When Strictly Come Dancing first arrived on British TV screens back in 2004, nobody could have predicted it would become one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment shows. More than two decades later, the glitterballs, sequins and Saturday night drama are still pulling viewers in, even as the programme faces one of its biggest shake ups in years.
The 2026 series is expected to mark a major new chapter for Strictly, with the show going through a period of change behind the scenes. Reports have already suggested that new hosts could be brought in, while several professional dancers are said to be leaving the line up. For fans, it means the next series could look very different when it returns to screens later this year.
Although the BBC has not yet confirmed the official celebrity cast, rumours are already starting to swirl over which famous faces could be preparing to step onto the dance floor. And, as usual, viewers are already speculating wildly before anyone has even put on a pair of dancing shoes. Humanity’s greatest skill remains turning “reportedly” into a national emergency.
Among the names being linked to the 2026 series are Delta Goodrem, Josie Gibson, Stacey Solomon, Tom Parker Bowles and Dani Dyer. None of them have been officially confirmed by the BBC, but each name has already sparked interest from Strictly fans who are desperate to know who will be taking part.
One of the biggest rumoured names is Delta Goodrem. The Australian singer is already set for a busy year, with reports saying she will represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest. Now, she is also being strongly linked with Strictly Come Dancing.
According to reports, Delta is believed to be close to signing up for the show, with one source claiming the deal is “all but done”. The insider also suggested that BBC bosses have been trying to secure her for years, believing she would be a strong name for the competition.
If Delta does join the cast, she could bring international star power to the ballroom. With her music career, stage experience and huge fanbase, many viewers would likely see her as one of the early favourites. But Strictly has a long history of surprising people, and fame alone does not guarantee success once the judges start scoring.
Another name reportedly being lined up is Josie Gibson. The former Big Brother winner and This Morning presenter has become a familiar face on daytime television, and reports suggest BBC bosses believe she could be a perfect fit for the new series.
Josie is known for her warm personality, humour and down to earth charm, which could make her popular with viewers. A source has claimed she has been on the BBC’s radar for some time, with talks reportedly progressing well.
If she does sign up, Josie could become one of the most talked about contestants of the series. Strictly fans often love celebrities who bring personality as well as effort, and Josie’s natural charm could make her a strong audience favourite even before the first dance.
Stacey Solomon is another well known name being linked to the ballroom. The mum of five has built a huge following thanks to her TV work, family life and relatable personality. She is also already closely connected with the BBC through her show Sort Your Life Out, which has become a major success.
Stacey would be a huge signing for Strictly if bosses manage to secure her. She has a loyal fanbase and the kind of personality that often works well on Saturday night television. Viewers already feel like they know her, which could help her connect quickly with the Strictly audience.
There is also speculation around Tom Parker Bowles, the food critic and son of Queen Camilla. He was previously rumoured to be high on the BBC’s wish list for the 2025 series, but he did not appear in that line up. That has led to fresh questions over whether 2026 could finally be the year he joins the show.
His involvement would certainly get people talking. As Queen Camilla’s son, Tom would bring a royal connection to the competition, which could create plenty of headlines before the series even begins. Whether he would actually take to the dance floor remains unconfirmed, but his name alone is enough to spark curiosity.
Another possible contestant is Dani Dyer. The reality star had been due to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days before the first live show after fracturing her ankle during training.
Dani has since expressed interest in returning, which has led fans to wonder whether she could finally get her Strictly chance in 2026. Her comeback story would be an emotional angle for the show, especially after her previous exit happened before viewers even got to see her properly compete.
If Dani returns, producers could frame it as unfinished business. For fans, it would offer a second chance to see whether she has what it takes to survive the ballroom pressure after being forced out so suddenly last time.
The 2026 series has not yet been given an official launch date, but Strictly usually returns in September. That means viewers may still have several months to wait before the final celebrity line up is confirmed.
For now, the names remain rumoured rather than official. But with Delta Goodrem, Josie Gibson, Stacey Solomon, Tom Parker Bowles and Dani Dyer all being linked, the next series is already attracting major attention.
Strictly Come Dancing may be entering a new era, but if these rumours are anything to go by, the BBC is clearly hoping to bring in a cast big enough to keep fans talking long before the first live show begins.
