The eagerly anticipated 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing has begun to unveil its celebrity contestants, with the BBC confirming the first five stars who will be taking to the ballroom floor. As the show prepares for its autumn return, the initial announcements offer a glimpse into the diverse array of personalities hoping to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.
EastEnders stalwart Lacey Turner, who has portrayed Stacey Slater since 2004 and boasts multiple awards for her acting, was the inaugural celebrity revealed for this year's competition. Expressing her excitement, Turner stated she was a "huge fan" and couldn't "quite believe" she would be participating instead of watching from home. She joins a lineup that also includes Dani Dyer, the former Love Island contestant and daughter of actor Danny Dyer, who gets a second chance after an injury forced her to withdraw from last year's series.
Adding an international flavour to the cast is Australian singer Delta Goodrem, a Eurovision participant and former Neighbours actor. Goodrem shared her enthusiasm for stepping onto the ballroom floor, a stage she described as one she had never experienced despite a career spanning television, theatre, film, and global tours. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, renowned for working with A-list stars like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, is also set to compete, marking a return to the UK for the "incredible experience."
In a move that appears to diverge from previous reports regarding the show's casting policies, reality television star Cach Mercer, who recently featured in Love Island, has also been confirmed. Mercer, at 25, is among the younger contestants gearing up for the challenge. The 2026 series will also see a refreshed presenting team, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe taking the helm.
The announcements so far indicate a mix of established actors, international music figures, and reality TV personalities, setting the stage for what promises to be another compelling series. As more celebrity names are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, anticipation for the iconic BBC show continues to build across the UK.