Who is Bethany Antonia? House of the Dragon star on Strictly

The House of the Dragon star will be taking to the ballroom for the latest series of the BBC show.

Here is everything to know about the actress as she prepares to step onto the dance floor.

Who is Bethany Antonia?

Antonia was born in Quinton, Birmingham, on December 25, 1997, and spent part of her childhood in France before returning to the UK.

She attended Perryfields High School and later studied musical theatre at Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

At age 14, she began training at First Act Workshop and with the British Youth Music Theatre.

Her first professional acting role came the same year in a short film adaptation of The Tempest, produced by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

In 2016, she made her television debut on BBC One’s Doctors.

Antonia’s breakout role was as Margot Rivers in the BBC/Netflix series Get Even.

She has since appeared in Nolly, Stay Close, Stath Lets Flats, and Doctor Who.

Since 2022, she has played Lady Baela Targaryen in the HBO series House of the Dragon.

She has also performed on stage, most recently as Eurydice in Hadestown at London’s Lyric Theatre in 2026.

Get the latest Strictly news and updates for the 2026 series in our guide

What has Bethany Antonia said about being on Strictly Come Dancing?

Antonia was the ninth celebrity confirmed for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

She said: “I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September.

Bethany Antonia is known for her role as Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston/BBC Creatuve)

“I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.

“See you on the dancefloor.”

Recommended reading:

Does Bethany Antonia have dancing experience?

Antonia attended BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy in Birmingham, where she studied musical theatre until 2016.

Therefore, it is possible she may have done some dance training.

Will you be watching the new Strictly series? Let us know in the comments below.