Strictly 2026 stars Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer are favourites to win
The new series is fast approachingStrictly Come Dancing 2026 is still weeks away, but the race for the Glitterball is already taking shape as EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner and Love Island winner Dani Dyer are currently joint favourites with the bookmakers.
This gives the new series an intriguing early storyline before the first live dance has even taken place.
Series 24 is due to begin in September, with the completed 15-strong Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up preparing to enter the ballroom.
According to The Sun, William Hill listed Lacey and Dani at 4/1 at the time of its report. Those odds put the pair ahead of their fellow contestants for now, although the picture could change quickly once viewers see the celebrities take to the dance floor.
Why Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer are the early Strictly favourites
Dani was originally expected to compete in the previous series and even appeared in its pre-recorded opening episode. Her Strictly journey, however, ended before the live shows after she fractured her ankle during rehearsals and was forced to withdraw. Fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies stepped in to replace her. Amber was partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.
Lacey comes into the competition with a very different history. The actress has reportedly been on the BBC’s Strictly wish list for years. Meanwhile, several of her EastEnders co-stars have already taken part in the show. She left the soap last year after her character departed for a new life in Brazil.
That makes the early betting particularly interesting. Two celebrities with very different routes to the Strictly ballroom are currently sitting level at the top of the market.
Strictly 2026 brings major changes beyond the dance floor
The celebrity line-up is not the only thing getting a makeover for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe are taking over as Strictly’s new presenting trio. They will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The professional line-up has also changed, with five new professional dancers joining the programme following the departure of five existing stars.
So series 24 is heading into September with a new celebrity cast, a refreshed professional roster and an entirely different presenting team. It is a substantial shake-up for the long-running BBC One show, and all of it is happening before the first celebrity has even stepped onto the ballroom floor.
Who else could win Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
Lacey and Dani may be at the front of the early market, but they are not without serious competition. Team GB athlete Tabby Stoecker and Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb are the closest challengers at 5/1.
Meanwhile, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips was listed at 25/1.
The reported cast also includes YouTuber John Nellis, Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, singer Delta Goodrem, Big Brother presenter Will Best and Love Island’s Cach Mercer. Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, actress Jaime Winstone, House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia and celebrity dog trainer Graeme Hall complete the line-up.
There is clearly plenty for Strictly fans to keep an eye on, with soap stars, reality TV personalities, actors, presenters and sporting figures all entering the competition. For now, Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer have the bookmakers’ attention. The more revealing test, though, will come once the music starts and the celebrities have to prove they can turn early expectations into a genuine Glitterball challenge.
Read more: Strictly star Chris Appleton reveals hair makeover ahead of debut
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
