Strictly 2026: Full Line-Up Revealed as BBC Show Enters New Era
Strictly Come Dancing is back, and the 2026 series is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic yet. With a fresh batch of celebrities, new hosts, and a shake-up in the professional ranks, the BBC's flagship dancing show is ready to dazzle audiences starting September 19.
Last year's champions, Lioness Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, set the bar high. Now, a new cast of 15 hopefuls will try to follow in their footsteps, from Olympic gold medallists to soap stars, YouTubers, and even a Hollywood hairstylist.
When Does Strictly 2026 Start?
The 2026 series kicks off on Saturday, September 19, with the celebrity pairings revealed in a pre-recorded launch show. Live episodes begin the following week on September 26, with the first elimination happening on October 4 after a public vote. The grand final airs on December 19, closer to Christmas than ever before.
Who Is in the Strictly 2026 Cast?
Here's the full line-up of celebrities taking to the dance floor this year:
Melanie Walters
Best known as Gwen West in Gavin and Stacey, the veteran actress has decades of TV and stage credits, including Coronation Street and Doc Martin. She said: 'I am completely thrilled and happy to swap my fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes.'
John Nellis
The YouTuber has 15 million subscribers and has collaborated with football icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 'I'm still in disbelief that I've been selected,' he admitted.
Tabby Stoecker
The Olympic gold medallist in skeleton racing won gold at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. 'I've had the wildest year of my life,' she said.
Lawrence Robb
The Emmerdale star, known for playing Mack Boyd, said: 'I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September.'
Graeme 'The Dogfather' Hall
The 60-year-old presenter of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly is ready for a new challenge: 'I have always loved dancing, so to have the opportunity to learn from the best is a dream come true.'
Shaun Wright-Phillips
The former England footballer and pundit said: 'Dancing is in my blood, but mainly at family events!'
Bethany Antonia
The House of the Dragon star, who plays Lady Baela Targaryen, said: 'I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on.'
Jaime Winstone
The actress, daughter of Hollywood star Ray Winstone, said: 'I love a challenge, so can't wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!'
Dame Sarah Storey
Britain's most successful Paralympian of all time, with multiple gold medals in cycling and swimming, is ready for her next chapter. 'Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting,' she said.
Will Best
The Big Brother presenter said: 'What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one.'
Cach Mercer
The Love Island winner and influencer with 1.3 million TikTok followers said: 'Dancing is a huge passion of mine.'
Chris Appleton
The celebrity hairstylist to Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande said: 'I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story.'
Delta Goodrem
The Australian singer-songwriter, who represented her country at Eurovision 2026, said: 'There is one stage I've never stepped onto, and that is the ballroom floor.'
Lacey Turner
The EastEnders icon, who has played Stacey Slater for over 20 years, said: 'I can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year!'
Dani Dyer
The reality star is back after being forced to withdraw last year due to an ankle fracture. 'I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September,' she said.
Big Changes Behind the Scenes
This year marks a major transition for Strictly. Long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have departed, replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and pro dancer Johannes Radebe. The professional line-up has also seen fan favourites like Nadiya Bychkova and Gorka Márquez leave, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will sit out without partners.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC on September 19.