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Strictly Come Dancing is gearing up for a huge new chapter in 2026, and the celebrity line up is already starting to take shape.
The BBC has confirmed the hit dance show will return this September, with a brand new presenting team leading the way. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will take over hosting duties as the programme enters a fresh era.
The broadcaster has already revealed three stars who will officially take to the ballroom floor.
EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner is among the first celebrities confirmed as she sets her sights on the Glitterball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing is returning to the BBC this September (Credit: BBC)
She will be joined by Dani Dyer, who was forced to pull out of last year’s competition before it began after suffering an injury.
Former Neighbours star and The Voice Australia coach Delta Goodrem has also signed up for the new series.
But with plenty more places still up for grabs, speculation is already mounting over who else could be heading for the ballroom.
Dame Sarah Storey is rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Sarah Storey latest rumoured name for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Dame Sarah Storey is reportedly in the frame for this year’s Strictly line up.
Sarah is one of Britain’s most decorated Paralympians, having won 30 medals across her remarkable career. Nineteen of those medals are gold.
The sporting legend has competed in both cycling and swimming during her Paralympic journey. Now, reports suggest she could be preparing to take on a very different challenge.
Sarah had been due to compete on Dancing On Ice in 2025 but fractured her ankle during training. The ITV show was later axed.
According to reports, she now has her sights set on the Strictly ballroom and hopes to add a Glitterball Trophy to her collection.
Sources claim Sarah is eager to show viewers another side of herself away from the sporting arena.
An insider said: “She’s also keen to embrace the glamour of the show and is looking forward to getting dressed up.”
Jake Quickenden is the latest celebrity rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing (Credit: ITV)
Jake Quickenden tipped for Strictly
Jake Quickenden is another celebrity whose name has been linked to Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
The 37 year old first rose to fame on The X Factor in 2014 after reaching the live shows. Since then, he has built a television career with presenting roles and appearances across ITV’s daytime programmes.
Jake is no stranger to reality TV competitions. He previously appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here and went on to win Dancing On Ice in 2018.
Now, reports suggest he could swap skates for sequins.
A source claimed Jake has “caught the eye” of Strictly bosses.
The insider added: “He’s fun, hunky and known as an all round nice guy.
“He’s an actor and singer, so is a natural performer.”
Jake recently split from his wife Sophie Church, the mother of his two children. If the rumours prove true, viewers may already be wondering whether he can dance his way to the final when Strictly returns this autumn.
Jeff Brazier could be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2026 (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Jeff Brazier rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Could another member of the Brazier family be set to take on the Strictly ballroom?
TV presenter Jeff Brazier is the latest celebrity being linked to Strictly Come Dancing 2026, with reports suggesting BBC bosses are keen to sign him up for this year’s series.
Jeff, 47, is said to be in talks about joining the hit BBC show, three years after son Bobby Brazier won over viewers during his own memorable run on the dancefloor.
Bobby, now 23, reached the final alongside professional partner Dianne Buswell in 2023. However, the pair narrowly missed out on lifting the Glitterball trophy. Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned champions.
For a long time, Jeff – who regularly presents the competitors on This Morning – appeared happy to leave Strictly to his son.
Speaking previously, he said: “That was Bob’s thing and I want to leave it to him. I’ve got plenty of things that I really enjoy doing. I’ll stay in my lane, I think.”
But it seems a return to the Brazier family connection may now be on the cards.
According to reports, those close to Jeff believe enough time has passed since Bobby’s appearance for him to carve out his own Strictly journey.
One insider claimed that Bobby is fully behind the idea and would love to see his dad step onto the famous dancefloor.
“He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go,” the source said.
Katherine isn’t ruling out Strictly (Credit: Jack Alexander/Principle Magazine)
Strictly 2026 rumoured celebrities: Katherine Ryan
In a new cover story interview with Principle Magazine, Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan opened up about the TV shows she has repeatedly turned down over the years.
“I have not been explicitly offered Strictly or The Jungle [I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!], but they have inquired a few times, and I just think it’s too far away for my kids or too much work,” she explained.
Katherine went on to share why she has never agreed to take part in either programme, admitting the demands of shows like Strictly Come Dancing would make family life difficult.
“If I embarked on something like Strictly, you just don’t see your family; it’s too intense. So there are things I feel prohibited from doing as a mum, and it’s difficult to contain the feminist rage I have sometimes that it’s not fair,” she said.
However, earlier in the interview, Katherine revealed that after having four children, she now feels ready to embrace what she described as her “hot girl era” — meaning some of the opportunities she previously rejected may no longer be off the table.
“But this is why this is my breakout hot year, because I’ve been spending all this time turning down travel shows and commitments because of the kids,” she added.
Could 2026 finally be the year Katherine heads to the Strictly ballroom? She certainly isn’t ruling it out.
Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn is being linked with Strictly Come Dancing 2026 (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Sarah Jayne Dunn
Sarah Jayne Dunn is the latest celebrity being tipped for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
Soap fans will recognise Sarah for playing Mandy Richardson in Hollyoaks.
The actress left the soap in 2021 after a dispute over content shared on subscription platform OnlyFans.
Since then, Sarah has built a large online following. She regularly shares videos of her pole dancing routines on social media.
Now, the 44-year-old has hinted she would love to swap pole dancing for the Strictly ballroom.
Sarah recently reacted after her name was mentioned during a discussion about possible Strictly 2026 contestants on Good Morning Britain.
Taking to Instagram, Sarah admitted she has wanted to appear on the BBC dance show “for such a long time”.
She wrote: “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.”
Sarah added that hearing her name mentioned on television felt “a little bit magical”.
She finished the post by saying: “Manifesting Strictly 2026 continues.”
Will Josie be taking to the ballroom floor? (Credit: Cover Images)
Josie Gibson to hit the BBC ballroom?
Another name rumoured to be taking part in this year’s series is This Morning star, Josie Gibson.
The 41-year-old presenter became one of the first names linked with the show last month.
“Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit,” a source told The Sun.
“They’re hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs,” they then continued.
“Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.”
Josie appeared to suggest that the rumours about her involvement were false in an appearance on This Morning later that month. However, she did tease that she “loves to dance”. Make of that what you will…
Will 2026 be the year Stacey does Strictly? (Credit: Cover Images)
Stacey Solomon to swap Sort Your Life Out for Strictly
Another big name rumoured to be taking part in this year’s show is BBC star Stacey Solomon.
This is no surprise, with the popular star seemingly linked with the show every year. She was offered a slot on the show one year but had to turn it down due to her schedule.
Stacey was also heavily linked with the show last year; however, ultimately, wasn’t in the line-up.
Could things be different this year? Will the mum-of-five finally take the ballroom floor?
Could Tom Parker Bowles be heading into the ballroom? (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Tom Parker Bowles to take part
Another name who was heavily rumoured to be taking part last year is Tom Parker Bowles.
The son of Queen Camilla was linked with the show in 2025. However, ultimately, he wasn’t in the line-up.
We know that the Queen is a fan of Strictly, with the 78 year old even sending Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman a letter paying tribute to their time on the programme during last year’s final.
Will she convince son Tom, 51, to get his dancing shoes on and take part in the show this year?
In a statement to ED!, a BBC spokesperson said: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
Strictly will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September.
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The post Every single celebrity in the running to appear on Strictly Come Dancing 2026 as Paralympian is latest rumoured name appeared first on Entertainment Daily.
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