When Strictly Come Dancing first arrived on British TV screens back in 2004, nobody could have predicted it would become one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment shows. More than two decades later, the glitterballs, sequins and Saturday night drama are still pulling viewers in, even as the programme faces one of its biggest shake ups in years.
The 2026 series is expected to mark a major new chapter for Strictly, with the show going through a period of change behind the scenes. Reports have already suggested that new hosts could be brought in, while several professional dancers are said to be leaving the line up. For fans, it means the next series could look very different when it returns to screens later this year.
Although the BBC has not yet confirmed the official celebrity cast, rumours are already starting to swirl over which famous faces could be preparing to step onto the dance floor. And, as usual, viewers are already speculating wildly before anyone has even put on a pair of dancing shoes. Humanity’s greatest skill remains turning “reportedly” into a national emergency.
Among the names being linked to the 2026 series are Delta Goodrem, Josie Gibson, Stacey Solomon, Tom Parker Bowles and Dani Dyer. None of them have been officially confirmed by the BBC, but each name has already sparked interest from Strictly fans who are desperate to know who will be taking part.
One of the biggest rumoured names is Delta Goodrem. The Australian singer is already set for a busy year, with reports saying she will represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest. Now, she is also being strongly linked with Strictly Come Dancing.
According to reports, Delta is believed to be close to signing up for the show, with one source claiming the deal is “all but done”. The insider also suggested that BBC bosses have been trying to secure her for years, believing she would be a strong name for the competition.
If Delta does join the cast, she could bring international star power to the ballroom. With her music career, stage experience and huge fanbase, many viewers would likely see her as one of the early favourites. But Strictly has a long history of surprising people, and fame alone does not guarantee success once the judges start scoring.
Another name reportedly being lined up is Josie Gibson. The former Big Brother winner and This Morning presenter has become a familiar face on daytime television, and reports suggest BBC bosses believe she could be a perfect fit for the new series.
Josie is known for her warm personality, humour and down to earth charm, which could make her popular with viewers. A source has claimed she has been on the BBC’s radar for some time, with talks reportedly progressing well.
If she does sign up, Josie could become one of the most talked about contestants of the series. Strictly fans often love celebrities who bring personality as well as effort, and Josie’s natural charm could make her a strong audience favourite even before the first dance.
Stacey Solomon is another well known name being linked to the ballroom. The mum of five has built a huge following thanks to her TV work, family life and relatable personality. She is also already closely connected with the BBC through her show Sort Your Life Out, which has become a major success.
Stacey would be a huge signing for Strictly if bosses manage to secure her. She has a loyal fanbase and the kind of personality that often works well on Saturday night television. Viewers already feel like they know her, which could help her connect quickly with the Strictly audience.
There is also speculation around Tom Parker Bowles, the food critic and son of Queen Camilla. He was previously rumoured to be high on the BBC’s wish list for the 2025 series, but he did not appear in that line up. That has led to fresh questions over whether 2026 could finally be the year he joins the show.
His involvement would certainly get people talking. As Queen Camilla’s son, Tom would bring a royal connection to the competition, which could create plenty of headlines before the series even begins. Whether he would actually take to the dance floor remains unconfirmed, but his name alone is enough to spark curiosity.
Another possible contestant is Dani Dyer. The reality star had been due to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days before the first live show after fracturing her ankle during training.
Dani has since expressed interest in returning, which has led fans to wonder whether she could finally get her Strictly chance in 2026. Her comeback story would be an emotional angle for the show, especially after her previous exit happened before viewers even got to see her properly compete.
If Dani returns, producers could frame it as unfinished business. For fans, it would offer a second chance to see whether she has what it takes to survive the ballroom pressure after being forced out so suddenly last time.
The 2026 series has not yet been given an official launch date, but Strictly usually returns in September. That means viewers may still have several months to wait before the final celebrity line up is confirmed.
For now, the names remain rumoured rather than official. But with Delta Goodrem, Josie Gibson, Stacey Solomon, Tom Parker Bowles and Dani Dyer all being linked, the next series is already attracting major attention.
Strictly Come Dancing may be entering a new era, but if these rumours are anything to go by, the BBC is clearly hoping to bring in a cast big enough to keep fans talking long before the first live show begins.
