Strictly Come Dancing 2026: New Hosts, New Era as Lineup Revealed

Strictly Come Dancing has unveiled 14 of its 15 celebrity contestants for the 2026 series. The BBC One staple returns in September under an entirely new presenting team. EastEnders actress Lacey Turner was the first name confirmed for the new lineup.

Olympic skeleton gold medallist Tabby Stoecker and football YouTuber John Nellis are among those joining Turner.

A Fresh Presenting Lineup

The most visible change for the 2026 series sits above the dancefloor rather than on it. Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe take over as hosts. They replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, whose departure ends one of the most established presenting pairings in British primetime.

Five new professional dancers have also been added to the roster.

The judging panel remains unchanged. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas will return to score the performances each week.

Turner and Dyer Lead the Celebrity Charge

Turner, who has played Stacey Slater on EastEnders since 2004, was the first celebrity announced for the series. “I am so excited to being 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.

Dani Dyer returns to the contest after being forced to withdraw from the previous series through injury. The former Love Island contestant, whose father is EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, is one of several names with established entertainment industry ties. “I’m 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!” she said.

Australian singer Delta Goodrem, a former Neighbours actor who represented Australia at Eurovision earlier this year, is also confirmed. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, known for working with Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, joins the lineup too.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience,” he said.

Soap Stars and Industry Ties

Reigning Love Island champion Cach Mercer brings a younger digital audience. Former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips adds Premier League pedigree. Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb rounds out the soap contingent alongside Turner. He has played Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Boyd in the ITV soap since 2020.

Sport and Social Media Take Center Stage

Two of the most distinctive signings reflect the BBC’s continued effort to reach audiences beyond traditional celebrity circuits. Stoecker, who won gold in skeleton at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, was named the 13th contestant.

“I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

Nellis, a football content creator with more than 20 million followers across social media, was announced as the 14th contestant. His videos feature global stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. A former air traffic controller, he has said he has never danced before.

Other confirmed contestants include TV presenter Will Best, Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey, and actress Jaime Winstone. The 15th and final celebrity is expected to be announced shortly before the September premiere.

For a series that has historically leaned on soap stars and broadcasters, the inclusion of two Olympic-level athletes and a football creator of Nellis’s scale marks a notable shift in casting strategy. It mirrors the new-look presenting team in signalling where the show’s ambitions now sit.

Sources

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