First celeb announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
The celeb announcements have started!
Last updated 4 hours ago
With Strictly Come Dancing set to return to our screens in September with three new hosts, the BBC has today (Wednesday 10th June), announced the first celeb for the 2026 series.
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has joined the cast, saying: “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!”
The news of Lacey's appearance was also shared on social media, alongside the caption: '🪩 Ready for a FAB-U-LOUS #Strictly summer?
'Actress Lacey Turner is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026'. (sic)
READ MORE: New Strictly Come Dancing hosts officially announced
As well as playing the role of Stacey Slater on BBC soap EastEnders, Lacey is well-known for roles in the likes of Our Girl and Call The Midwife.
During her time on the soap, Lacey has won a number of British Soap Awards and National Television Awards, and recently took time away from the soap to extend her family.
Speaking in a video to announce her involvement in Strictly, Lacey revealed she believes it's time to pluck up the courage to do the show, after witnessing a number of her friends take part over the years.
Check out all of the Strictly rumours for 2026 below:
Dani Dyer
Reality star Dani Dyer was set to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days ahead of the first live show after fracturing her ankle in training. Appearing as a guest on GK Barry's Saving Grace podcast on 30th April 2026, Dani admitted she would like to participate in the reality dance series this year.
In May 2026, rumours were rife that Dani has now signed up for the 2026 series!
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?
As previously announced, the show will see three new hosts in 2026, including Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, following the departure of both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The BBC state further news about Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be revealed throughout the summer, with the new series set to begin in September.