It might feel like Strictly Come Dancing has only *just* been on our screens, but already six months have passed - and the BBC have just started dropping the contestants for this year. But who will be in the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 cast?
Back in May, Strictly Come Dancing confirmed the trio of hosts for the 2026 series would be Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe. The news was announced with an Instagram post on the official Strictly account, which showed the trio posing for photos together in front of a purple colourama.
And now that fans have got used to the idea of three new faces, they're now finding out about the contestants taking part.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line up
Lacey Turner
The first person announced for the 2026 show, which usually kicks off in September, was actor Lacey Turner. She is best known as Stacey Slater in EastEnders, having joined the show back in 2004, but she has also appeared in a range of stage productions and television dramas including the lead role in acclaimed BBC Drama Our Girl.
Speaking about joining Strictly, 38-year-old Lacey said, "I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
Dani Dyer
She's back! After being confirmed to appear in last year's series, Dani sadly injured herself before the live shows took place and couldn't carry on. However, she's now confirmed to be returning for this series.
Speaking about her return Dani said: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!”
Dani is best known for winning Love Island in 2018, since then she's been a regular on our TV screens and she most recently won Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. She's also had appearances on Celebrity MasterChef, Celebrity Gogglebox and EastEnders.
Watch this space for more announcements!
