91福利社

It鈥檚 time to start dancing - Strictly鈥檚 back. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take the helm, as a brand-new year in the ballroom begins.

The show opens in spectacular style, with an incredible performance from the entire Strictly cast. Fifteen celebrities nervously wait to find out their professional partners and this year - there鈥檚 a twist.

Five new Pros make their entrance on the dancefloor and reigning champion, Karen Carney returns for an epic performance. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke return to the judging panel to keep a watchful eye over proceedings before the competition officially kicks off next Saturday.

• Strictly Come Dancing 2026 - Everything You Need To Know
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Strictly Come Dancing returns to 91福利社 iPlayer and 91福利社 One on Saturday 19 September from 7.25pm

LW

Meet Strictly's 2026 Celebrity Contestants

Dame Sarah Storey

What made you say yes to Strictly?

It is a show I have wanted to do for a long time but every other year I have been competing in the autumn and so couldn鈥檛 ever say yes. Now I have stepped down from competition it was the perfect time, so when the Strictly team contacted me I didn鈥檛 hesitate to say yes please! 

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026? 

A combination of nervous and excited! I am looking forward to working with the professionals and getting to know a whole new world that these incredible people have excelled in. 

What are you most looking forward to? 

I am looking forward to learning from the professionals and getting to know a completely new group of people. I am also looking forward to getting into my glittery and fake tan era! 

What are you most nervous about? 

The whole thing! I think nerves are always a sign you care and are invested in giving your best. This is a different type of experience and competition to being an athlete though, because the preparation is completely led by others and as an athlete we are used to knowing our events inside out and having more understanding of what good looks like. It鈥檚 completely out of my comfort zone to be on national tv doing a competition I know nothing about! But that鈥檚 one of the reasons I am so excited too! 

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be? 

Gosh, I am spoilt for choice, but I was in the Ballroom for Karen and Carlos鈥檚 Paso Doble last year and that was truly incredible, so getting to do a Paso Doble would be amazing. 

How did your family and friends react when you told them? 

When the announcement happened I was working backstage at the English Youth Ballet鈥檚 production of Swan Lake, which my daughter was performing in. I got a knock on the door of the dressing room I was looking after and when I opened it the company and crew were jumping up and down with excitement!

My daughter said 鈥淔inally!鈥� and my son said 鈥渢hat鈥檚 a good plan!鈥�, while my Dad offered to teach me to dance  - which is hilarious as no one has ever seen him even do a dad dance! My husband knew all along, so he was in on the secret. I鈥檝e had so many messages of good luck too, it鈥檚 been a fabulous reaction. 

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

Not specifically but as my daughter is a very talented dancer and ballerina I know I鈥檒l be getting the most honest and brutal feedback!  

What are you hoping to get out of the experience? 

Have fun, learn something new and find out more about the world of dance and the people I鈥檒l have the privilege to work with. I think it鈥檚 good to challenge yourself, and there鈥檚 no better place to do that than live on national TV! 

What would be your dream song to dance to? 

The one that gets me the highest score! Perhaps something by Kylie or Take That! 

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

I have no experience of being backstage before my own performance but based on pre race routines, I will be playing back the step sequence in my head I think. Pre race I would be concentrating on the shape of a course, so I suspect I will be focusing on the shape of the dance. 

How would your family and friends describe your dancing skills? 

Limited! 

What do you think will be more nerve wracking - competing for a gold medal or dancing live on TV? 

Probably the dancing, because every time I have competed for gold I have had years of prep behind me! 

Are there any transferable skills between competing at the Paralympics and taking part in Strictly?

I should imagine the psychological skills to focus on the controllable parts of the process and attempt to remain calm will be transferable, as well as the work ethic and pain threshold. Dancing is physically demanding too, so I hope my physical fitness will transfer as well 

Jaime Winstone

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

I feel so excited! I feel like this is such a good time for me to do this. It鈥檚 such a great opportunity to show a little bit more of who I am, but also show how much I love performing, dressing up, collaborating with people, and being part of a team. Obviously, I'm a bit nervous which I think is normal, and I'm aware that it's going to be a lot of hard work, but I'm certainly up for the challenge!

What made you say yes to Strictly?

It just felt right! I have been asked before and I've always been working and busy or just being full-on mum, but I turned 40 last year and I've really got to just lean into this moment. A lot of people in my life know how much I love dancing 鈥� music and dance is such a big part of who I am. There were some clear signs that this should be my Strictly year - one of them being Madonna's new album and its track with the lyrics 鈥榚verybody get up and dance鈥�. I took that as a personal sign as I'm such a huge Madonna fan 鈥� there's not a room in my house without a disco ball!

Another very clear sign came when I went to my friend Poppy Delevingne鈥檚 birthday party a few months back, and Taylor Swift was there! I was just dancing as I do, and she came up to me out of nowhere and just said, 鈥極h my lord, how do you dance so freely?鈥�. When someone of her calibre and status says that, it鈥檚 a very clear sign!

