Get ready to dust off those dancing shoes, as the highly-anticipated Strictly season is just around the corner. With a fresh new era on the horizon, the BBC is gearing up to introduce a stellar lineup of celebrities to the dance floor.
TV presenter Will Best has been announced as one of the latest big-ticket names to join the celebrity cast for 2026. The 41-year-old co-hosts ITV's reality show Big Brother and has also made appearances on Hits Radio Breakfast Show. Best is no stranger to the world of reality TV, having recently won Celebrity Mastermind with a specialist subject of Danny Dyer.
The latest addition to the lineup is influencer Cach Mercer, who rose to fame after winning reality show Love Island with his partner Toni Laites in 2025. Mercer's social media fame stems from his Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street dance moves, which have earned him over 1.3 million TikTok followers and counting.
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, known for his work with A-listers like Kim Kardashian and J-Lo, is also making his way onto the dance floor. The 43-year-old creative has a long list of high-profile clients and is now looking to trade in his scissors for dancing shoes.
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, who has sold millions of copies worldwide and represented Australia at Eurovision 2026, is another big-name addition to the lineup. The 41-year-old has released seven albums and has performed on many different stages throughout her career, but this will be her first time stepping onto the ballroom floor.
EastEnders star Lacey Turner is also joining the cast, taking a break from her role as Stacey Slater to pursue new ventures. Turner has been playing the iconic character for over 20 years and is excited to trade in her soap opera days for the glamour of Strictly.
Reality TV star Dani Dyer is back for another shot at the Glitterball Trophy, after being forced to withdraw from last year's competition due to an ankle fracture. The 29-year-old was originally partnered with Nikita Kuzmin and is eager to make a comeback.
Paralympic athlete Dame Sarah Storey, Britain's most successful Paralympian with 30 medals, is said to have signed up for this series of Strictly. The 37-year-old is excited to learn a new skill and let viewers get to know her personality.
EastEnders actor and model Bobby Brazier's father, Jeff, is reportedly in talks to compete in the upcoming series. The 47-year-old has become "tempted" after being approached by the BBC and has discussed it with his son, who thinks it would be amazing if his dad gave it a go.
Big Brother winner Josie Gibson is also said to be on the BBC's radar, with bosses convinced that her down-to-earth charm will be the boost the show needs this year. The 41-year-old has been presenting on This Morning and placed fourth in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2023.
Rising to fame on the X-Factor in 2012, Jake Quickenden has his roots in reality TV. The 37-year-old has appeared on I'm A Celeb and Dancing On Ice, which he won in 2018, and currently stars in the CBBC series Jamie Johnson FC.
