Dani Dyer confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Dani is back for another go!
Last updated 7 hours ago
After being forced to quit the show last year after injuring her ankle, former Love Island star Dani Dyer will make a sensational return to the ballroom this year, as she's been announced as a contestant on the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing!
Dani said: āI 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! Iām just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!ā
READ MORE: Lacey Turner announced as first celeb for Strictly 2026
Before the announcement on Thursday 11th June, Dani seemingly hinted her Strictly journey wasn't over, revealing on GK Barry's Saving Grace podcast back in April that she would love to return.
Then, just hours before the official announcement, Dani shared some throwback photos to her Instagram from her short stint on the show last year. She wrote: 'Scrolling through my camera rollā¦ honestly loved this time so much š¤ Nearly made it, just didnāt quite get to dance on that Strictly floorš«¶'. (sic)
The official Strictly account cheekily commented, adding: 'Fancy another go?'. (sic)
Dani was the first celeb to be announced for the 2025 series and was paired with Nikita Kuzmin, but following an injury in training, the reality star was forced to withdraw before the competition began.
She said at the time: "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle. Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so lāve had to pull out of the show. To say Iām heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on."
Dani was replaced by Amber Davies, who made it all the way to the final in 2025.
As well as winning Love Island in 2018, Dani has appeared on a number of high profile shows, including Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Celebrity Gogglebox, EastEnders, Celebrity MasterChef, and The Dyers Caravan Park, which she stars alongside her dad Danny Dyer.
Dani is also married to West Ham and England footballer Jarrod Bowen.
Check out all off the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 rumours:
Delta Goodrem
As well as representing Australia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, reports are rife Delta Goodrem has very nearly signed up for Strictly later in the year. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "It is all but a done deal. They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show."
Josie Gibson
As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.
A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."
Jake Quickenden
Singer and TV personality Jake Quickenden has seemingly put his name in the hat for this year's Strictly! In May 2026, Jake got his fans talking when he shared a post on X which read: 'Has anyone who's done dancing on ice ever done @bbcstrictly just wondering'. Of course, Jake took part in Dancing On Ice in 2018, so could he be eyeing up a slot on Strictly?
Sarah Jayne Dunn
Former Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn hasn't been shy in expressing her ambition to take part in this year's Strictly. The actress has started a social media campaign where she's manifesting that she will get the call from bosses!
GK Barry
GK Barry a.k.a Grace Keeling, a social media personality, podcaster and presenter who first blew up on TikTok with lifestyle videos during university. She is best known for hosting the podcast Saving Grace and for TV appearances including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Loose Women, Love Island: Aftersun, The Weakest Link and The Last Leg.
Speaking on her podcast, Saving Grace, on 30th April 2026, guest Dani Dyer asked whether Grace would ever take part in the competition. Grace didn't give a definitive answer but hinted it could be a possibility - prompting one commenter to speculate: 'So Grace is doing Strictly this year ;)'. (sic).
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?
Dani will join EastEnders actress Lacey Turner on the 2026 line-up, with more celebs due to be announced in due course.