What's happened
The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing lineup expands with new reveals. An Independent report confirms a reality star and other celebrities are joining the show, joining Delta Goodrem, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer and more as preparations for the September launch proceed.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The expansion of the lineup signals a broader strategy to diversify the cast and boost viewership ahead of a retooled season.
- A new wave of celebrity announcements could be used to generate renewed interest in the BBC franchise as it undergoes changes to the It Takes Two format.
- The timing ahead of the September launch suggests producers are confident the new format can attract both existing fans and new viewers, while leveraging cross-promotion with other reality and music/acting talents on the roster.
- Readers should expect ongoing updates as more names are revealed and as production details about the companion show are clarified, particularly around hosting and format changes.
How we got here
The show has announced a refashioned 2026 lineup, with new faces joining the established cast as it gears up for a revamped format. Reports indicate a major update to the companion show is in the works, while executives signal a refreshed approach to the Glitterball trophy competition.
Our analysis
BBC News reports on the wider Strictly Come Dancing lineup for 2026 and the It Takes Two update; The Independent covers the same developments and provides additional quotes from Eve Winstanley about departure and future ventures; The Independent also notes changes to the It Takes Two hosting lineup as part of the overhaul.
Go deeper
- What other celebrities are expected to join the 2026 lineup?
- When will the It Takes Two update be officially announced by the BBC?
- How might the format changes affect host roles and audience engagement?
More on these topics
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Lacey Turner - English actress
Lacey Amelia Turner is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Stacey Slater on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, for which she has won over thirty awards, including four National Television Awards and ten British Soap Awards.
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Dani Dyer - Television actress
Dani Charlotte Dyer is an English television personality and actress. In 2018, she appeared on Survival of the Fittest, and later that year won the fourth series of Love Island alongside Jack Fincham.
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Delta Goodrem - Australian singer-songwriter
Delta Lea Goodrem is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress. Goodrem signed to Sony Music at the age of 15. Her debut album, Innocent Eyes, topped the ARIA Albums Chart for 29 non-consecutive weeks.
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Emma Willis - English television presenter and model
Emma Louise Willis (née Griffiths; born 18 March 1976) is an English broadcaster. She is known for her television and radio work with Channel 5, BBC, ITV and Heart FM. Willis presented the Channel 5 reality shows Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother (2013–2018), as well as the spin-off show Big Brother's Bit on the Side (2011–2015). She presented the BBC One and ITV1 talent competition show The Voice (2014–present), and the children's spin-off The Voice Kids (2017–2023). In 2019 and 2021, Willis presented the second and third series of the reality show The Circle on Channel 4. In 2024, she became a co-host of the Netflix dating show Love Is Blind alongside her husband Matt Willis.
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Josh Widdicombe - Comedian
Josh Michael Widdicombe is an English comedian and presenter. He is best known for his appearances on The Last Leg, Fighting Talk, Insert Name Here, Mock the Week and his BBC Three sitcom Josh.