Meet the celebrity cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2026
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- the-independent.comseen 13 Aug, 14:19URL changed
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- the-independent.comseen 5 Sept, 18:49URL changed
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- huffingtonpost.co.ukseen 14 Oct, 09:28headline rewritten
Amy Dowden Admits She's 'Gutted' After Becoming First Pro Eliminated This YearAmy Dowden Admits She's 'Gutted' After Strictly Come Dancing Elimination
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+ 1 more outlet · 53 reports left out of the cascade - too little in common with the story to place
How it spread - 98 original reports
Thu, 6 August 2026
1 report- the-independent.com12:15first to report
URL changednow www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/strictly-2026-full-cast-lineup-b3031688.html
The BBC show’s cast announcements for 2026 are underway
Mon, 10 August 2026
2 reports- dailystar.co.uk10:30
Strictly Come Dancing has revealed that the highly-decorated athlete will be taking part in this year's series of the BBC One show when it returns in the Autumn
- bbc.co.uk13:30
Hoping for a medal-worthy performance, Tabby will compete in the famous ballroom this September
Tue, 11 August 2026
4 reports- digitalspy.com10:16
The line-up is growing with a football TikTok star.
- aol.co.uk10:22
Strictly Come Dancing has revealed that John Nellis has officially joined the line-up for the upcoming series, joining an Olympian, an EastEnders legend and even Kim Kardashian's close friend
- walesonline.co.uk14:37
The broadcaster has revealed this year's celebrity contestants who will be taking to the dancefloor this September.
- bbc.co.uk15:00
The football content creator will be swapping football for fancy footwork in the ballroom this September
Wed, 12 August 2026
1 report- liverpoolecho.co.uk10:27
The Welsh actress is best known for playing Gwen West in the BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey
Mon, 24 August 2026
1 report- the-independent.com09:03
TV star has experience performing in local competitions and regional events
Sun, 6 September 2026
1 report- express.co.uk08:22
It's grabbed many people's attention.
Thu, 10 September 2026
1 report- aol.co.uk11:01
Strictly Come Dancing's new presenting trio Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have spoken out about their flexible roles on the BBC show
Sun, 13 September 2026
1 report- aol.co.uk17:40
EXCLUSIVE: Vito Coppola revealed that he and new Strictly host Emma Willis have made a secret agreement.
Wed, 16 September 2026
1 report- atvtoday.co.uk16:08
The Beeb ballroom is about to open once more for celebrity dancing joys and disasters... Here's Joanna Gumley's round-up of what we know so far...
Thu, 17 September 2026
2 reports- standard.co.uk17:49
The new series is the first new spin-off of the UK franchise in 22 years
- standard.co.uk19:02
The TV presenter, 50, is among the new hosts of the BBC dancing competition.
Fri, 18 September 2026
1 report- chortle.co.uk10:30
Josh Widdicombe: I landed the Strictly job with a jokey text - Comic says recording was 'joyful' compared to panel shows
Sat, 19 September 2026
12 reports- walesonline.co.uk06:00
Bethany Antonia is one of Strictly Come Dancing’s 15 celebrities to strut their stuff on this year’s show.
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk06:15
Strictly Come Dancing is back and looking for its 22nd winner and these are the 21 couples who have already lifted the Glitterball
- walesonline.co.uk06:56
The celebrities will finally be paired with their pro partner on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing launch show
- aol.co.uk07:00
BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay commented on the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting line-up ahead of the show's return to screens in 2026
- walesonline.co.uk07:00
Strictly Come Dancing has undergone a major makeover and returns this weekend with new hosts as 15 famous faces join the race to lift the glitterball trophy
- aol.co.uk19:51
Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer has said she was “heartbroken for days” after she was forced to leave last year’s series due to injury. The 30-year-old was once more paired with her professional partner from last year’s series, Nikita Kuzmin, during Saturday night’s launch episode of the BBC dancing show. Speaking to new hosts Emma Willis , Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe during the show, Dyer said: “Do you know what? It’s amazing, last year I was devastated, I was heartbroken for days....
- walesonline.co.uk20:15
Strictly Come Dancing is back and it’s a new era in the iconic BBC ballroom.
- tvguide.co.uk20:15
They were decided during a 'speed dancing' segment
- aol.co.uk20:16
Strictly Come Dancing is back with a bang and more celebrities ready to shimmy their way onto the dance floor.
- aol.co.uk20:23
EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing's 2026 celebrities have found out their partners.
- tvguide.co.uk20:27
Fans have high hopes for Lacey
- walesonline.co.uk20:40
Strictly Come Dancing fans have expressed how they really feel about Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure tonight.
Mon, 21 September 2026
5 reports- theweek.com14:34
New host line-up sees Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe share presenting duties
- express.co.uk15:01
Strictly fans are eating this up
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk15:12
The hit BBC One dance contest returned to screens on Saturday night
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk15:17
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe just made their debut as Strictly's new hosts
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk15:18
Fans are going to get even more action from the famous Strictly Come Dancing ballroom this year
Tue, 22 September 2026
1 report- dailymail.com13:51
New Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe has been described as a 'lamb to the slaughter' by a former Strictly pro in the wake of his debut on the BBC programme.
