Every star rumoured to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2026

As we near Strictly Come Dancing season once more, the rumour mill is in full motion, and fans are fuelling theories on who they reckon is taking part.

And to say the new cast will be joining Strictly at an important time would be an understatement, as there’ll have been plenty of big changes by the time the BBC flagship show returns to screens.

Following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, we’ll have new hosts, with names like Rylan Clark, Bradley Walsh, Zoe Ball, and Angela Scanlon currently floating around.

What’s more, the pro dancer roster will be wildly different, as Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, and Michelle Tsiakkas did not have their contracts renewed.

It’s said Gorka Márquez is also for the chop, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be ‘benched’ without a partner.

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So, as bosses look to fill the gaps and carry Strictly into a new era – hopefully free from scandals and internal investigations – let’s take a look at the rumoured lineup for 2026.

Josie Gibson

Josie Gibson is now often seen presenting on This Morning, and, in 2023, she placed fourth in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

If reports are to be believed, though, she could be looking to at least earn herself a place on the podium by signing up to Strictly and wowing on the dance floor.

‘Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit,’ said a source.

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They added to The Sun that the ball is already rolling: ‘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,’ the insider also claimed.

‘Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.’
Josie, 41, certainly wouldn’t be the first ITV daytime star to tackle Strictly, with previous series signing up the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and, who could forget, Ed Balls.

Delta Goodrem

A source told the Daily Mail that her signing this time is ‘all but a done deal’.

‘They’ve been trying to get her for years.

Obviously, she is a good name for the show.’
The 41-year-old is no stranger to live performances thanks to her music career, having been signed in the early 2000s and released a string of hits Down Under.

Her debut album, Innocent Eyes, charted at number two in the UK.

Delta has also dabbled in acting, having played Nina Tucker in Neighbours.

Having sold nine million records, Delta knows a thing or two about success – but could she add another accolade to her name and become a Strictly champion?

If she does ultimately sign on the dotted line, 2026 will prove to be a very busy year for her, as Delta is representing her country in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna next month with her song Eclipse.

Dani Dyer

The former Love Islander has already expressed interest in returning for a proper attempt, and it wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened, as Jamie Laing famously returned the following year after an injury early doors made him pull out.

Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show after her premature exit, Dani said she would ‘love to do’ Strictly again.

‘It was hell for me when I hurt my foot; I was so sad.’
When contacted previously for comments, a BBC spokesperson told Metro that plans for the new series of Strictly will be confirmed ‘in due course’.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC later this year.
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