The rumoured line-up for Strictly 2026 is taking shape… (Picture: Shutterstock/AP/BBC)
As cha cha closer to Strictly Come Dancing season once more, speculation on who could be taking part is red hot.
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.
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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 the rumoured line-up for 2026.
Lacey Turner
Might Lacey Turner be swapping Albert Square for the Strictly dance floor? (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
According to reports, the 38-year-old soap actress is looking to use her break from Albert Square to pursue new ventures, with a TV source spilling to The Sun: ‘Strictly bosses are delighted to snap Lacey up for the series, especially as she has such a huge fan base from her time on the soap.
‘She’s down to earth, and viewers will be excited to get to know her personality away from Albert Square.’
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They added: ‘She has loved having some quality time off screen to focus on parenting, but feels like now is the perfect time to learn to dance and try something different before she reprises her role in EastEnders.’
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?
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.
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‘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.
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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.
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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.
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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’.
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Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
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The professional dancer confirmed her exit from the BBC One dance show after 14 years
Karen Hauer has shared the real reason for her Strictly Come Dancing exit, which she kept secret from her co-stars so she wouldn’t change her mind about leaving.
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The Venezuela-born professional dancer joined the hit BBC One show back in 2012, and over the years, she has had several celebrity dance partners, including former The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright, broadcaster Jeremy Vine, and Made In Chelsea alum Jamie Laing.
But Karen, who was Strictly’s longest-serving professional dancer after 14 years on the entertainment show, confirmed in March that she would not be returning to the dance floor ahead of the 2026 series, set to get underway later this year.
She wasn’t the only pro to confirm their exit from Strictly, with Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez also going on to confirm their departure from the popular competition programme.
And while questions were asked by fans as to whether the decision to leave was the dancers’ own, Karen has confirmed the reason behind her own exit.
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Speaking to the Mirror, she shared: “It was very emotional, but it did feel like I was ready to get my teeth stuck into other projects and continue evolving. I learned so much from every single celebrity that I came across.” She added: “It’s always about growth. It was a beautiful decision that came from a good place in my heart.”
Karen also told how she decided to keep her decision quiet from everyone, including her fellow pros, except her very closest pals, as she knew they would try to convince her to stay.
“I didn’t say anything because I know it would have been hard for them to digest and they’d have been like, ‘No, definitely no, not you,’” she laughed. “I kept it within my tightest circle. But you know what? When I announced it, I’ve never felt such an outpouring of love. So many people were reaching out to me, and just being so kind.”
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She later added that despite her exit: “Strictly will always be my home, you know? I will always have a deep connection to it, no matter what.”
Meanwhile, after months of speculation, it was finally announced in May who would be taking over the presenting roles on Strictly, which were left vacant following the exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the 2025 series in December.
A number of names were linked to the role, including BBC stars Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, before it was confirmed on Tuesday (May 19) that Emma would be one of the new hosts, alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
The news was shared on the show’s Instagram page with the caption: “It’s official…September 2026,” and speaking about the history-making trio, as Strictly has never been hosted by more than two people, for the first time, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, said that their “chemistry is undeniable”.
Vladimir Putin does “not care too much” if Russian weapons end up hitting Ukraine’sNato neighbours, according to a former UK security chief.
One of Russia’s drones crashed into a Romanian apartment block in the city of Galati and injured two people overnight.
The move was condemned by EU leaders as “blatant and serious violation”, while Nato leader Mark Rutte warned: “Russia’s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all.”
Romania president Nicusor Dan said the incident was the “most serious” to have impacted his country since Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022.
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Romania, a Nato country which borders Ukraine, expelled the Russian consul from its city of Constanta as a result.
The Kremlin has already threatened its own response to that diplomatic move, claiming the retaliation would not be “long in coming”.
He said while it looks like this particular incident was not an “intentional attack” on Romania, “I’m not sure Putin cares too much”.
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Ricketts added: “He thinks it is a reminder to western countries, to Nato, what Russia is capable of.”
It’s part of a whole “spectrum” of Russian activity to “try and disturb Nato countries,” Ricketts said.
He pointed to the civilian building in Poland which was hit with no casualties in September last year, and the multitude of drones which have crashed in the countryside of Ukraine’s neighbours.
Ricketts said: “This was a disaster waiting to happen. There’s been a whole series of incursions by Russian drones and aircrafts into Nato airspace over the last couple of years.”
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He added: “Some of those must be intentional. They are probing Nato to see how Nato responds, first of all [with] relatively low-level incursion but then implying that Russia could do more if they chose to do so.”
