Strictly Come Dancing had promised it was going to do things differently as it swept into the post-Claudia and Tess era and embarked on a brave new future with three new hosts, five new dancers and perhaps even some changes to the sainted set. Not the set!
That spirit of change kicked into gear this week when the BBC started firing out the names of this year’s celebs month earlier than usual for reasons that have not yet become clear. They’ve kept up the pace too, meaning we’re likely to have a full line-up on our hands before the month is out.
So here are all the names who have been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 and just for fun (and because we need them to fill out the list) some celebs who are hotly tipped to be getting their dancing shoes on this series…
1 of 6
Lacey Turner
Stacey Slater herself will be taking to the Strictly dance floor when the show returns in September, treading a path from Albert Square to Saturday night foxtrotting that’s so well worn it now resembles the Mariana Trench. Bookies have already marked her as the star to beat.
(Image:BBC)
2 of 6
Dani Dyer
Boomerang Dani is back on the show after being forced off last year’s Strictly with a fractured ankle. She was replaced by Amber Davies but this year DD is DD-etermined to perform. She said: “I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!”
(Image:BBC)
3 of 6
Delta Goodrem
She’s done Eurovision, she’s judged The Voice (the Aussie one), she’s travelled the world as a singer. Now Delta Goodrem will be spending the run-up to Christmas in Elstree and said she was “extremely honoured” to be doing so. Listing her many achievements she said: “There is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!”
(Image:BBC)
4 of 6
Jeff Brazier
Here is where the official announcements end and the rumours begin. Jeff Brazier – who of course is the dad of Strictly runner-up Bobby Brazier – is said to have been “tempted” but didn’t want to tread on his son’s twinkle-toes. Now, The Sun reports, Bobby has given the old man his blessing to perform. Sparkle, Jeff, sparkle!
(Image:Getty Images for P&O Cruises)
5 of 6
Sarah Storey
There’s nothing like a Dame when you’re casting Strictly. Dame Sarah Storey – the most decorated Paralympian ever – is said to be joining the cast, following a long tradition of top Paralympians on the show. A source told The Sun, with admirable understatement: “She is obviously very competitive.”
(Image:Getty Images for the NTA’s)
6 of 6
Jake Quickenden
Newly-single Jake has been tipped for Strictly after appearing on a role call of pretty much all the good talent show: X Factor, Dancing on Ice, I’m A Celeb, he’s done them all. And now having sadly split from wife Sophie Church there’s little doubt he’d be feverishly linked to anyone he glances at!
