The full Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up has been revealed, with a Gavin and Stacey star concluding this year’s announcements.
With just over a month until the new series begins, it’s been confirmed that Melanie Walters, best known as Gwen in the BBC sitcom, will be gracing the dance floor.
She joins previously announced stars including EastEnders actor Lacey Turner, singer Delta Goodrem, TV personality Dani Dyer, actor Jaime Winstone and footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Walters said that she has turned down her annual stint in pantomime to take part in the show, stating: “Performing pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room. This year, I am completely thrilled and happy to swap my fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes.”
She continued: “I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show, it’s so exciting. See you in September!”
Strictly 2026 will also star hair stylist Chris Appleton, Love Island contestant Cach Mercer, TV presenter Will Best and House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia.
Meanwhile, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, Winter Olympic gold medalist Tabby Stoecker, dog expert Graeme Hall, Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb and football content creator John Nellis round out this year’s cast.
Strictly is undergoing some huge changes ahead of its 2026 run, with three new hosts replacing outgoing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are the trio who’ll be leading proceedings when the series returns to screens next month.
They will be the show’s first line-up of three presenters since Daly and Winkleman fronted the format with Bruce Forsyth in 2013.
Sharing the news in a statement, Willis said that she’s a “huge fan” of Strictly and “can’t quite comprehend” becoming a presenter on the show. “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,” she said.
“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!”
Widdicombe – who competed in the 2024 Christmas Special – added: “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.”
Radebe, who is rumoured to be taking on a “roving reporter” role, added: “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.”
Meanwhile, Strictly confirmed that it is adding five new professional dancers to the show after the recent cull.
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