Wed, 23 September 2026
1 report- nottinghampost.com11:11
Strictly Come Dancing Live is waltzing its way to nine cities in early 2027
Thu, 24 September 2026
1 report- dailyrecord.co.uk10:52
Dame Sarah Storey opened up on the toughest part of her Strictly Come Dancing journey so far.
Sun, 27 September 2026
1 report- aol.co.uk14:40
It's been a huge year of change for Strictly Come Dancing as new presenters have taken over for the first time in over a decade so all eyes were on Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
Mon, 28 September 2026
2 reports- belfastlive.co.uk13:25
Strictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Oakley has been part of the BBC show since she joined in 2022.
- dailymail.com22:36
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor was criticised for 'forcing funny lines' during her first ever show after she replaced Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
Tue, 29 September 2026
2 reports- aol.co.uk15:26
New Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicimbe has said he's limiting how much social media he consumes as he receives backlash following his first week on the show
- belfastlive.co.uk18:21
Strictly Come Dancing star Maddie Ingoldsby opened up about her first performance in the ballroom
Thu, 1 October 2026
1 report- express.co.uk09:54
Give them a minute
Sat, 3 October 2026
3 reports- dailystar.co.uk06:10
Strictly Come Dancing has seen many professional dancers come and go over the years, but Aliona Vilani is one of only two pros to have won the Glitterball Trophy twice
- express.co.uk14:00
Hope he keeps his feet on the ground
- radiotimes.com18:42
Viewers are divided!
Sun, 4 October 2026
1 report- express.co.uk07:49
Strictly Come Dancing's first elimination has been leaked, and fans aren't happy.
Mon, 5 October 2026
4 reports- mirror.co.uk08:36
Worry is mounting for Amy Dowden as viewers have been making the comment following her Strictly Come Dancing departure. She was the first professional to leave the competition with her celebrity partner, Chris Appleton
- thepinknews.com11:22
AJ Pritchard faces backlash after joining GB News, years after appearing on Attitude cover and Drag Race UK
- belfastlive.co.uk15:06
Strictly Come Dancing viewers saw the first celebrity leave the BBC competition after landing in the bottom two on Sunday night as all four judges opted to save the same person from elimination.
- mirror.co.uk15:11
Josh Widdicombe has been labelled a 'spare part' alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, and Gareth Davies has added to the conversation by saying he's not sure he fits the bill
Tue, 6 October 2026
1 report- ok.co.uk19:36
Strictly Come Dancing star Jaime Winstone got emotional on It Takes Two after surviving the first dance-off of the series
Wed, 7 October 2026
2 reports- huffingtonpost.co.uk06:35edited after publishing
previously
Amy Dowden Admits She's 'Gutted' After Becoming First Pro Eliminated This YearThe long-serving Strictly Come Dancing star is sad her partnership with hairstylist Chris Appleton has been cut short.
- aol.co.uk12:55
The Welsh dancer was slammed by the former pro.
Fri, 9 October 2026
2 reports- tvguide.co.uk13:08
Katya was tearful last year after she and Lewis Cope became eliminated
- dailyrecord.co.uk17:06
One Strictly Come Dancing professional has opened up about the heartbreak they felt during the last series of the BBC show.
Sat, 10 October 2026
1 report- ok.co.uk14:56
Strictly Come Dancing viewers have made the same comment Emma Willis as the show's new lead presenter. It comes as the new hosting team has not enjoyed a universally warm welcome from BBC viewers
Sun, 11 October 2026
2 reports- dailystar.co.uk09:48
Strictly Come Dancing viewers are divided after the latest elimination result reportedly leaked online hours before the results show airs, with some branding the decision 'laughable'
- dailystar.co.uk11:10
Strictly Come Dancing star Jaime Winstone unexpectedly faced this year's first dance-off in Movie Week.
Mon, 12 October 2026
3 reports- dailystar.co.uk07:55
The Strictly Come Dancing champion awkwardly suffered two wardrobe malfunctions during the live shows and nationwide tour
- standard.co.uk12:50
Speaking exclusively to The Standard, the actor reflected on her Strictly Come Dancing journey
- aol.co.uk14:52
BBC's Strictly Come Dancing 2026 series has been met with a wave of criticism for its three hosts.
Tue, 13 October 2026
5 reports- express.co.uk10:52
Bless him, he needed that
- express.co.uk11:00
Awkward
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk12:02
Nikita Kuzmin has publicly shared a sweet message about his Dani Dyer as the pair are set to return to the Strictly ballroom
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk12:07
It comes after the head judge's moves on Strictly Come Dancing left fans stunned
- walesonline.co.uk18:31
Strictly Come Dancing star Lacey Turner made a tough admission during her appearance on It Takes Two
Wed, 14 October 2026
1 report- liverpoolecho.co.uk15:13
Amy Dowden will return to the Strictly dancefloor on Saturday to dance with Delta Goodrem's partner, Kai Widdrington
Thu, 15 October 2026
1 report- manchestereveningnews.co.uk12:09
Chris Appleton had debuted his incredible transformation after his Strictly Come Dancing journey came to a premature end
Fri, 16 October 2026
3 reports- dailyrecord.co.uk07:10
Strictly Come Dancing star Lawrence Robb has been partnered with Jowita Przystał so far this series
- mirror.co.uk07:50
EXCLUSIVE - He may be Mr Nasty on the show but Craig Revel Horwood has given make up artists on the show one less thing to worry about and insists new move makes him a better judge too.
