Lacey Turner is leading the charge for the confirmed Strictly 2026 cast (Picture: BBC)
As we cha cha closer to Strictly Come Dancing season once more, the BBC is kicking off the festivities early this year by already revealing the first cast member.
Last series saw Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu take home the trophy, and there will surely be a string of celebrities keen to replicate their success.
And to say the new cast will be joining Strictly at an important time would be an understatement, as there’ll have been plenty of big changes by the time the BBC flagship show returns to screens.
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
Advertisement
So, as bosses look to fill the gaps and carry Strictly into a new era – hopefully free from scandals and internal investigations – let’s take a look at who is confirmed and who is rumoured for the 2026 line-up.
Who is confirmed in the Strictly Come Dancing cast 2026?
Lacey Turner
She’s swapping Albert Square for the Strictly dance floor (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
As the 38-year-old soap actress takes a break from Albert Square to pursue new ventures, it seems her journey is taking her from the cobblestones straight onto the dance floor.
In the announcement, Lacey wrote: ‘I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing.
Advertisement
‘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!’
It wouldn’t be the first time an EastEnders icon has appeared on Strictly – who could forget Jake Wood (aka Max Branning) with his Mambo No. 5 salsa?
Who is rumoured for the Strictly Come Dancing cast 2026?
Josie Gibson
Josie Gibson is said to have been on the Strictly bosses’ wish list for a while (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
She rose to fame as a Big Brother winner and has since cemented herself as a British TV favourite.
Josie Gibson is now often seen presenting on This Morning, and, in 2023, she placed fourth in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
If reports are to be believed, though, she could be looking to at least earn herself a place on the podium by signing up to Strictly and wowing on the dance floor.
Advertisement
‘Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit,’ said a source.
They added to The Sun that the ball is has already started: ‘They’re hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well.’
‘Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs,’ the insider also claimed. ‘Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.’
Josie, 41, certainly wouldn’t be the first ITV daytime star to tackle Strictly, with previous series signing up the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and, who could forget, Ed Balls.
Advertisement
Delta Goodrem
Could Delta Goodrem succeed in both Eurovision and Strictly in the same year? (Picture: Shutterstock for IOMTV Malta)
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem has also reportedly been on the Strictly bosses’ wish list for ‘years’.
A source told the Daily Mail that her signing this time is ‘all but a done deal’.
‘They’ve been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show.’
The 41-year-old is no stranger to live performances thanks to her music career, having been signed in the early 2000s and released a string of hits Down Under. Her debut album, Innocent Eyes, charted at number two in the UK.
Delta has also dabbled in acting, having played Nina Tucker in Neighbours.
Advertisement
Having sold nine million records, Delta knows a thing or two about success – but could she add another accolade to her name and become a Strictly champion?
If she does ultimately sign on the dotted line, 2026 will prove to be a very busy year for her, as Delta represented her country in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with her song Eclipse, which saw her finish fourth.
Dani Dyer
Will Dani Dyer return to finish what she started? (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
Poor Dani Dyer had one of the briefest Strictly stints ever last year, as she was forced to withdraw shortly after the launch show due to an ankle fracture.
Partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, he went on to reach the final with Amber Davies, while Dani had to watch on from home while recovering.
The former Love Islander has already expressed interest in returning for a proper attempt, and it wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened, as Jamie Laing famously returned the following year after an injury early on made him pull out.
Advertisement
Don’t miss a TV review! Add us as a Preferred Source
As a loyal Metro TV reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories. Our TV experts are here to bring you all the latest reviews, streaming updates, videos, and exclusive interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show after her premature exit, Dani said she would ‘love to do’ Strictly again.
‘If they rang me, I’d answer the phone,’ she shared. ‘I was devastated.
‘It was hell for me when I hurt my foot; I was so sad.’
When contacted previously for comments, a BBC spokesperson told Metro that plans for the new series of Strictly will be confirmed ‘in due course’.
Advertisement
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
A version of this article was first published on May 31, 2026.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Police said they had identified a 55-year-old man who was pronounced dead at the scene
Police have named the man who died at a lake on the Cambridgeshire border. At around 7am on May 28, Bedfordshire Police were alerted to a man’s body in the Manor Farm lakes near the village of Stratford, about three miles from the border with Cambridgeshire.
Advertisement
Emergency services attended the incident, and the body was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene. Police have now named the man as 55-year-old Lee Morgan from Luton.
Police said it was not treating Mr Morgan’s death as suspicious and has passed the case to the local coroner.
Detective Sergeant Lisa Whitson, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with Mr Morgan’s family at this sad time.
“We are still following lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances around this tragic incident, but we are not treating it as suspicious, and a file has been passed to the coroner.”
The former England and Manchester City midfielder is on day four of her five-day, 388-mile Coming Home Challenge, which started at Wembley Stadium on Monday and is due to finish at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday.
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Her route has taken her through several areas of North Yorkshire, including Bolton Abbey, Grassington, Barden Moor, Leyburn, Richmond, Aldbrough St John, Melsonby and Piercebridge, before continuing into County Durham towards West Auckland and Bishop Auckland.
The ex-footballer is expected to reach Bishop Auckland soon.
