The fully-revealed cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 features a diverse group of celebrities ready to dance, alongside significant changes to the show’s hosting and pro lineup.
With the buzz of Strictly Come Dancing in the air, the 2026 season promises a captivating mix of talent and anticipation. The lineup of celebrities has been announced, alongside exciting changes that are set to revitalize the beloved show.
The 2026 season kicks off with considerable hopes resting on the competitors, particularly following the success of last year's champions, Lioness Karen Carney and pro partner Carlos Gu.
Major Changes for an Iconic Series
This year, Strictly is undergoing a transformation at a crucial time. Longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have stepped aside, paving the way for a fresh trio of hosts: broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and pro dancer Johannes Radebe.
Alongside these changes, the pro dancer lineup has also seen some fan favorites depart. Notable exits include Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez. Meanwhile, Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be taking a backseat this year without partners.
When Does It All Start?
The action commenced on Saturday, September 19, with the reveal of celebrity and pro pairings, captured during a pre-recorded grand episode. The live performances kick off a week later on September 26. Unlike prior years, the first performance will not see any eliminations, as the competition truly heats up when the first couple faces the public vote on October 4.
This year’s finale is notably closer to the festive season, set to air on December 19.
Meet the Celebrities of Strictly 2026
Melanie Walters
Actress Melanie Walters, known for her role in Gavin and Stacey, is one of the notable names joining the competition, partnered with legendary pro dancer Aljaz Skorjanec. Walters has a long-standing career in British television with appearances in series like Coronation Street and Doc Martin. She shared her joy at participating, saying, “I just hope I don’t follow Cinderella and leave one on the Ballroom stairs.”
John Nellis
YouTuber John Nellis, with over 15 million YouTube subscribers, is making his debut in the ballroom. Known for sports collaborations, Nellis expressed excitement and a little nervousness at the opportunity, saying, “It’s such an incredible opportunity, and I’m going to throw myself into every moment.”
Tabby Stoecker
Olympic gold medalist Tabby Stoecker, fresh off her victory in skeleton at the 2026 Winter Olympics, is partnered with newcomer Mark Karmalita. Stoecker is thrilled to be stepping into the dancing world, describing the experience as “surreal.”
Lawrence Robb
Lawrence Robb, known for his role as Mack in Emmerdale, is taking on the dance challenge with Jowita Przystał. Robb expressed his excitement about this new adventure, stating, “I can’t wait to bring my all to ballroom.”
Graeme ‘The Dogfather’ Hall
Animal expert Graeme Hall joins the cast, partnered with Lauren Oakley. The popular host of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly expressed his eagerness to learn from the professionals, saying, “I can’t wait to get started.”
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Ex-footballer and pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips has stepped from the pitch to the dance floor with Alexis Warr. He noted his excitement, mentioning, “Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone.”
Bethany Antonia
Actress Bethany Antonia, recognized for her role in House of the Dragon, teams up with Nancy Xu for a same-sex couple pairing. Antonia expressed her excitement for the challenge, saying, “I can’t wait to take the challenge on!”
Jaime Winstone
Film star Jaime Winstone joins the cast, partnered with Carlos Gu. Known for various major films, Winstone aims to shine on the ballroom floor, stating, “I can’t wait to enter my showgirl era!”
Dame Sarah Storey
Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, the most successful British Paralympian, is set to compete with Julian Caillon. Recently announcing her retirement from competitive sport, she expressed her excitement for this new venture, stating it is “incredibly motivating!”
Will Best
TV presenter Will Best is joining the cast, partnered with Dianne Buswell. Best expressed disbelief and enthusiasm about joining the competition, stating, “What an absolute dream!”
Cach Mercer
Influencer Cach Mercer, who gained fame from Love Island, enters the competition partnered with Maddie Ingoldsby. He exclaims his excitement for the dance floor, noting dancing is a “huge passion” of his.
Chris Appleton
Hairstylist to the stars Chris Appleton, known for his work with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, is making his way to the ballroom with Amy Dowden. He shared, “I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story.”
Delta Goodrem
Australian singer Delta Goodrem joins the cast, eager to take on dance routines with Kai Widdrington. She expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly!”
Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer makes her comeback to the show after an early exit the previous season due to injury, reuniting with partner Nikita Kuzmin. Dyer expressed her eagerness to return, stating, “I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on!”
Lacey Turner
Finally, Lacey Turner, a familiar face from EastEnders, joins the dancing lineup, competing with Vito Coppola. Turner has long been a fan of the show and expressed her excitement by announcing, “I can’t quite believe I will be taking part!”
Full Contestant List with Pro Dancer Pairings
- Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu
- Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby
- Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden
- Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin
- Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington
- Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley
- Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu
- John Nellis and Katya Jones
- Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola
- Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr
- Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita
- Will Best and Dianne Buswell
- Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał
- Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec
- Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon
The launch show of Strictly Come Dancing is now available on BBC iPlayer, with episodes airing every Saturday night alongside a results show on Sundays.
