The countdown to Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has officially begun, and excitement is already reaching fever pitch.
With a brand-new presenting team featuring Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, the BBC is preparing to usher in a fresh era for one of Britain’s biggest entertainment shows. Five celebrities have already secured their places in this year’s competition, but the rumour mill is spinning faster than ever as more famous faces are tipped to join the glittering ballroom.
From reality TV sensations and beloved soap stars to Paralympic icons and household presenters, the potential cast is shaping up to be one of the most diverse in recent years.
The Five Celebrities Already Confirmed
The BBC has officially announced the first wave of contestants set to compete for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Among them is EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner, who will swap Albert Square for the ballroom floor in what promises to be one of the season’s biggest talking points.
Joining her is Dani Dyer, returning after heartbreak last year when an injury forced her to withdraw before the competition even began.
Australian singer and former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem has also signed on, alongside celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, while Love Island champion Cach Mercer completes the confirmed line-up so far.
But those names may be just the beginning.
Stephen Libby Emerges as One of the Biggest Rumoured Signings
Perhaps no rumoured contestant has generated more buzz than The Traitors winner Stephen Libby.
Just a year ago, Stephen was relatively unknown. Everything changed after he and Rachel Duffy triumphed in the fourth season of The Traitors, becoming one of the BBC’s breakout success stories.
According to reports, the 32-year-old Scot is now in discussions about taking his next big television challenge.
Sources claim BBC executives believe Stephen’s popularity and rapidly growing fan base make him an ideal fit for the ballroom. After leaving his career in cybersecurity to pursue entertainment full-time, a place on Strictly would represent another major milestone in his remarkable journey.
While nothing has been confirmed, many fans believe he’s one of the strongest candidates still waiting in the wings.
Sarah Jayne Dunn Confirms Her Ballroom Dream Is Over—For Now
One celebrity who definitely won’t be appearing this year is Sarah Jayne Dunn.
The former Hollyoaks actress had openly admitted she hoped to join Strictly, even joking that she had been “manifesting” the opportunity.
Unfortunately, those hopes have now been dashed.
Sarah recently revealed she had been informed she would not be joining the 2026 series, describing the news as deeply disappointing. Even so, she remains optimistic that one day she may finally receive her long-awaited invitation.
Gavin & Stacey Favourite Melanie Walters Reportedly Signs Up
One of the newest names linked to the competition is beloved Welsh actress Melanie Walters, best known for playing Gwen in Gavin & Stacey.
Reports suggest BBC producers have been eager to secure the actress following the enormous success of the sitcom’s emotional Christmas finale, which attracted millions of viewers.
If Melanie does step onto the dance floor, she could already have an advantage.
Away from acting, she is also a qualified personal trainer and Pilates instructor—experience that may prove invaluable during Strictly’s famously demanding rehearsal schedule.
Did Emma Barton Accidentally Reveal Roman Kemp?
Another name dominating speculation is radio and television presenter Roman Kemp.
Rumours intensified following an awkward exchange during an appearance on The One Show.
While discussing confirmed contestant Lacey Turner, former Strictly star Emma Barton appeared to turn towards Roman and remarked that he knew exactly how nerve-racking the competition could be.
Roman immediately insisted he had never competed on the programme, but viewers quickly questioned whether Emma had accidentally revealed confidential casting information.
Whether it was simply a slip of the tongue or an innocent misunderstanding remains unclear—but the moment certainly fuelled speculation.
Paralympic Legend Sarah Storey Could Swap Medals for Glitterball
Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, has also been linked with the competition.
After collecting an astonishing 30 Paralympic medals across cycling and swimming, Sarah may now be preparing for an entirely different challenge.
She had originally planned to compete on Dancing On Ice before suffering an ankle injury during training.
Now, insiders suggest she hopes to finally showcase her personality beyond sport while embracing the glamour and sparkle that Strictly is famous for.
Jake Quickenden Could Bring More Reality TV Experience
Former The X Factor contestant and Dancing On Ice champion Jake Quickenden is another celebrity reportedly attracting producers’ attention.
Known for his energetic personality, acting work and television presenting, Jake has already proven he can master demanding choreography after winning Dancing On Ice in 2018.
Reports claim BBC bosses see him as a natural entertainer capable of becoming an audience favourite throughout the series.
Jeff Brazier May Follow Son Bobby Into the Ballroom
Another familiar face attracting attention is television presenter Jeff Brazier.
His son, Bobby Brazier, captured viewers’ hearts during his memorable run to the 2023 final, narrowly missing out on lifting the Glitterball Trophy.
Jeff previously suggested he preferred leaving Strictly to Bobby, but recent reports indicate he may now be reconsidering.
Sources claim Bobby fully supports the idea and would love to watch his father create his own ballroom journey.
Katherine Ryan Says Strictly Is No Longer Impossible
Comedian Katherine Ryan has also added fuel to the rumours.
Although she admitted she previously declined discussions because the demanding rehearsal schedule would have taken too much time away from her children, Katherine recently revealed she now feels ready to embrace new opportunities.
Describing this stage of life as her “hot girl era,” she hinted that shows she once ruled out could now be firmly back on the table.
Josie Gibson Still Won’t Rule It Out
Long-time fan favourite Josie Gibson is once again being linked with the BBC competition.
Industry insiders claim producers have pursued the This Morning presenter for several years and remain convinced her warmth and humour would resonate with audiences.
While Josie has publicly played down the rumours, she has admitted she loves dancing—keeping fans guessing.
Could This Finally Be Stacey Solomon’s Year?
Few celebrities have been linked with Strictly as consistently as Stacey Solomon.
The BBC presenter has reportedly turned down the opportunity before because of her hectic work schedule and family commitments.
After missing out again last year, many viewers believe 2026 could finally be the year the much-loved mum of five steps into the spotlight.
Tom Parker Bowles Back on the Rumour List
Food writer Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, has once again found himself among the rumoured names.
He was heavily linked to last year’s competition but never appeared in the final cast.
With Queen Camilla known to be a devoted Strictly fan, speculation has inevitably resurfaced that Tom could eventually accept the challenge.
A Fresh Era Begins
With five contestants already officially confirmed and an impressive list of rumoured celebrities continuing to grow, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the show’s most intriguing seasons in years.
Whether it’s a reality TV breakout star like Stephen Libby, established favourites such as Stacey Solomon and Josie Gibson, or surprise names including Roman Kemp and Jeff Brazier, the competition appears set to deliver another unforgettable battle for the Glitterball Trophy.
For now, BBC bosses are keeping the remaining cast firmly under wraps—but if the speculation proves accurate, this year’s ballroom could feature one of the strongest celebrity line-ups the show has assembled in a long time.
