Strictly's back for 2026 - new hosts, familiar judges, and a contestant list that's already stacking up star power.
Strictly Come Dancing is gearing up for a landmark 2026 series, its first without Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm.
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe step into the presenting roles, while Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke remain on the judging panel.
Twelve celebrities have been officially confirmed, spanning soap stars, sporting royalty and reality TV favourites, with speculation mounting around three further additions.
As the ballroom prepares to reopen its doors this September, here's everything you need to know about the odds, the favourites, and the full contestant line-up so far.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Odds
Who is Favourite to Win Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
Dani Dyer heads the betting at 5/1, with punters clearly backing her to go one better this time round after her 2025 campaign ended in week one following an ankle injury. Having already worked with a professional partner before her early exit, Dyer arguably has a head start on the rest of the field in terms of ballroom experience, even if it was brief.
Lacey Turner isn't far behind at 6/1. The EastEnders star has built a reputation for graft and discipline over two decades on Albert Square, qualities that tend to translate well once the technical dances arrive later in the series.
Cach Mercer rounds out the leading trio at 7/1. The Love Island winner has a dance background already, which could give him an edge in the early rounds when some contestants are still finding their feet.
Bethany Antonia, best known for House of the Dragon, completes the current front four at 10/1.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Contestants
Twelve celebrities have been confirmed for this year's line-up:
- Lacey Turner - EastEnders actress, best known as Stacey Slater
- Dani Dyer - TV personality and author, returning after a week-one exit in 2025
- Delta Goodrem - Australian singer-songwriter and The Voice Australia judge
- Chris Appleton - Celebrity hairstylist who has worked with major names including Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande
- Cach Mercer - Love Island 2025 winner, model and DJ
- Will Best - Big Brother and Hits Radio presenter
- Dame Sarah Storey - Britain's most decorated Paralympian with 19 gold medals
- Jaime Winstone - Actress known for Made in Dagenham and BBC drama Babs
- Bethany Antonia - House of the Dragon actress
- Shaun Wright-Phillips - Former England international and football pundit
- Graeme Hall - Dog trainer and presenter of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
- Lawrence Robb - Emmerdale actor, known for playing Mack Boyd
Unconfirmed reports also suggest Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, YouTuber John Nellis and Olympic gymnast Tabby Stoecker could be among further additions, though the BBC has yet to confirm any of the three.
When Does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Start?
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer in September 2026, though an exact launch date is still to be confirmed. As in previous years, the series is expected to kick off with a launch show introducing the couples, before live weekend performances begin shortly after.
