The BBC has officially begun revealing the celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The broadcaster has announced its first confirmed contestant. Actress Lacey Turner will take to the famous dance floor when the hit dance competition returns later this year.
The new season is expected to premiere in September. Additional contestant announcements will likely be made throughout the summer as the full cast gradually takes shape.Lacey Turner’s confirmation has sparked excitement among fans of both Strictly Come Dancing and EastEnders.
The ‘EastEnders’ favorite is ready for a new challenge
Lacey Turner is best known for her role as Stacey Slater in ‘EastEnders’. She first joined the long-running BBC soap in 2004 and became one of its most popular stars.
She has also appeared in shows including Our Girl, Being Human, and Switch.The actress is currently taking a temporary break from the series and is now gearing up to test herself in a completely different environment.Speaking about joining the show, Lacey Turner said in a statement: “I’m so excited that I’ll be making my way onto the dance floor this year to be part of Strictly Come Dancing! I’m a huge fan and I can’t believe I’ll be taking part and not watching at home this year! I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”
More celebrity announcements are expected
Although Lacey Turner remains the only officially confirmed contestant so far, attention has already turned to several celebrities who have been linked to the show.
Radio Times reports that more names may be revealed in the coming weeks.The BBC has yet to comment on the rumored contestants. However, media reports still indicate that a number of well-known figures will be nominated.
Jeff Brazier and Danny Dyer Among the common names
According to reports highlighted by Radio Times, TV presenter Jeff Brazier is one of the celebrities linked to the show. Jeff Brazier has enjoyed a diverse television career after initially following football.
He has presented shows such as Finders Keepers and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! now!. He has also appeared in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Celebrity Race Across the World.Reality TV personality Danny Dyer has also featured as a rumored participant. She rose to fame after appearing on ‘Love Island’ in 2018.Danny Dyer became one of the leading contestants of the season and later won the series alongside Jack Fincham.
Since then she has remained a familiar face in British entertainment.
Delta Goodrem Associated with the dancehall debut
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem is another name said to be linked to the upcoming season.Delta Goodrem has built a successful music career that has spanned over 25 years. She first entered the industry as a teenager and later achieved success with her debut album “Innocent Eyes”.Released in 2003, the album became one of Australia’s best-selling albums and made her an international star.Viewers can expect more surprises before Strictly Come Dancing 2026 returns to screens later this year.