- ok.co.uk12:31
One former Strictly Come Dancing professional shared his thoughts on Cach Mercer's street dance routine with partner Maddie Ingoldsby.
Sat, 17 October 2026
4 reports- aol.co.uk11:10
One celebrity is tipped for elimination during Icons Week as a former professional dancer believes they'll be next to leave the BBC show.
- aol.co.uk17:41
The presenter joined his co-hosts Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe for Icons Week.
- aol.co.uk17:58
Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer impressed during Strictly Come Dancing’s icons week with a “beautiful” rumba to Hero by Mariah Carey. The BBC dancing competition opened with the judges dressed as pop culture figures, with Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke channelling Britpop band Oasis. The pair sported khaki parkas and bowl cuts to resemble the Gallagher brothers, while Motsi Mabuse was dressed as Beyonce and Shirley Ballas wore an extravagant ensemble and blonde wig as Lady Gaga. The...
- dailystar.co.uk18:24
BBC Strictly Come Dancing returned for Icons Week tonight (October 17) which sees the celebrities and their dance partners celebrate some legendary names
Sun, 18 October 2026
9 reports- express.co.uk06:54
Fans are 'gutted'.
- express.co.uk07:02
Strictly Come Dancing viewers have given their three-word verdict on the BBC show as ratings continue to plummet this year.
- express.co.uk07:52
Fans hailed the seating chart as 'brilliant'.
- express.co.uk09:00
She's been made to corral Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe for four weeks straight, and things still aren't improving.
- belfastlive.co.uk18:52
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left floored just minutes into the latest episode of the BBC competition
- belfastlive.co.uk19:02
BBC Strictly Come Dancing bid farewell to the third couple this weekend following Icons Week
- digitalspy.com19:27
"Losing an icon on Icon Week isn't it!!"
- belfastlive.co.uk19:39
Dame Sarah Storey was the latest person to leave Strictly Come Dancing this weekend but before she left she dropped a clanger
- belfastlive.co.uk21:36
Strictly Come Dancing viewers have flooded social media with complaints about one couple, branding them "rude" and "ungrateful"
Mon, 19 October 2026
4 reports- manchestereveningnews.co.uk11:26
Amy Dowden was seen taking an important piece of advice from a late icom after responding to comments from former Strictly star Brendan Cole
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk12:04
Dame Sarah Storey was seen leaving the BBC One dance competition alongside professional dancer Julian Caillon
- aol.co.uk12:06
Some viewers were quick to notice Lacey Turner's telling reaction on Sunday night's Strictly Come Dancing with the EastEnders star seemingly welling up an on the verge of tears
- dailymail.com18:55
Strictly's Dani Dyer, Jowita Przystal and Amy Dowden swapped the dancefloor for the red carpet as they attended the Pride Of Britain Awards on Monday evening.
Tue, 20 October 2026
2 reports- thepinknews.com10:44
Shirley Ballas addressed the Josh Widdicombe Strictly backlash, calling the co-host 'kind' and 'brilliant at his job'.
- aol.co.uk15:38
Dame Sarah Storey has reflected on her Strictly Come Dancing journey and spoke of the many “pockets of joy” she discovered by taking part in the series. The 48-year-old Paralympian was voted off the BBC One dancing competition after she and partner Julian Caillon failed to wow the judges with a tango to Shania Twain 's “That Don’t Impress Me Much”. They wound up in a dance-off against House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia and partner Nancy Xu, and were sadly voted out as Anton Du Beke, Craig...
Thu, 22 October 2026
2 reports- tvguide.co.uk09:11
Gorka has also given his verdict on Strictly's three new hosts
- dailystar.co.uk16:08
The Strictly Come Dancing pair were accused by some viewers of failing to thank fans for voting them through to week five
Sat, 24 October 2026
1 report- dailystar.co.uk16:23
Former Strictly professional says they already know how the next show will pan out
Sun, 25 October 2026
2 reports- nottinghampost.com12:01
Since Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe kicked off their Strictly Come Dancing campaign as new hosts, people have been really vocal about the BBC show
- aol.co.uk19:31
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left floored.
Mon, 26 October 2026
1 report- manchestereveningnews.co.uk09:43
The actress has been in the bottom two twice, but has made it through to week 6
Wed, 28 October 2026
1 report- dailymail.com12:11
The host, 50, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share highlights amid reports BBC chiefs have already come to the conclusion that the trio will have to change next year.
Fri, 30 October 2026
1 report- dailystar.co.uk19:37
Lawrence Robb has had a rollercoaster time on Strictly Come Dancing so far