In a new format twist, the celebrities and professional dancers discovered who they would be paired with, giving fans a teaser of what they could expect from the partnerships as the live shows get underway.
But which celebrities are taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2026? Read on to find out more about the cast.
Lacey TurnerDani DyerDelta GoodremChris AppletonCach MercerWill BestDame Sarah StoreyJaime WinstoneBethany AntoniaShaun Wright-PhillipsGraeme HallLawrence RobbTabby StoeckerJohn NellisMelanie Walters
Read on to learn more about the famous faces!
Melanie Walters
Job: Actress
Melanie Walters is an actress best known for her role as Gwen West on Gavin & Stacey. Across her career, her television work includes roles in Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, Hollyoaks, Biff and Chip, and Doc Martin, while her film credits include Submarine, Resistance, High Tide and Save the Cinema.
"I’ve no formal dance training to speak of, my involvement in musicals and pantos have been as a character actress not a dancer, but I have always loved to dance. We’re talking disco, not clubbing! This is such an opportunity to push my boundaries and learn some beautiful routines and show them on live television!"
John Nellis
Job: YouTuber
John Nellis is one of the UK's biggest sports content creators, with a combined audience of more than 20 million followers.
He won Sport Creator of the Year at the 2024 TikTok Awards UK & Ireland.
He added: "Strictly has been part of UK culture for more than 20 years, and it’s not something that John of four years ago would have ever thought I’d be asked to do. So, there wasn’t even a decision. It was only going to be a yes."
Tabby Stoecker
Job: Olympian
Tabby Stoecker is a highly decorated Team GB skeleton athlete, who famously won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Tabby said yes to Strictly because she wanted a new challenge.
She added: "Of course that’s got me to an Olympic gold medal which I couldn’t be prouder of - but it also means I’ve not put myself out there in a long time, to go and learn something totally new and challenge myself in a different way, and that’s how we grow right? Strictly feels like such an opportunity to find out who I am outside of my sport and push myself!"
Lawrence Robb
Job: Actor
Lawrence Robb is an actor best known for his role as Mackenzie 'Mack' Boyd on Emmerdale, where he has been at the centre of many of the show's most explosive storylines, including affairs, kidnap, murder and this year's landmark crossover, Corriedale.
For Lawrence, he is rather nervous but is very much looking forward to get his teeth stuck into learning a new skill and giving it his all.
"I'm excited, but I'm also aware of how much work it's going to be, and that's nerve-wracking. On top of doing the show I am moving house, which is arguably more stressful than anything else an adult can do in modern day!"
Graeme Hall
Job: TV presenter
Graeme Hall, who is known as "The Dogfather" fronts Channel 5’s hit show Dog’s Behaving (Very) Badly and The Dog Hospital with Graeme Hall.
Graeme is most looking forward to wearing a tail suit, as he is a big fan of "the elegant look".
He said: "I’m known for my tweed and cravats, but Strictly takes ‘dapper’ to a new level, doesn’t it? Oh, and the sparkles. In for a penny...!"
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Job: Pundit
Shaun Wright-Phillips is a former footballer, and son of footballing legend Ian Wright.
Now a football pundit and broadcaster, Wright-Phillips has worked with the likes of the BBC, Sky Sports, ITV and the Premier League.
"I'm also really excited to meet some amazing people along the way," he said.
Bethany Antonia
Job: Actress
Bethany Antonia is an actress, who has recently been on screens as Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon.
Strictly has been a big part of Bethany and her family's lives, with it being the one show they still all watch together.
She said: "It’s the call that I didn't ever think would come to be honest, but now it has, I'm just so excited!"
Jaime Winstone
Job: Actress
Jaime Winstone is an actress who received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the legendary Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs, and she later went on to step into Windsor's famous role of Peggy Mitchell in various flashback episodes on EastEnders.
The actress began her career in 2004 and has since established herself as one of Britain's most recognisable screen talents, having starred in a string of acclaimed movies including Made in Dagenham, Bullet Boy, Tomb Raider and Wild Bill.