I've done every sort of gritty drama you possibly could do, and I usually play people quite a lot older than me, and I just thought: this is the time to step into a realm that I don't know, which is the ballroom, and give it a real good go. If you're going to do one, this is the most joyous, sparkly, and challenging one to do. Oh and another big reason is my Nan! My Nan is going to lose her marbles over this!  

What are you most looking forward to, and what are you most nervous about?

I am most looking forward to getting to know the new dances, testing my muscle memory, and understanding the characters and the essence behind the dance. I'm an actor, and I always go off music when I'm building a character, so this feels in my domain somewhat. Also, connecting with my dance partner, and obviously seeing how I perform live for the first time. I've done plays and I remember lines, but remembering footwork鈥� I keep trying to say to myself, 鈥榙ancing is acting鈥� 鈥� you remember where to stand, you remember where to go, you remember when to say your lines at the right time.

I guess one thing I'm not looking forward to with my poor partner is that I can be a little bit of a daydreamer, and I do tend to add my own essence to things. Hopefully I won't go too freestyle! As an actor, you often feel like you have to be in control of your performance all the time, so I'm nervous about allowing that trust to take over. Obviously I'm also very nervous about falling, but I'm still going to jump in the deep end and ask to be thrown around and do lifts if I can!

Do you have a signature dance move?

I do a lot of stuff with my hands. I am quite up into the voguing scene. I've always said the three things that describe me are; I'm a mother, I'm an actor, and I'm a raver. I'm not a controlled dancer, I've never done a dance lesson in my life and I've never done a routine, so I'm quite excited to see how I get on with that.

How did your family and friends react when you told them, and did they give you any advice?

My mum screamed! She absolutely loves it. My dad was kind of like, 鈥榦h my lord鈥� [laughs], but everybody's very, very excited, my mother-in-law the most out of them all as she鈥檚 such a huge fan. I think everybody responded like 鈥測ou're going to win it!鈥� 鈥� the blind confidence of your family and friends is always just so humbling and so beautiful. The women in my family were definitely more responsive than the men! [laughs].

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I really want to gain the knowledge of traditional dance. Music is such a huge part of our cultures, and we're so lucky enough to be brought up in a world where music is just everywhere in all its different styles. I would love to incorporate this experience into my world and hopefully go and do something professionally in dance or musical theatre or film.

I hope I take some amazing dance moves with me that I've never had the opportunity to learn, and I hope I make a lot of friends! Since I was a little girl and I watched Strictly Ballroom, I fantasised about being a dancer and wearing the clothes and dipping my toe into this world where it's just so glittery and tanned and camp!

What would be your dream song to dance to?

I鈥檇 love a tango to 鈥楪irl, You'll Be a Woman Soon鈥� by Neil Diamond. In movie week, Grease or Pretty Woman would be iconic! Also, doing some sort of Kate Bush inspired dance to 鈥楻unning Up That Hill鈥� would be amazing. I'd love to do something Madonna inspired; she's such a queen, and I've always seen myself matching that energy of 鈥楳aterial Girl鈥� 鈥� that would just be epic!

Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?

I know Dani Dyer, and she is such a mega babe 鈥� she鈥檚 so sweet and so easy to get along with. I've worked with her dad, and our dads have worked together, and our kids have bonded, so I feel like I'm in really good company. Also Lacey Turner, who I worked with on a Dominic Savage film, and I obviously did a couple of episodes of EastEnders where I played Peggy Mitchell. There seems to be a really good girl gang taking part. I鈥檓 excited to meet new friends!鈥�

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

I lead quite a chaotic lifestyle in terms of schedule, so I do a lot of meditation and breathing. You just need to have that calm time. Also, I surround myself with fabulousness. At home my husband doesn't let me decorate the place like a complete boudoir, so wherever I go I tend to take a suitcase full of feather boas and glittery stuff!

You鈥檙e no stranger to the big screen - which one of your film credits do you think would be the best to translate into a dance for Movie Week?

Probably 鈥楳ade In Dagenham鈥�, because you could do a 60s-inspired dance. It鈥檚 about a big protest and female empowerment; the music in the 60s was so cool, and you could do a lot with the look. And because I did 鈥楤abs鈥�, Barbara Windsor鈥檚 biopic, how good would it be to do a 鈥楥arry on Camping鈥� dance? Or maybe a 鈥楲ove Rosie鈥� waltz? That would also be cute.

Shaun Wright-Phillips

How do you feel about joining Strictly 2026?

It鈥檚 something that鈥檚 definitely out of my comfort zone, but overall I鈥檓 really looking forward to it!

What made you say yes to Strictly?

I wanted to challenge myself and learn something new. 

What are you most looking forward to?

Stepping into a new arena and learning new skills. I鈥檓 also really excited to meeting some amazing people along the way.

What are you most nervous about?

