Excitement around Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is building as the confirmed cast gradually expands and another collection of familiar names enters the rumour mill.
The new series will mark a noticeable change for the BBC favourite, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking on presenting duties.
As of 15 July 2026, six celebrities have been confirmed: EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Australian singer and former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, Love Island winner Cach Mercer and television presenter Will Best. Dani is returning after an injury prevented her from beginning the previous series.
Beyond those official names, speculation continues over who might complete the line-up.
One of the most talked-about possibilities is The Traitors winner Stephen Libby. Reports suggest the Scottish former cybersecurity consultant has held discussions about joining the ballroom following his victory alongside Rachel Duffy. However, no final decision has been publicly confirmed.
Former Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn had openly expressed an interest in competing, but she has since said that she will not be joining this year’s series. She nevertheless appeared hopeful that another opportunity could arrive in the future.
Welsh actress Melanie Walters has also been linked with the programme. Best known to many viewers as Gwen in Gavin & Stacey, she could bring both warmth and considerable fitness experience to the competition, as she is also reported to be a qualified personal trainer and Pilates instructor. Her participation has not yet been officially announced.
Roman Kemp’s name entered the conversation following an unusual exchange on The One Show. Guest Emma Barton appeared to suggest that Roman understood how intimidating the Strictly experience could be, prompting him to point out that he had never competed. Viewers interpreted the moment as a possible clue, although it may simply have been an innocent misunderstanding.
Dame Sarah Storey is another prominent figure reportedly being considered. The Paralympic champion, who has competed in swimming and cycling, previously withdrew from Dancing on Ice after suffering an ankle injury during training. Reports now suggest she could be interested in taking on a ballroom challenge instead.
Jake Quickenden has also been mentioned. Having previously won Dancing on Ice, the singer, actor and television personality would arrive with experience of learning demanding performance routines, although a place on Strictly remains unconfirmed.
Television presenter Jeff Brazier could potentially follow his son Bobby into the competition. Bobby reached the Strictly final in 2023, and reports suggest he would be supportive of his father beginning a ballroom journey of his own.
Other names continuing to appear in speculation include comedian Katherine Ryan, This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, Stacey Solomon and food writer Tom Parker Bowles. Katherine has suggested that major television commitments once considered too demanding may now feel more possible, while Josie has played down reports but acknowledged that she enjoys dancing. Stacey and Tom have both been linked with previous series without ultimately appearing.
For now, these names should be treated as possibilities rather than confirmed contestants. Casting rumours are part of the excitement surrounding every new Strictly series, but only announcements from the programme or the BBC establish who will genuinely step onto the dance floor.
With a refreshed presenting team, six confirmed celebrities and several intriguing possibilities still circulating, the 2026 series is already giving audiences plenty to discuss.