"I feel so excited! I feel like this is such a good time for me to do this," Jaime said of joining the show. "It’s such a great opportunity to show a little bit more of who I am, but also show how much I love performing, dressing up, collaborating with people, and being part of a team. Obviously, I'm a bit nervous which I think is normal, and I'm aware that it's going to be a lot of hard work, but I'm certainly up for the challenge!"
Dame Sarah Storey
Job: Athlete
Dame Sarah Storey is Britain’s most successful Paralympian, with 30 Paralympic medals, including 19 golds. She began her Paralympic career as a swimmer at Barcelona 1992, aged just 14, before later switching to cycling, where she became a dominant force on both road and track.
She added: "I am looking forward to working with the professionals and getting to know a whole new world that these incredible people have excelled in."
Will Best
Job: TV presenter
Will Best is a TV presenter best known as the co-host of ITV’s Big Brother, which he presents alongside AJ Odudu, as well as the Hits Radio Breakfast Show.
Will said appearing on Strictly is a "dream come true", noting this his feelings are "a mixture of delirious excitement, and terror".
He added: "It still feels surreal and I can't quite picture myself on the show – it seems crazy that I'm going to be doing the thing that I've watched so many other people do for so long. And when I do imagine doing it, my knees go a bit wobbly."
Cach Mercer
Job: TV personality
Cach Mercer is a TV personality who rose to fame on Love Island 2025, which he won alongside ex-girlfriend Toni Laites.
A lover of dance, whether it be in the shower or at home, Cach is always dancing.
"I’m always dancing and I would love to feel what it's like to perform under pressure," he said.
Chris Appleton
Job: Celebrity hair stylist
Chris Appleton is a celebrity hair stylist best known for his work with Kim Kardashian, having helped create a number of the reality star and businesswoman’s most recognisable hairstyles.
His work has also featured in publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Grazia and L’Officiel Paris.
"I’ve always believed in saying yes to new challenges, especially the ones that push you outside your comfort zone," he said. "That’s something I’ve always done throughout my career, however dancing is something completely different for me, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. One thing I’m not a stranger to is showbiz glam, so I’m really excited to wear the incredible outfits and try out different looks each week!"
Delta Goodrem
Job: Singer
Delta Goodrem is an Australian singer-songwriter has been in the music industry for over 25 years, having signed her first record deal at just 15. She gained international recognition with with her debut album Innocent Eyes, released in 2003, a 23-times Platinum phenomenon and one of the highest-selling albums in Australian history.
For Delta, she felt as though the timing was finally right to take part on Strictly and is ready to step outside of her comfort zone away from the piano and songwriting.
She said: "I have a real passion for music and, I love dancing with all my heart, but I never get to do it! I'm hoping the music can guide me a bit, and the timing has been really right this year – taking on new challenges and getting out of the box, I really enjoy that."
Dani Dyer
Job: TV personality
Dani Dyer is a TV personality and actress who first rose to fame on Love Island in 2018.
Since then, Dyer has appeared on The One Show as a guest reporter, co-presented MTV's True Love or True Lies? and made a guest appearance on EastEnders. She co-stars alongside her father Danny in The Dyers' Caravan Park – which has been renewed for a second season!
Dani told the BBC that she cried when she got the call to return for the 2026 season, having not assumed she'd get a second chance.
She added: "I can’t wait to finally get the opportunity to properly experience the Strictly journey. I am excited, nervous and emotional – all the feelings! But more than anything I can’t wait to get stuck in to learning how to dance and make the most of every single moment. As long as I don't trip over my own feet I will be happy!"
Lacey Turner
Job: Actress
Lacey Turner is an actress best known for her portrayal of Stacey Slater on EastEnders, first appearing in the show in 2004. The actress is currently on a temporary break from the BBC soap to spend time with her family – which is the reason she has now signed up for Strictly.
She added: "So, whilst I'm not working on EastEnders this year, I thought it might be a good time to do it because I'm not sure I am physically or mentally fit enough to do both jobs at the same time as well as run a household with three feral children!"
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 26 September at 6:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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