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Images from the day show Jill pushing through difficult conditions, with steep climbs, sore legs and heavy rain adding to the challenge.
Advertisement
She began Thursday’s ride less than 10 hours after completing a 38.5-mile ultramarathon from Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to Manchester City’s Joie Stadium.
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
The former Lioness said support from the public had helped her keep going.
She said: “There have been so many people beeping their horns, coming out to spur us on, and it really does help.
“I’m not going to lie – this morning I literally couldn’t get out of bed, my legs hurt that much.
Advertisement
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Jill Scott’s Sport Relief challenge (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
“Having that support means everything, especially when you’re on the bike in weather like this. I can’t quite believe it’s June.”
Jill started the challenge on Monday with a 112-mile cycle from Wembley Stadium to Villa Park.
On Tuesday, the ex-footballer cycled 99 miles to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, before running 38.5 miles to Manchester City’s Joie Stadium on Wednesday.
By Thursday, Jill had already completed more than 240 miles of the journey.
Advertisement
After Thursday’s stage, she is due to complete the final 28-mile run on Friday, June 12, finishing outside the Stadium of Light.
In addition to military bases, many civilian buildings have been hit across the country. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), more than 1,700 civilians have been killed since the conflict began. However, Adm Brad Cooper – the US military officer overseeing the war – has challenged the suggestion that there have been thousands of civilian deaths.
Chef Joshua Weissman swears by adding a spoonful of one common ingredient for a rich, creamy and quick breakfast with no pans needed.
Eggs are among the finest breakfast options to set you up for the day ahead. That said, cooking them on the hob can be quite a chore, as numerous egg recipes demand low and slow cooking, which can be rather time-consuming.
Advertisement
Instead, Chef Joshua Weissman advocates cooking eggs in the microwave, though there is a knack to achieving a creamy, soft result. The secret in this recipe comes down to a single straightforward ingredient — mayonnaise.
It calls for two eggs, a tablespoon of mayo, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Adding mayo gives your scrambled eggs an extra layer of richness and creaminess, without the need for additional butter or cream, or hovering over a hob on a low heat.
Mayonnaise is also a staple that most households tend to keep in stock, and it takes no more than 10 seconds to grab and add to the bowl, reports the Express.
Advertisement
Content cannot be displayed without consent
While it might sound a touch unconventional to incorporate mayonnaise into scrambled eggs, mayo already contains egg yolks and oil, and plenty of people regularly combine mayonnaise with eggs when making egg salad, so it’s not entirely dissimilar.
Furthermore, mayonnaise contains a small amount of acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. That subtle hint of acidity prevents the eggs from setting too firmly too quickly, keeping them light and tender.
To prepare Joshua’s creamy scrambled eggs, begin by cracking two eggs into a small bowl, adding a tablespoon of mayo, seasoning with salt and pepper, and whisking until smooth.
Decant the eggs into a lightly greased ramekin or small microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high for 45 to 60 seconds.
Advertisement
Leave to stand for 30 seconds, then remove from the microwave and stir the eggs with a fork.
Alternatively, you can leave the eggs in the microwave for the full duration without stirring, and the result will be a soft and creamy omelette.
You’re aiming for the eggs to be just set but still slightly moist on top. They’ll continue to firm up for a few seconds after you take them out.
Advertisement
From there, the chef suggests placing the eggs into a breakfast sandwich, adding mortadella ham that he sears in a frying pan over high heat for one minute, then topping with American cheese and toasting the buns in the pan for 30 to 40 seconds.
England comfortably beat Costa Rica at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in their final warm-up match, before the squad fly out to their World Cup base in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 13. You can follow all the latest news and updates from across the tournament – including insight and analysis from Dom Smith in the States – with our rolling news live blog below!
Protestors stormed to a gate just as the World Cup 2026 opening game tonight in Mexico City kicked off against South Africa
Lauran O’Toole and Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
22:01, 11 Jun 2026Updated 22:05, 11 Jun 2026
Dozens of demonstrators are said to have clashed with police outside the stadium in Mexico tonight as the World Cup opener of the tournament started.
As Mexico and South Africa went head-to-head as the first match of the tournament, ‘Molotov cocktails’ were allegedly being thrown at police outside the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Advertisement
Footage shared online appeared to show protestors clashing with police lines in riot gear outside Gate 8. Demonstrators allegedly were seen throwing objects, including ‘Molotov cocktails’, at the force reports The Express.
Tensions have been rising across Mexico City as tourists and football fans from all over the world pour in, as locals argue officials have focused on the big event at the expense of social concerns.
Last night, more than 1,000 relatives of Mexico’s missing people marched towards the stadium with candles and photographs, reports The Express.
Advertisement
The match itself, part of the opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup, was continuing inside the stadium at the time of the unrest tonight, though there were concerns about access routes and crowd safety around the venue.
Amid the wider disruption, a separate emergency incident occurred shortly before kick-off when an elderly spectator died at the stadium.
An 80-year-old man is understood to have suffered a suspected heart attack at Gate 1 of the Mexico City venue shortly before the match began. Emergency services were called and paramedics from the World Cup security medical team reportedly reached the scene within minutes, providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and stabilising the man before he was taken to hospital.
