Every single celebrity in the running to appear on Strictly Come Dancing 2026 as BBC confirms start date

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Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is fast approaching, and rumours are abounding over which celebrities will be taking to the ballroom floor.

To add to the excitement, the BBC has today confirmed its first name and the date when the new series will begin.

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner will be twirling around the Strictly dance floor this year after officially signing up to the show.

It has also been announced that the show will start in September. The exact date is yet to be unveiled, but last year the launch show aired on September 20.

So who else is being tipped for Strictly 2026? Here’s all the celebrities who are caught up in the rumour mill.

Jeff Brazier could be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2026 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Jeff Brazier rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing 2026

Could another member of the Brazier family be set to take on the Strictly ballroom?

TV presenter Jeff Brazier is the latest celebrity being linked to Strictly Come Dancing 2026, with reports suggesting BBC bosses are keen to sign him up for this year’s series.

Jeff, 47, is said to be in talks about joining the hit BBC show, three years after son Bobby Brazier won over viewers during his own memorable run on the dancefloor.

Bobby, now 23, reached the final alongside professional partner Dianne Buswell in 2023. However, the pair narrowly missed out on lifting the Glitterball trophy. Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned champions.

For a long time, Jeff – who regularly presents the competitors on This Morning – appeared happy to leave Strictly to his son.

Speaking previously, he said: “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.”

But it seems a return to the Brazier family connection may now be on the cards.

According to reports, those close to Jeff believe enough time has passed since Bobby’s appearance for him to carve out his own Strictly journey.

One insider claimed that Bobby is fully behind the idea and would love to see his dad step onto the famous dancefloor.

“He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go,” the source said.

Katherine isn’t ruling out Strictly (Credit: Jack Alexander/Principle Magazine)

Strictly 2026 rumoured celebrities: Katherine Ryan

In a new cover story interview with Principle Magazine, Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan opened up about the TV shows she has repeatedly turned down over the years.

“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 explained.

Katherine went on to share why she has never agreed to take part in either programme, admitting the demands of shows like Strictly Come Dancing would make family life difficult.

“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,” she said.

However, earlier in the interview, Katherine revealed that after having four children, she now feels ready to embrace what she described as her “hot girl era” — meaning some of the opportunities she previously rejected may no longer be off the table.

“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,” she added.

Could 2026 finally be the year Katherine heads to the Strictly ballroom? She certainly isn’t ruling it out.

Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn is being linked with Strictly Come Dancing 2026 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Sarah Jayne Dunn

Sarah Jayne Dunn is the latest celebrity being tipped for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

Soap fans will recognise Sarah for playing Mandy Richardson in Hollyoaks.

The actress left the soap in 2021 after a dispute over content shared on subscription platform OnlyFans.

Since then, Sarah has built a large online following and regularly shares videos of her pole dancing routines on social media.

Now, the 44-year-old has hinted she would love to swap pole dancing for the Strictly ballroom.

Sarah recently reacted after her name was mentioned during a discussion about possible Strictly 2026 contestants on Good Morning Britain.

Taking to Instagram, Sarah admitted she has wanted to appear on the BBC dance show “for such a long time”.

She wrote: “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.”

Sarah added that hearing her name mentioned on television felt “a little bit magical”.

She finished the post by saying: “Manifesting Strictly 2026 continues.”

Dani could get a second shot at Strictly (Credit: BBC)

Strictly 2026 rumoured stars – Dani Dyer

Dani Dyer is one of the names currently linked with taking to the ballroom floor.

The former Love Island star was meant to take part in the 2025 series, and even appeared in the pre-recorded launch show, where she found out she was to be paired up with Nikita Kuzmin.

However, just days before the first live show, Dani was forced to pull out of the competition after fracturing her ankle. She was replaced by Amber Davies, who made it all the way to the final.

However, her Strictly dream isn’t dead. In October 2025, Vicky Pattison appeared to confirm Dani would be taking part in this year’s series.

Dani shared a snap of herself and Vicky after a Strictly show on her Instagram at the time, expressing how happy she was to have watched the show. “Love you so much, mate, my girl!!! I will be front row every week next year watching you SMASH IT,” Vicky commented.

It wouldn’t be the first time a star has been forced off the show only to return the following year. In 2019, Jamie Laing was meant to perform in the series until he withdrew due to injury. He returned a year later, making it all the way to the 2020 series final.

So could Dani repeat the feat this year? She’s said that she wouldn’t turn it down if the BBC came calling…

Will Josie be taking to the ballroom floor? (Credit: Cover Images)

Josie Gibson to hit the BBC ballroom?

Another name rumoured to be taking part in this year’s series is This Morning star, Josie Gibson.

The 41-year-old presenter became one of the first names linked with the show last month.

“Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit,” a source told The Sun.

“They’re hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs,” they then continued.

“Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.”

Josie appeared to suggest that the rumours about her involvement were false in an appearance on This Morning later that month. However, she did tease that she “loves to dance”. Make of that what you will…

Will 2026 be the year Stacey does Strictly? (Credit: Cover Images)

Stacey Solomon to swap Sort Your Life Out for Strictly

Another big name rumoured to be taking part in this year’s show is BBC star Stacey Solomon.

This is no surprise, with the popular star seemingly linked with the show every year. She was offered a slot on the show one year but had to turn it down due to her schedule.

Stacey was also heavily linked with the show last year; however, ultimately, wasn’t in the line-up.

Could things be different this year? Will the mum-of-five finally take the ballroom floor?

Is Delta doing Strictly? (Credit: Cover Images)

Delta Goodrem rumoured to be doing Strictly 2026

2026 could get busier for Australian singer Delta Goodrem.

The 41-year-old singer will be representing Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest tomorrow (Saturday, May 16) in Austria. And, later this year, she could be taking to the ballroom floor for Strictly 2026.

Last month, it was reported that Delta was signing up to do the hit BBC show, following in fellow Neighbours star Stefan Dennis’ footsteps, who took part last year.

“It is all but a done deal. They’ve been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show,” a source alleged to the Daily Mail.

Will the Queen’s son be taking part? (Credit: Splash News)

Tom Parker Bowles to take part

Another name who was heavily rumoured to be taking part last year, could Tom Parker Bowles be taking to the ballroom floor this year?

he son of Queen Camilla was linked with the show in 2025. However, ultimately, he wasn’t in the line-up.

We know that the Queen is a fan of Strictly, with the 78 year old even sending Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman a letter paying tribute to their time on the programme during last year’s final.

Will she convince son Tom, 51, to get his dancing shoes on and take part in the show this year?

In a statement to ED!, a BBC spokesperson said: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”

Strictly will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

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