trictly Come Dancing is being given a new lease of life for 2026 with Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe taking over the reigns – and the line-up is already taking shape.
The BBC has already announced the show will be back in September, along with four stars who are definitely be taking part.
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner will be slipping on a pair of ballroom shoes in hope of winning this year’s Glitterball Trophy.
The third name confirmed is former Neighbours star and The Voice Australia’s Delta Goodrem. She was followed last Friday by hairdressers to the A-listers, Chris Appleton.
So who else is rumoured to be hot-stepping into the ballroom?
Here are all the whispered names for the 2026 Strictly line-up so far, as actress Melanie Walters’ name is thrown into the mix.
Melanie Walters is the latest celebrity at the centre of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 rumours. Insiders claim the Welsh actress is already brushing up on her dance steps ahead of this year’s series.
Melanie, 64, has popped up in plenty of prime time shows over the years, including Casualty, Doc Martin and Father Brown. But she is best known for playing loveable Gwen West in the hugely popular BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.
Strictly bosses are said to have asked Melanie to sign up knowing just how much of a fanbase she has, thanks to her portrayal of Stacey’s mum Gwen. In 2024, the finale Christmas Day episode of Gavin & Stacey drew in a staggering 19.1million viewers – so she will have plenty of viewers cheering her on.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Melanie is loved across the country for her role as Gwen.
“The Gavin & Stacey Christmas special in 2024 saw millions of fans turning in for the final episode of the series. BBC bosses are very excited to have landed Melanie given her popularity.”
Melanie will be more than ready for the challenge. She is also a fully qualified personal trainer and a pilates teacher, so she should definitely find the fitness eliminate of Strictly a breeze!
Is Roman Kemp taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?
Roman Kemp was tipped to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up after an apparent on-air clanger.
The popular TV star, 33, was hosting an episode of The One Show when he suddenly found his name being ‘announced’ for the series.
Roman and his co-host Alex Jones were chatting to former Strictly contestant Emma Barton when all eyes focused on him.
Emma was asked what she made of the news that Lacey Turner, her former EastEnders co-star, is taking part.
Emma replied: “She’s such a gorgeous wonderful woman and the audience are going to love her. And I’m so proud of her because it’s nerve-racking, isn’t it. And it’s scary.”
Suddenly, she pointed her finger at Roman and said: “Roman, you know as well.”
Roman looked shocked as he stuttered: “I have never done it. I’ve never done it!”
Interestingly, Rob Rinder was also in the studio as a guest on The One Show. The TV star and former judge has also competed on Strictly and simply grinned as Roman squirmed…
Did Emma just announce Roman as a 2026 contender?!
Sarah Storey latest rumoured name for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Dame Sarah Storey is rumoured to have signed up for Strictly Come Dancing. The sportswoman is one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes of all time, with 30 medals around her neck. 19 of those are gold.
Sarah competed in the Games in both cycling and swimming, although now it appears she wants to try something new.
She was supposed to be taking part in ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2025, but she fractured her ankle while training. The competitive reality show has since been axed.
Sarah has now reportedly set her sights on bagging the Glitterball Trophy to add to her impressive accolades.
It’s not surprising that Sarah has been described as “competitive”. But a source says she wants viewers to get to know her “personality”.
“She’s also keen to embrace the glamour of the show and is looking forward to getting dressed up,” the insider added.
Jake Quickenden tipped for Strictly
Jake Quickenden is the latest celebrity to be rumoured for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The star, 37, found fame on The X Factor in 2014 after making it to the live shows. Since then, he has forged a TV presenting career with occasional guest stints on ITV’s daytime shows.
Jake has also competed in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here and he won the 2018 series of Dancing On Ice. Now, it appears he could be swapping the rink for the ballroom.
A source said he has “caught the eye” of the Strictly casting team, adding: “He’s fun, hunky and known as an all-round nice guy.
“He’s an actor and singer, so is a natural performer.”
Jake has recently split with his wife and mother of his two children, Sophie Church. This means there will be no Strictly curse to fall foul of if he does sign up to the show!
Jeff Brazier rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
TV presenter Jeff Brazier could be about to follow in his son Bobby’s footsteps if the latest Strictly Come Dancing rumours are true.
Jeff, 47, is reportedly in talks with BBC bosses to enter the ballroom this autumn, three years after 23-year-old Bobby took part in the show.
