The Show Has Also Added Five New Professional Dancers Following a Recent

Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed its first seven contestants for the 2026 series, with the BBC show set to return in September under new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The confirmed cast includes EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater since 2004; former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer, who withdrew from last year's series due to injury; Australian singer and Eurovision star Delta Goodrem; celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton; Love Island winner Cacherel Mercer; TV presenter Will Best; and Paralympian cyclist Dame Sarah Storey. The show has also added five new professional dancers following a recent cull.

Turner said she is "so excited" to take part, while Dyer said she is "over the moon" to get a second chance. Goodrem said she is "thrilled" to join, and Appleton said he is "thrilled" to come home to the UK for the experience. Mercer, 25, said dancing is a "huge passion" of his, and Best called the opportunity an absolute dream.