“It is just another demonstration of how reckless the Russians are, continuing to fire hundreds and hundreds of Russian drones at Ukrainian targets, and honestly, I think not really caring when they malfunction and land on Nato territory,” the former security chief continued.
“The most effective response of course is to get this war over, to ensure Ukraine comes out of the war strong, and to stop Russian aggression.
“In the shorter term, the EU and Nato are both scrambling to develop programmes for counter drone defences, better detection, better capabilities to shoot them down – and of course, the experts on that are the Ukrainians who are having to do it every night.”
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Four other teenagers were previously arrested in connection with the deliberate fire.
08:46, 01 Jun 2026Updated 08:50, 01 Jun 2026
Three more teenagers have been arrested after a large fire broke out at a derelict school building. Fire crews and Suffolk Police were called to a large fire at the former Parkway Middle School in Park Road, Haverhill just before 9pm on May 12.
The fire was determined to be deliberate. Last Wednesday (May 27), Suffolk Police made three further arrests following the fire.
Officers arrested a 14-year-old boy and two 15-year-old boys on suspicion of criminal damage – arson. They were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning, and later bailed to return to police on August 24, August 25 and July 24 respectively.
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Police made other arrests before the latest ones. A police spokesperson said: “On May 15, two teenage boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage – arson. They were bailed to return to police on August 7.
“This followed the arrests of two 15-year-old boys on suspicion of the same offences on May 13 and May 14. They were bailed to return to police on June 22 and July 14 respectively.”
Suffolk Police are still appealing for information following the fire. Anyone with information should contact police online or call 101 and quote reference 37/27212/26.
One man is due in court on Monday while another man and woman have been arrested
08:40, 01 Jun 2026Updated 08:48, 01 Jun 2026
A man has been charged a man to court and two further arrests made after a PSNI officer was seriously injured after being hit with a stolen police car.
A shot was fired at the car in the incident that occurred on Sunday morning, May 31, in Downpatrick. Police have opened an attempted murder investigation, saying the act had the potential to cause “fatal injuries”.
Before 5am on Sunday, a vehicle failed to stop for police in the Fountain Street area and was later located in the Ballymote Walk area.
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A man was then seen running from the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued towards the Colmcille Road.
In an update on Monday morning, detectives investigating the incident said they have charged a man to court and made two further arrests. The man, aged 27, has been charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle with no insurance.
He is due to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 1st June. He has been bailed to allow for further enquiries in respect of driving whilst unfit, and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury and released unconditionally in respect of attempted murder and a number of driving-related offences.
As is usual procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
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Meanwhile, a man aged 36 has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury. A woman aged 27 has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
Both remain in custody at this time while enquiries continue.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said on Sunday: “As officers returned to their police car, someone was in the driver’s seat – driving erratically and directly towards an officer. The officer discharged one round from his firearm.
“The officer was struck by the vehicle – causing serious injuries. The vehicle was subsequently abandoned a short time later. The suspect made off from the scene.
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“Urgent medical treatment was provided at the scene by police colleagues, who were also supported by members of the local community.
“The officer was taken to hospital by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for treatment to his injuries believed to be serious, but thankfully not life-threatening at this time.”
She added: “Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job, and today’s incident is a stark reminder of the dangers they face.
“Our thoughts are with the officer as he receives ongoing medical treatment today for his injuries in hospital. And we will continue to support him and his family.
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“This would have been a terrifying experience for the officer and also his colleagues – with the clear potential to cause life-changing or even fatal injuries.
“Actions were taken this morning in defence of life to protect himself and fellow officers.
“Detectives from our Serious Crime branch have now launched an attempted murder investigation – with their enquiries continuing at pace.”
The Police Ombudsman confirmed it had been notified of the firing of a round, and its investigators attended the scene.
During a candid new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Alexa recalled how in the early days of Euphoria’s run, she felt unable to say no to certain scenes out of concern that she would lose the role of Maddy.
“I thought that if I said no to doing them, then I wouldn’t have the part,” she admitted. “Not because anyone ever said that to me, but because I was so young and I didn’t know.”
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She continued: “I’m not saying I don’t love sex, and I think it can be portrayed beautifully and I know the show is portraying the life of teenage girls. But once I did it, I realised, ‘OK, I don’t love how this feels’.”
Alexa added: “So I said something, and everyone was empathetic, and I never did that again.”
This echoes comments made by her co-star Sydney Sweeney, who previously insisted that whenever she’s raised issues that make her uncomfortable with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, he’s been receptive to them.