He was initially reported to have been revived in the ambulance and placed under observation in a stable condition, according to local authorities, but later died. Officials have not yet released further details.
The 2026 tournament officially kicked off at 8pm local time with the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa, as the United States, Mexico and Canada prepare to jointly host 48 teams across a six-week competition.
The build-up to the World Cup has also been marked by wider controversy, including geopolitical tensions, with Iran previously issuing statements suggesting it could withdraw from fixtures under certain conditions.
Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City said in a statement on X: ” Following the events that occurred in the vicinity of the #EstadioCiudadDeMéxico, in which nearly 200 hooded individuals who broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters, the situation was brought under control by personnel from the #Metropolitan Police.”
Distressing CCTV footage emerged this morning showing the moment the home of imam Hassan Patel was allegedly targeted in a firebomb attack.
The incident occurred on Eastgrove Avenue in Sharples at around 9.20pm last night (Wednesday).
The video shows a male wearing a helmet and dark clothing running onto the driveway of the property before a blaze erupts.
Advertisement
Mr Patel, 42, lives at the address with his wife, four young children and his nephew.
The incident has caused distress across Bolton, prompting community leaders to speak out against what police and the family believe was a targeted attack.
In a statement, Bolton Wanderers said: “Everyone at BWFC and Bolton Wanderers in the Community are saddened by reports of the attack on an imam’s home here in Bolton.
“Our thoughts are with the family, their loved ones, and those in our community who are now understandably feeling concerned and upset by the actions reported.
Advertisement
“At BWFC and Bolton Wanderers in the Community, we believe in the power of football to bring people together, unify communities, and provide spaces where everyone feels they belong.
“Our club, our community, and our town are at their best when we all choose kindness over hatred and community over division.
“As the investigation continues, we stand in solidarity with our Bolton Muslim community and all those affected by this attack.
“Everyone should feel safe in their homes, in our community, and at our club.
Advertisement
“We must come together with understanding, come together as friends, as neighbours, as a community.
“One club. One community. One town.”
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples said: “Incidents like this are not acceptable in our community and no one should be made to feel threatened or intimidated.
“Thankfully, no one was injured, however, the consequences of this suspected arson attack could have been very different.
Advertisement
“We understand this incident may cause concern within the community; we are working to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We believe this was a targeted attack, and there is no risk to the wider public. Officers will be providing reassurance with visits in the community throughout the day.
“Our enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing, and we urge anyone with information that may assist our investigation to please come forward.
“Anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage, is asked to call 101 quoting log 3561 of 10/06/2026 or contact us via the LiveChat function at gmp.police.uk
Advertisement
“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Inspector Ferriby said: “We would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have noticed suspicious behaviour, to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1137 of 08/06/2026.
“We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam or other footage.
A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder in connection to the triple stabbing at a high school in Blackley.
Advertisement
Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, the girl was charged this evening (Thursday 11 June) with three counts of attempted murder and two charges of possessing a bladed article on school premises.
She will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday (June 12).
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
On Tuesday, June 9, police were called to the Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road, Blackley, to reports of a stabbing.
Advertisement
Det Chief Supt Jonathan Chadwick, head of counter terrorism policing north west,said: “These are extremely serious charges against a young girl and, working closely with Greater Manchester Police, we continue to support the victims and their families and offer support to the wider school community, who have been deeply affected by what happened.
“Although charges have now been secured, our investigation is still ongoing, and we continue to work with local policing colleagues in the Blackley area.”
Rubio, who also had spells as assistant manager at Crystal Palace and West Ham, felt Jimenez fully deserved such a moment after what he has been through.
“After his head injury it took a bit of time to get back into the career,” said Rubio.
“There were not just medical concerns, but also would he be the same killer in front of goal? His application is tremendous, he is a lovely guy, his family are beautiful and very supportive and that has helped him.
“He is a very family person. He is a big player but never acts like one and he is very humble and I’m delighted for him.
Advertisement
“It was life-threatening injury and I felt scared for him. At that moment he was doing so well, he was at the top of his career and it was very difficult.”
But Jimenez’s determination has led to him scoring 68 Premier League goals in 233 appearances. Even now, he still needs to wear a reinforced headband to protect himself from further injury.
“Having known him I could see why he has been able to get back on to the pitch [after the injury] and get back into his form,” added Rubio. “He is a fighter. I worked with him in his last year at Wolves. There were doubts, even with himself, that he was going to get back into it and that last year at Wolves was a challenging year for him.
“But there were no doubts for me personally, I always knew he would get back into it. I’ve worked with many top professionals and you can see he has the resilience and has a lovely family supporting him.
Advertisement
“Everyone there [at Wolves] loved him, the whole club wanted him to do well and the whole club was invested for him to get back so it was very emotional, not only because of his career, but also because he is such a loving character.
“He was so invested in the club, the city and his family felt like it was home, that’s why I feel they will be delighted to be going back there.”
But, before Jimenez will be back in the West Midlands, he has further chances to score more World Cup goals in his home country, with Mexico already in a strong position to advance into the knockout rounds.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login