Lioness Karen Carney lifted the Strictly glitterball last series now a host of celebrities are rumoured to be signing up to the 2026 series
Strictly fans are keen to find out which famous faces could be stepping out onto the dance floor. The hit BBC competition series is set to make a return to our TV screens in just a few months and the show will look very different as the BBC have announced a number of big changes.
After speculation as to who the new hosts will be has finally come to an end, attention has now turned to the celebrity contestants. Following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departures, a fresh presenting line-up has been confirmed with broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe all set to be at the helm.
Last series viewers saw Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu claim the coveted trophy and as expected there is a string of celebrities keen to replicate their success. Ahead of the show's return, here is a look at the rumoured cast for 2026. Lacey Turner Having portrayed EastEnders' beloved Stacey Slater for more than two decades, Lacey Turner could soon be gracing BBC screens in an entirely different capacity.
Reports suggest the 38-year-old soap star is keen to use her break from Albert Square to explore fresh opportunities, with an insider telling The Sun: “Strictly bosses are delighted to snap Lacey up for the series, especially as she has such a huge fan base from her time on the soap.
“She's down to earth, and viewers will be excited to get to know her personality away from Albert Square. ” The source continued: “She has loved having some quality time off screen to focus on parenting, but feels like now is the perfect time to learn to dance and try something different before she reprises her role in EastEnders.
” Josie Gibson Josie has been a firm favourite on our TV screens after she shot to fame when she won Big Brother. The presenter is now a familiar face on This Morning and, in 2023, finished fourth on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here. It’s said that she could be signing up to Strictly.
She wouldn't be the first ITV daytime presenter to take on Strictly, with previous series featuring the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and, memorably, Ed Balls.
“Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while, and they've not given up their pursuit,” revealed an insider. They further told The Sun that negotiations are already under way: “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,” the insider also claimed.
“Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans. ” Delta Goodrem Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem has also reportedly been on Strictly producers' radar for 'years'. A source told the Daily Mail that her participation this time is “all but a done deal. ” “They've been trying to get her for years.
Obviously, she is a good name for the show. ” Dani Dyer Dani Dyer had one of the shortest Strictly appearances on record last year, after being forced to pull out shortly following the launch programme due to a fractured ankle. Paired with Nikita Kuzmin, he later reached the final alongside Amber Davies, while Dani was left watching from home during her recovery.
The former Love Islander has already indicated her desire to return for a full run, and it wouldn't be unprecedented, as Jamie Laing famously came back after an early injury forced his withdrawal. Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show following her early departure, Dani said she would “love to do” Strictly again.
“If they rang me, I’d answer the phone,” she shared. “I was devastated. It was hell for me when I hurt my foot; I was so sad. ” Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September
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