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The BBC has officially started revealing the celebrity line-up for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2026. The broadcaster has announced its first confirmed contestant. Actress Lacey Turner will be taking to the famous ballroom floor when the hit dance competition returns later this year. The new season is expected to premiere in September. Additional contestant announcements are likely to be made throughout the summer as the full cast gradually takes shape.Lacey Turner’s confirmation has already generated excitement among fans of both ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘EastEnders’.
‘EastEnders’ favourite ready for new challenge
Lacey Turner is best known for playing Stacey Slater in ‘EastEnders’. She first joined the long-running BBC soap in 2004 and has become 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 soap and is now preparing to test herself in a completely different environment.Speaking about joining the show, Lacey Turner said in a statement, “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”
More celebrity announcements expected
Although Lacey Turner remains the only officially confirmed contestant so far, attention has already shifted to several celebrities who have been linked with the programme. Radio Times reports suggest that more names could be unveiled in the coming weeks.The BBC has yet to comment on the rumoured contestants. However, media reports continue to suggest that a number of well-known personalities are in the running.
Jeff Brazier and Dani Dyer among rumoured names
According to reports highlighted by Radio Times, television presenter Jeff Brazier is one of the celebrities being linked to the show. Jeff Brazier has enjoyed a varied television career after initially pursuing football. He has presented programmes such as Finders Keepers and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! NOW!. He has also appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Celebrity Race Across the World.Reality television personality Dani Dyer has also emerged as a rumoured participant. She rose to fame after appearing on ‘Love Island’ in 2018.Dani Dyer became one of the standout 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 linked to ballroom debut
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem is another name reportedly associated with the upcoming season.Delta Goodrem has built a successful music career spanning more than 25 years. She first entered the industry as a teenager and later had success with her debut album ‘Innocent Eyes’.Released in 2003, the album became one of Australia’s biggest-selling records and established her as an international star.Viewers can expect many more surprises before ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2026 finally returns to screens later this year.
