Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Line-Up: Every Celebrity In The Cast So Far

The show’s return might still be ages away, but we’re already getting updates about this year’s Strictly Come Dancing cast.

After months of speculation about who the new hosts of the BBC dance competition could be, attention has now turned to which famous faces will be hitting the ballroom when the show returns in the autumn.

Traditionally, Strictly starts revealing its celebrity line-up in early August, ahead of the show’s return in September.

However, this year, it looks like BBC bosses are getting ahead of the rumours and gossip by announcing the line-up early, with stars from across the world of music, TV and more already being unveiled.

If you’re already looking forward to Strictly’s return, here’s our quick guide to the eight stars who have been cast so far…

Lacey is best known for playing Stacey Slater in the BBC soap on-and-off since 2005.

She has also starred in the military drama Our Girl and appeared in Call The Midwife.

“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!” she said when her Strictly stint was confirmed by the BBC in mid-June.

The soap star added: “I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”

Dani Dyer was originally supposed to take part in last year’s season of Strictly, even filming an appearance in the pre-recorded launch show, but was eventually forced to pull due to injury just days before the first live show.

She was replaced on the line-up by fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies, who made it through to the 2025 final.

Almost a year later, Dani is now getting a second chance at nabbing the coveted Glitterball trophy.

She said: “I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!

“I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!” Dani added.

Pop singer and actor Delta Goodrem was the third name announced for this year’s Strictly.

Although best known as a singer thanks to hits like Born To Try and Lost Without You, the Australian performer found fame playing Nina Tucker in Neighbours, a role she held for around three years in the mid-2000s.

She’s also no stranger to reality TV, having served as both a coach on The Voice and The Voice Kids in her home country.

Delta’s addition to the ballroom competition comes after her success at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. During the live final in Vienna back in May, she represented Australia with her song Eclipse, finishing in fourth place overall.

When announced as taking part in Strictly, she beamed: “I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world.

“There is, however, one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor! I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!”

The fourth addition to the Strictly 2026 cast was Chris Appleton, hairstylist to the stars and the man behind some of Kim Kardashian’s most famous red carpet hairdos.

Chris has earned a following online for his hair tutorials, as well as his collaborations with high-profile clients like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande.

The UK-born stylist said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience.

“I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can’t wait to get started.”

Cach Mercer is the second Love Islander to sign up for Strictly this year – and like fellow alum Dani Dyer, he won the series back in 2025.

The model, DJ and social media star enthused: “I have grown up watching Strictly with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast.

“Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!”

Will Best is a presenter best known for fronting ITV’s Big Brother reboot and Hits Radio’s daily breakfast show.

He beamed: “I can’t quite believe it… I’m doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one.”

“I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this,” he added. “And I cannot wait!”

Dame Sarah Storey is a genuine sporting legend, with 19 gold medals from the Paralympic games – in both cycling and swimming – and a staggering 75 world records to her name.

“Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting,” she said, referring to her recent retirement announcement.

“I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”

Interestingly, Dame Sarah previously signed up for what would turn out to be the final season of Dancing On Ice on ITV just a couple of years ago, but had to withdraw from the series before it began due to injury.

Jaime Winstone is a British actor, best known for her performances in projects like Kidulthood, Powder Room and Tomb Raider, as well as being the daughter of fellow actor Ray Winstone.

She previously won plaudits for her performance as Dame Barbara Windsor in the TV biopic Babs, subsequently playing the late actor’s iconic EastEnders character Peggy Mitchell in a special episode of the long-running BBC soap.

“I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year,” she said, after being confirmed for the new series. “I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return to our screens in the autumn. We’ll be updating our list as more stars are announced in the weeks to come.