Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Cast and Production Changes Explained
The BBC has confirmed that television and radio presenter Will Best is the latest celebrity to join the lineup for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. Best, known for co-hosting the ITV reality series Big Brother alongside AJ Odudu, joins a cast that includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, and Cach Mercer. The upcoming season, set to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September, marks a significant transition for the long-running competition as it introduces a new hosting team following the departure of longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Contestant Lineup
Production for the 2026 series is currently underway, with the BBC announcing celebrity participants throughout the summer months. As of the latest official update, the confirmed roster includes:
- Will Best: Television and radio broadcaster known for Big Brother and the Hits Radio Breakfast Show.
- Lacey Turner: Actress best known for her role as Stacey Slater in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.
- Dani Dyer: Television personality and former Love Island contestant.
- Delta Goodrem: Australian singer-songwriter and actress.
- Chris Appleton: Celebrity hair stylist.
- Cach Mercer: Love Island winner.
The network indicates that additional contestants will be revealed in the coming weeks leading up to the September launch date.
New Hosting Team for the 2026 Season
The 2026 series introduces a complete overhaul of the show’s primary hosting duties. According to the BBC, Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe have been appointed as the new hosts. This change follows the announcement late last year that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would be stepping down from their roles after long tenures at the helm of the program.
In a formal statement regarding the transition, Emma Willis expressed the challenges of succeeding the previous hosts, stating, “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind—two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long.”
Background on the 2026 Production
Will Best, who has a broadcasting career spanning over 15 years, described his participation in the show as “an absolute dream” while acknowledging the physical demands of the competition. Best previously gained recognition for his work on T4, This Morning, and BBC Three.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start? The series is scheduled to begin in September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
- Who are the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing? The new hosting team consists of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe.
- Where can I watch the 2026 series? The show will be broadcast on BBC One and available for streaming via BBC iPlayer.