Who is Lawrence Robb? Emmerdale star joins Strictly 2026

The BBC dance competition, which sees celebrities and their professional dance partners take to the dancefloor each week, has announced new elements for this year’s run.

Earlier this year, following the departure of long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were confirmed.

Plus, viewers will see a handful of new professional dancers this time around.

If you’re not familiar with Lawrence Robb and his TV career, here’s everything you need to know from his previous roles and more.

When does Strictly Come Dancing start?

Strictly Come Dancing’s 2026 series is starting on Saturday, September 19 and fans can watch along on BBC One or iPlayer.

The first episode is the launch show and it begins at 7.25pm.

Viewers can expect the launch show to be different this year as the celebrities find out who they will dance with during the episode, rather than weeks before like usual.

Who is Lawrence Robb?

Lawrence Robb is from Glasgow and best known for his role in ITV’s iconic soap opera Emmerdale.

He plays Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Boyd, who is now a popular member of the Dingle family.

Robb joined the show six years ago and has been involved in some of the soap’s most talked-about storylines.

These include affairs, kidnapping and murder.

He also featured in the crossover series Corriedale, which saw Coronation Street and Emmerdale characters join forces for a short time.

What TV shows has Lawrence Robb been in?

Before the Dales, Robb’s TV and stage credits included I Hate Suzie opposite Billie Piper, Legally Blonde The Musical, and Mojo in the West End.

On joining the show, he said: “I don’t know who’s more excited about this, me or my mother.

“I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!

“It’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to bring my all to ballroom.

“Wish me luck, and any advice is very welcome – trust me I’ll need it!”

Robb isn’t the only soap actor on Strictly this year as he’ll be joined by EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap.

For all things Strictly, read our article here – Latest Strictly Come Dancing updates including start date, new hosts, lineup and more

Which celebrities are in the Strictly Come Dancing lineup for 2026?

The following celebrities will dance in this year’s Strictly competition:

• Lacey Turner – EastEnders’ Stacey Slater
• Dani Dyer – TV personality (returning after injury in 2025)
• Delta Goodrem – Singer
• Chris Appleton – Hair stylist
• Cach Mercer – Reality TV star
• Will Best – TV and radio host
• Dame Sarah Storey – Britain’s most successful Paralympian
• Jaime Winstone – actress
• Bethany Antonia – actress
• Shaun Wright-Phillips – former professional footballer
• Graeme Hall – famous dog trainer
• Lawrence Robb – Emmerdale’s Mackenzie Boyd
• Tabby Stoecker – Team GB skeleton athlete
• John Nellis – football content creator
• Melanie Walters – Gavin and Stacey star

Do you want Lawrence Robb to win Strictly this year? Tell us who you’re rooting for in the comments below.