Back in 2022, the Emmy nominee told The Independent: “Sam is amazing. [In season two], there are moments where Cassie was supposed to be shirtless and I would tell Sam, ‘I don’t really think that’s necessary here’. He was like, ‘OK, we don’t need it’
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“I’ve never felt like Sam has pushed it on me or was trying to get a nude scene into an HBO show. When I didn’t want to do it, he didn’t make me.”
Outside of Euphoria, Alexa was one of the show’s only cast members to make a cameo in Sam Levinson’s other HBO series, The Idol, which was panned by critics upon its release in 2023.
A points failure at Slough is affecting trains between Reading and Paddington (Picture: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Commuters on the Elizabeth Line and other trains into London face major disruption today after a points failure near Slough.
Great Western Railway passengers are being warned to expect cancellations, delays and revisions until 3pm.
The problems are affecting services across the GWR network, centring on London Paddington station.
Meanwhile, there are severe delays on the Elizabeth Line between Hayes & Harlington and Reading.
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Tickets are being accepted on London Buses, Great Western Railway and South Western Railway, and there is good service on the rest of the line.
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Separately, there is no service on the Jubilee line between Finchley Road and Waterloo while engineers fix a signal failure at Green Park.
The issue has also resulted in severe delays on the rest of the line.
This morning’s disruption comes a day before much of the Tube network is set to grind to a halt due to strike action.
Great Western Railway services are most affected (Picture: Michael Nguyen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Drivers from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) are due to walk out on Tuesday and Thursday in a dispute over ‘proposed compressed four-day working arrangements’.
The strikes, which will last from midnight to midnight on both days, will mean no service on the Circle line, the Piccadilly line, the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
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Services are expected to go ahead on other London Underground lines on both days.
However, the Tube will start late and finish early, with commuters advised to finish their travels by 9pm on both days.
Today’s document release will be the second largest submitted to the House of Commons in its history, after the Chilcot report, which was handed to the lower Parliamentary chamber in 2016.
The UK’s Iran inquiry found that the 2003 invasion of Iraq, under then PM Tony Blair, was unnecessary, based on flawed intelligence, and launched prematurely before diplomats had exhausted all available peaceful options.
The document release will be the largest since the Chilcot report(Image: PA)
North Yorkshire Police say that at about 6.30pm on Sunday (May 31) emergency services were called to the River Wharfe near Burnsall in the Skipton area after a 13-year-old girl was reported missing in the river.
A short time later she was rescued from the water and taken to hospital by air ambulance.
A force spokesman said: “Despite the efforts of members of the public at the scene and medical staff at the scene and in hospital, she sadly died.
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“At this stage we are not in a position to release her identity.
“Our thoughts remain with her family at this very distressing time and we ask members of the public and the media to respect the family’s privacy and allow them to grieve in peace.
“Our thanks go to the members of the public who helped at the scene.”
The summer window is yet to open but the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool are already working on new signings. Premier League champions Arsenal are set for another huge summer, with Morgan Rogers a key target as Mikel Arteta demands four new players. A left-sided attacker is the dream, along with a new striker, midfielder and right-back, and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi is also of interest.
Services are being diverted while works take place
Passengers are facing nine days of disruption as two Metrolink tram stops are closed in Manchester city centre. No trams will call at either Shudehill or Market Street tram stops from today (June 1) to next Tuesday, June 9, with normal service expected to resume next Wednesday.
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The closure is to allow improvement works to take place in the city centre, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It means that no trams on the Altrincham and Bury lines will call at Shudehill, Market Street, Piccadilly or Piccadilly Gardens.
All services on the line will run between Bury and Altrincham via Exchange Square, in both directions. Trams on the Trafford Centre line will run to Etihad Campus, rather than Crumpsall as normal, while services between Manchester Airport and Victoria will run via Exchange Square.
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A post on TfGM’s website said: “Customers may need to change trams, take a short walk or hop on the free bus to continue their journey. Outside of free bus operating times, a replacement bus will operate between Piccadilly and Victoria.
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“For customers on the Bury and Altrincham lines, the easiest way to reach Piccadilly will be by changing trams at St Peters Square. You may need to change platforms for the right trams, see departure boards and signage on stop for more details.”
Meanwhile, passengers will face further disruption on Sunday (June 7), when track renewal work takes place on the Rochdale line. There will be no trams running between Victoria and Rochdale Town Centre that day as a result, with a bus replacement service in place.
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