympic athlete Dame Sarah Storey, 37, is claimed to have signed up for this sequence of Strictly, with an official announcement stated to have been made.
A supply informed The Solar: ‘Sarah is thrilled to be participating in Strictly and may be very excited to study a brand new talent.
‘She is clearly very aggressive and hopes to provide it her all throughout the match as viewers get to know her persona.
‘She can also be eager to embrace the glamor of the present and is wanting ahead to getting dressed.’
Bicycle owner Dame Sarah is Britain’s most profitable Paralympian, having received 30 medals over the course of her profession, together with 19 gold.
She was due to participate in Dancing on Ice final yr, however needed to withdraw after sustaining an harm throughout coaching.
Jeff Brazier
The identify Brazier will likely be acquainted to Strictly followers – in 2023, EastEnders actor and mannequin Bobby Brazier danced his approach to second place with skilled companion Dianne Buswell.
In line with The Solar, Bobby’s father, 47-year-old Jeff, is in talks to hitch the upcoming sequence of the present.
A supply informed the publication he was ‘tempted’ after being approached by the BBC.
The insider added: “Beforehand he stated he would not do it as a result of he did not need to step on Bobby’s toes. However three years have handed and it is an enormous alternative for Jeff.
‘He mentioned it with Bobby, who would like it if his father would give it a attempt. Jeff has but to signal his contract, however everybody round him is urging him to take action.’
Josie Gibson
She rose to fame as a Huge Brother winner and has since established herself as a British TV favorite.
Josie Gibson can now usually be seen presenting on This Morning, and in 2023 she got here fourth in I am A Superstar… Get Me Out Of Right here!
Nonetheless, if reviews are to be believed, she would a minimum of need to earn a spot on stage by signing up for Strictly and wowing on the dance ground.
“Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while and so they have not given up their pursuit,” the supply stated.
They added to The Solar that the ball has already began: “They hope this yr is the appropriate yr and that discussions go effectively.”
“Bosses are assured her down-to-earth attraction would be the increase this yr’s new look wants,” the insider additionally claimed. “Heat and fascinating, she is strictly what they want proper now and will likely be an actual hit with the followers.”
Josie, 41, definitely would not be the primary ITV daytime star to deal with Strictly, with earlier sequence signing up the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins and, who may neglect, Ed Balls.
Jake Quickenden
Jake Quickenden rose to fame on the X Think about 2012 and has his roots in actuality TV.
Jake subsequently appeared in I am A Celeb and Dancing On Ice (which he received in 2018) and presently stars within the CBBC sequence Jamie Johnson FC.
About these Strictly rumours, a supply informed The Solar: that he had ‘caught the eye of the Strictly bookers’.
They added: ‘He is enjoyable, good-looking and recognized for being an all-round good man. He’s an actor and singer, and due to this fact a born performer. And he received Dancing On Ice, so he clearly has the strikes. And now that he is within the BBC steady, he is a part of the gang.”
The 37-year-old star stated he would love to participate and revealed he would ‘like to do it’ if the chance arose.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
A model of this text was first revealed on Might 31, 2026.
Do you have got a narrative?
In the event you’ve bought a celeb story, video or photos get in contact with the Metro.co.uk leisure staff by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Submissions web page. We might love to listen to from you.
Arrow
MORE: BBC reporter pressured to desert World Cup protection for ‘choking’ bystanders
Arrow
MORE: Line of Obligation star ‘injured’ on set after Airsoft gun incident
Arrow
MORE: Physician Who should die – with out regenerations
Reply now
Add Metro as a most well-liked supply on Google
