The BBC's flagship entertainment show, Strictly Come Dancing, has kickstarted its 2026 contestant announcements earlier than anticipated, confirming two prominent figures from the world of British television. Lacey Turner, celebrated for her long-standing role as Stacey Slater in the BBC soap EastEnders, and Dani Dyer, who rose to fame on ITV2's Love Island, are set to take to the dancefloor.
Lacey Turner's participation was revealed on Wednesday, June 10th, marking a significant new venture for the actress. Turner has been a staple of British television since her EastEnders debut in 2004 at the age of 16, a role for which she has garnered multiple awards. Beyond Albert Square, her credits include the lead in the BBC drama series 'Our Girl'. Her recent indefinite hiatus from EastEnders, where her character made a dramatic departure for Brazil, opens the door for this new challenge.
The following day, Dani Dyer's return to the show was announced. Dyer, daughter of actor Danny Dyer, previously had to withdraw from the competition last year due to an ankle injury sustained during rehearsals. A winner of Love Island in 2018, Dyer has since appeared on 'Celebrity MasterChef' and won 'Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins' earlier this year. Her eagerness to finally compete after her previous setback is palpable.
These early revelations deviate from the show's usual schedule, where contestant announcements typically commence later in the summer, closer to the September launch. This strategic move by the BBC aims to build anticipation for the new series, which will also see a refreshed line-up of professional dancers and a new trio of hosts: Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe. Further celebrity contestants are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks and months, keeping fans guessing about the full 2026 cast.
Strictly Come Dancing remains a cornerstone of Saturday night television in the UK, consistently drawing millions of viewers and often competing for major awards like the BAFTA for Best Entertainment Programme. Its ability to attract a diverse array of public figures, from actors and sports personalities to reality TV stars, ensures its continued broad appeal across different demographics. The show is available to watch live on BBC One and on demand via BBC iPlayer.
Source: BBC