Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer join line-up
The first stars set for the ballroom have been announced on social mediaThe Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up is already taking shape as Dani Dyer and Lacey Turner have been announced as contestants this year.
On Wednesday, it was announced that EastEnders actress Lacey, who has played Stacey Slater since 2004, will be taking to the dancefloor this autumn to strut her stuff.
Now, it’s been revealed that former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, the daughter of actor Danny Dyer, will join the line-up.
Dani Dyer joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
The star, who won Love Island in 2018, has gushed over the stint in a statement.
Dani was originally part of the cast of Strictly 2025. However, she had to withdraw due to an injury before the competition began.
She said: “I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!
“I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!”
Fans are thrilled as one gushed on Instagram: “Buzzing she’s back for another try!!!”
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Another wrote: “Happy she gets another chance!!”
Someone else added: “Good! Really happy to see Dani get another go.”
It comes just a day after Strictly announced that Lacey would be taking to the ballroom later this year.
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Lacey Turner joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
In a statement, Lacey said: “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!”
Fans on social media have gushed over the announcement. Many have also noticed how early the announcement has come this year. The Strictly line-up doesn’t tend to be announced until later in the summer.
One person said on Instagram: “Oh my god amazing!!!”
Another wrote: “Wait celeb reveals announced early!?!? But also woooo Lacey gonna be amazing.”
Someone else added: “Omg it’s so early how exciting!!”
What can we expect from Strictly 2026?
Strictly Come Dancing this year is set to bring some big changes. Last year, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted their last ever series.
But this year will see three new hosts join the ballroom. Earlier this month, Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe were officially announced as the brand-new hosts of Strictly.
In a statement, Emma said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years. So to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.
I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year.
“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.
“I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
‘I feel deeply honoured’
Meanwhile, JoJo said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward. To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me. Love Jojo.”
Josh added: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”
Read more: Strictly favourite Janette Manrara announces her exit from show after 14 years