Bobby made it all the way to the final with pro partner Dianne Buswell, but missed out on the Glitterball trophy. In 2023 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola won the series.
Jeff was previously asked about doing Strictly himself. But said at the time: “That was Bob’s thing and I want to leave it to him. I’ve got plenty of things that I really enjoy doing. I’ll stay in my lane, I think.”
However, insiders have said ‘enough time has passed’ and that Bobby is urging his dad to sign on the dotted line.
“He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go,” a source said.
We’d gladly welcome another Brazier into our living rooms on a Saturday night. Would you?
Comedian Katherine Ryan
In a new cover story interview with Principle Magazine, Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan was asked about TV shows that she has continuously rejected.
“I have not been explicitly offered Strictly or The Jungle [I’m A Celebrity… Get Me out of Here!], but they have inquired a few times, and I just think it’s too far away for my kids or too much work,” she said.
Explaining her reason for never taking part in either show, Katherine added: “If I embarked on something like Strictly, you just don’t see your family; it’s too intense. So there are things I feel prohibited from doing as a mum, and it’s difficult to contain the feminist rage I have sometimes that it’s not fair.”
However, earlier in the interview, Katherine revealed that after having four kids, she is now ready to enter her “hot girl era.” Because of this, the idea of doing shows she previously turned down is now a possibility.
“But this is why this is my breakout hot year, because I’ve been spending all this time turning down travel shows and commitments because of the kids,” Katherine continued.
Could 2026 be the year Katherine takes to the ballroom? She’s not ruling it out!
Strictly 2026 rumoured celebrities: Sarah Jayne Dunn
Hollyoaks fans will instantly recognise Sarah Jayne Dunn for playing Mandy in the long-running E4 soap.
Sarah was axed from Hollyoaks in 2021 after she refused to remove photos from adult subscription site, OnlyFans. She is a keen pole dancer and is now desperate to show off moves of a different kind in the Strictly ballroom.
The actress, 44, says she is “manifesting” after hearing her name tipped for the BBC show while watching Good Morning Britain.
Sarah wrote on Instagram: “I’ve wanted this for such a long time, genuinely. Not as a joke, not just for content… but because I know I would absolutely love every second of it. The challenge, the dancing, the nerves, the glamour, all of it.
“So hearing my name mentioned on @gmb this morning honestly felt a little bit magical. Manifesting Strictly 2026 continues.”
Josie Gibson to hit the BBC ballroom?
This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is also tipped to be starring in Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
The 41-year-old star became one of the first names linked with the show earlier this year.
A source claimed Josie had been on the BBC’s radar for some time.
It was also alleged that bosses believed her “down-to-earth charm” would prove popular with viewers.
Josie later appeared to downplay the rumours during an appearance on This Morning.
However, she did admit that she “loves to dance”.
Strictly Christmas winner Scarlett Moffatt
Strictly Come Dancing has form for recruiting one of the Christmas special celebrities into the main series. And who better than reigning festive champ Scarlett Moffatt?
Scarlett was partnered with Vito Coppola in the 2025 Christmas Day show and there has now been rumours that she could be heading back into the ballroom this autumn.
However, one spanner in the works might be that Scarlett is actually pregnant! The former Googlebox star is expecting her second baby with fiancè Scott Dobson, which might rule her out of this year’s series.
It would be a rather quick bounce back if she were to appear, wouldn’t it?!
Stacey Solomon linked to Strictly again
Another familiar rumoured name is Stacey Solomon. The Sort Your Life Out star has been linked to Strictly repeatedly over the years, including for the 2025 series.
The star previously turned down an offer due to scheduling conflicts, it’s been reported.
Stacey has a good relationship with the BBC, thanks to SYLO. Together with husband Joe Swash, she also stars in their family reality show Stacey & Joe with the broadcaster.
Whether this could finally be the year she joins the ballroom remains to be seen.
Tom Parker Bowles to take part?
Tom Parker Bowles is another celebrity being linked with the series.
The food writer and son of Queen Camilla had also been rumoured for the 2025 line-up.
However, he did not eventually appear on the show.
Queen Camilla is known to be a fan of Strictly and previously praised presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Whether Tom will finally agree to take part this year remains unknown.
In a statement to TVGuide, a BBC spokesperson said: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
