Star-Studded Steps: Meet the Exciting New Faces of Strictly Come Dancing!

Star-Studded Lineup and New Hosts Set to Ignite the Dance Floor in an Unforgettable Season of Glamour and Passion!

Get ready to embrace the glamour and excitement of dance, as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ prepares to return with a lineup that promises to dazzle viewers on weekends! This beloved reality dance competition, known for its energy and theatrical performances, will soon grace screens with a fresh batch of contestants and new presenters. Alongside the much-anticipated visit to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the season will feature a variety of captivating themes—think movies, musical icons, and Halloween celebrations. As the premiere date approaches, let’s delve into the confirmed contestants who will be captivating audiences and vying for the prestigious Glitterball Trophy!

Kicking off the cast is Lacey Turner, a celebrated actress best known for her role as Stacey Slater on ‘EastEnders.’ With her impressive resume, which includes an enlightening podcast series titled ‘We Started Here,’ Turner is no stranger to the spotlight. Excited to step into the dance arena, she expressed anticipation for her ‘Strictly’ journey, saying, “I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year!" Lacey’s infectious enthusiasm suggests she’s ready to trade in her acting skills for dance shoes and learn something completely new on this iconic platform.

Next up is Dani Dyer, the spirited TV personality who first became a household name after winning ‘Love Island UK Season 4.’ Dyer’s competitive nature shone through in her recent victory on ‘Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins,’ proving she’s no stranger to challenges. As she prepares to lace up her dancing shoes, Dani commented, “I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!” Dyer was initially slated to join ‘Strictly’ last season but had to withdraw due to an injury. Now, her determination shines as she gears up for this season.

Making her debut on the ‘Strictly’ dance floor is Delta Goodrem, a renowned Australian singer-songwriter with a plethora of chart-topping hits to her name. Although she’s graced stages worldwide, the ballroom is uncharted territory for the talented 41-year-old. Goodrem shared her excitement, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!” Her arrival adds a melodic flair to the competition, and fans can expect an engaging blend of music and movement from the multi-talented artist.

The lineup continues with celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, whose expertise has transformed the looks of stars like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. This fashionista is stepping out of his comfort zone and onto the dance floor, expressing, “I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story - and I can’t wait to get started.” At 43, his venture into dancing signifies a new chapter, and viewers can expect plenty of dazzling moments as he transitions from hairstyling to quickstep.

Next in line is Cach Mercer, who captured hearts on ‘Love Island UK’ as the 2025 male champion. With millions of fans admiring his dance videos featuring Afrobeat and hip hop, Mercer is poised to bring that passion to the ‘Strictly’ stage. At just 25, he’s already carved a niche for himself in the world of dancing and can’t contain his excitement: “Dancing is a huge passion of mine, and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time.” As he carries the spirit of youth and energy, viewers will surely enjoy his fresh approach to dance.

Adding to the impressive roster is Will Best, a seasoned broadcaster with a diverse career spanning 15 years. He’s traded in the microphone for dancing shoes, showcasing his adventurous spirit. “I can’t quite believe it…I’m doing Strictly! What an absolute dream,” he said. Best’s vulnerability about trying something new adds a relatable touch to the competitive atmosphere, promising to engage audiences who are eager to see how he adapts to this new challenge.

Rounding out the current list of contestants is Dame Sarah Storey, a Paralympic icon with an astonishing 19 gold medals to her name. As she takes a step into the world of dance, Storey will break new ground as the first Dame to compete on the show. She expressed her enthusiasm for embracing this challenge after retiring from athletics, stating, “I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer.” Dame Storey’s participation is not only a win for her but also inspires fans to see artistry through a different lens, reinforcing that it’s never too late to explore new avenues.

With an exciting season ahead, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ also introduces new hosts to guide viewers through the energetic performances. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe are set to bring their unique flair to the show, stepping in after the departure of beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Meanwhile, the judging panel remains as prestigious as ever, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas ready to critique and encourage this season’s contestants.

Furthermore, seasoned professional dancers like Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, and Katya Jones will return alongside new talents who are sure to uplift the dance floor with their expertise. Set to premiere in September 2026, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Season 24 promises a blend of drama, fun, and enthusiasm as celebrities take on the challenge of mastering the art of dance.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, the excitement surrounding this season is palpable with a diverse cast ready to unleash their hidden talents. With themes that span cinematic classics and spine-tingling Halloween routines, this season of ‘Strictly’ is destined to light up Saturday nights with thrilling performances and unforgettable moments. So, mark your calendars and prepare for an extraordinary journey as celebrities step into the spotlight, ready to dazzle us with their dance moves and personal stories!