Strictly Come Dancing 2026: All the celebrities rumoured for the line-up after new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe take over
Could these famous faces be heading into the ballroom this year?Strictly Come Dancing will be given a new lease of life for 2026 with Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe taking over the reigns – but which celebrities will be taking part?
The rumour mill is already beginning to pick up pace as contestant names for the new series are banded around.
So who is likely to be slipping on a pair of dancing shoes and heading into the ballroom when the BBC dancing show returns this autumn?
Here’s all the rumoured names for the line-up so far…
Sarah Jayne Dunn
Hollyoaks fans will instantly recognise Sarah Jayne Dunn for playing Mandy in the long-running E4 soap.
Sarah was axed from Hollyoaks in 2021 after she refused to remove photos from adult subscription site, OnlyFans. She is a keen pole dancer and is now desperate to show off moves of a different kind in the Strictly ballroom.
The actress, 44, says she is “manifesting” after hearing her name tipped for the BBC show while watching Good Morning Britain.
Sarah wrote on Instagram: “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.
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“So hearing my name mentioned on @gmb this morning honestly felt a little bit magical. Manifesting Strictly 2026 continues.”
Strictly 2026 rumoured stars – Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer is also being linked to this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up. The former Love Island winner had originally been due to appear in the 2025 series with Nikita Kuzmin. and even pre-recorded the launch show
However, just days before the first live show, Dani was forced to withdraw after suffering a fractured ankle. Former Love Island star Amber Davies was later drafted in as her replacement and reached the final.
Despite the setback, Dani’s Strictly hopes may not be over. In October 2025, Vicky Pattison appeared to hint Dani would return for the 2026 series.
After attending a Strictly live show together, Dani shared a photo with Vicky on Instagram.
A comment was later posted by Vicky, saying: “I will be front row every week next year watching you SMASH IT.”
It would not be the first time a contestant returned after an injury withdrawal, either. Jamie Laing was forced out of Strictly in 2019 before returning the following year and reaching the final.
Josie Gibson to hit the BBC ballroom?
This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is also tipped to be starring in Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
The 41-year-old star became one of the first names linked with the show earlier this year.
A source claimed Josie had been on the BBC’s radar for some time.
It was also alleged that bosses believed her “down-to-earth charm” would prove popular with viewers.
Josie later appeared to downplay the rumours during an appearance on This Morning.
However, she did admit that she “loves to dance”.
Strictly Christmas winner Scarlett Moffatt
Strictly Come Dancing has form for recruiting one of the Christmas special celebrities into the main series. And who better than reigning festive champ Scarlett Moffatt?
Scarlett was partnered with Vito Coppola in the 2025 Christmas Day show and there has now been rumours that she could be heading back into the ballroom this autumn.
However, one spanner in the works might be that Scarlett is actually pregnant! The former Googlebox star is expecting her second baby with fiancè Scott Dobson, which might rule her out of this year’s series.
It would be a rather quick bounce back if she were to appear, wouldn’t it?!
Stacey Solomon linked to Strictly again
Another familiar rumoured name is Stacey Solomon. The Sort Your Life Out star has been linked to Strictly repeatedly over the years, including for the 2025 series.
A previous offer was reportedly turned down by Stacey because of scheduling conflicts.
Stacey has a good relationship with the BBC, thanks to SYLO. Together with husband Joe Swash, she also stars in their family reality show Stacey & Joe with the broadcaster.
Whether this could finally be the year she joins the ballroom remains to be seen.
Delta Goodrem rumoured for Strictly 2026
Australian singer Delta Goodrem has also been linked with this year’s show.
The 41-year-old performer is representing Australia at Eurovision this month.
Reports have also suggested she could soon be swapping the stage for the Strictly ballroom.
It was claimed last month that discussions with the BBC were already advanced.
A source alleged to the Daily Mail that producers had wanted Delta for several years.
Tom Parker Bowles to take part?
Tom Parker Bowles is another celebrity being linked with the series.
The food writer and son of Queen Camilla had also been rumoured for the 2025 line-up.
However, he did not eventually appear on the show.
Queen Camilla is known to be a fan of Strictly and previously praised presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Whether Tom will finally agree to take part this year remains unknown.
In a statement to TVGuide, a BBC spokesperson said: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
Read more: BBC announces Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe as the new Strictly presenters
