As the countdown to Strictly Come Dancing season begins, the BBC has already revealed the first confirmed cast member for 2026. Last year saw Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu take home the trophy, and a new batch of celebrities is eager to follow in their footsteps.
New Era for Strictly
This year marks a significant turning point for the flagship show. Following the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, a new presenting team has been announced: broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will take charge. Additionally, the professional dancer lineup has undergone major changes, with Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez leaving, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be benched without partners.
Confirmed Cast Member: Lacey Turner
EastEnders star Lacey Turner, known for playing Stacey Slater for over two decades, is the first celebrity confirmed for the 2026 series. The 38-year-old actress is taking a break from Albert Square to pursue new ventures, and her journey will lead her straight onto the dance floor. In her announcement, Turner expressed her excitement: 'I 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!' Turner follows in the footsteps of other EastEnders alumni who have graced the show, such as Jake Wood, who famously performed the Mambo No. 5 salsa.
Rumoured Cast Members
Josie Gibson
Big Brother winner and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly high on the BBC's wish list. The 41-year-old, who placed fourth in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2023, is said to be in advanced talks. A source told The Sun: 'Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while, and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well.' The insider added that bosses believe her down-to-earth charm will be a boost for the new-look show. Gibson would not be the first ITV daytime star to join Strictly, following Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and Ed Balls.
Delta Goodrem
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem has reportedly been on Strictly bosses' wish list for years, and her signing is described as 'all but a done deal' by a source close to the Daily Mail. The 41-year-old has sold nine million records and is no stranger to live performances. She also represented Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with her song Eclipse, finishing fourth. If she signs, 2026 will be a busy year for her.
Dani Dyer
Former Love Islander Dani Dyer had a brief Strictly stint last year, forced to withdraw after the launch show due to an ankle fracture. Her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin went on to reach the final with Amber Davies. Dyer has expressed interest in returning for a proper attempt, following the precedent set by Jamie Laing, who returned after an injury. Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, she said: 'If they rang me, I'd answer the phone. I was devastated.'
A BBC spokesperson previously told Metro that plans for the new series will be confirmed in due course. Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