I don鈥檛 get overly nervous in general, but this is obviously something that鈥檚 really new to me. I鈥檓 not saying I won鈥檛 be nervous at all, but I鈥檓 here to do the best I can and I have people who are rooting for me, so what will be will be! Right now I feel pretty relaxed - but ask me the same question 10 minutes before the first live show and I might have a different answer! [laughs]  

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

Everyone was crazy excited, I鈥檝e received a really nice amount of support so far. And then all of a sudden my inbox was filled with friends and family trying to get their live show ticket orders in!

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

I know my mum is over the moon that I'm doing it. I guess it will be nice for my kids to see their dad moving some shapes on TV too!

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

To meet some amazing people and have as much fun as possible learning and dancing.

Have you had any advice from any former contestants?

Yes - from last year鈥檚 winner Kaz (Karen Carney), in fact. She said to just dive straight into it and don't hold back, so I鈥檒l take that advice. I鈥檓 going to go for it and do the best I can.

Will you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

I never really had any rituals throughout my football career, as I like to not overthink things and just go with the flow - but let鈥檚 see how I feel when I get to the studios.

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

I dread to ask them - but I鈥檓 sure they鈥檒l be giving me as much feedback as the Strictly judges! They鈥檙e used to seeing me dance at parties, but this will be the first time they鈥檝e seen me dance while sober! 

Melanie Walters

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

The best mix of excited and nervous. I can鈥檛 wait to find out who I鈥檒l be dancing with, and to then finally get going and start learning some routines!

What made you say yes to Strictly?

It was a little bit of 鈥渘ow or never鈥� really. I鈥檓 not getting any younger! It just felt like the right time to dive into something like Strictly, which is something completely outside my normal life and my comfort zone.

I鈥檝e no formal dance training to speak of, my involvement in musicals and pantos have been as a character actress not a dancer, but I have always loved to dance. We鈥檙e talking disco, not clubbing! This is such an opportunity to push my boundaries and learn some beautiful routines and show them on live television!

What are you most looking forward to and what are you most nervous about?

I鈥檓 most looking forward to meeting my dance partner and I hope we have a really good connection and a really happy time together. I cannot wait to learn all the techniques that come with Ballroom. I have very little experience in that style of dance so it will be a great challenge. Of course, I am also excited to see what fabulous outfits I am going to be wearing! I鈥檓 nervous about my head saying 鈥測es I can do that move鈥�, but my body disagreeing!

Do you have a signature dance move?

Not a clue how you would describe it... I think it might be called 鈥渇reestyle鈥�.

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

There鈥檝e been too many brilliant routines to choose one, but in general as a viewer I love a waltz, a quickstep and a tango! Those are the ones I鈥檓 especially hoping to do on the show.

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

My friends were just absolutely delighted. My family and I are so close and they are always so supportive of whatever I do - even though they don鈥檛 understand why I do it!

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

I鈥檓 primarily doing Strictly for myself and everybody who is over 60. For all us women in particular who are in their 60s, who have a chance to seize an opportunity but shy away from taking it - fearing they鈥檙e too old. We鈥檙e always learning and growing at whatever age. There鈥檚 no such thing as being 鈥榩ast it鈥�, things may become different as we get older but we鈥檙e no less valid.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I am truly just doing it to learn a fantastic new skill and hopefully have an absolute blast doing it. Dancing is so freeing and such a good way of expressing yourself. To have this opportunity to learn how to dance properly, from the professionals, on the most brilliant dance floor possible is almost too good to be true. I鈥檓 getting a weekly masterclass - unbelievable! I just want to dive into Strictly heels first and give it 100 percent.

What would be your dream song to dance to?

My favourite song is always in the moment. I hear a song and depending on my mood it鈥檚 the best song ever and I鈥檒l listen to it about 10 times in a row there and then, and will swan around the living room to it as if I鈥檓 on Strictly, and then the next day or week I鈥檒l hear something completely different and the same thing will happen again.

A bit like the weather, it鈥檚 constantly changing. I鈥檓 excited for all the new favourite songs I hope I鈥檒l get to have on Strictly.

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

I know I鈥檒l end up having one, but what it will be will depend on what I do that first week. So, I鈥檒l need to make sure it鈥檚 not too lengthy or complicated as I will have to do it every week from there on in!

How would your family and friends describe your dancing skills?

I quite honestly can say I don鈥檛 think my family have ever seen me dance enough to comment. My friends think I鈥檓 quite a good mover though!

One of your most iconic roles over the years is Gwen in Gavin & Stacey, do you think Gwen would be able to flip an omelette while doing the Cha Cha Cha?

I think Gwen could do absolutely anything whilst simultaneously making an omelette. If Gwen was a contestant on Strictly, I think it鈥檚 safe to say all the contestants, crew, hosts, and judges would be well fed.

She would be given extra training by Nessa (who taught Shirley Ballas all she knows) and Bryn would take over her wardrobe, in his element choosing the sequinned dresses for her. After making Nessa鈥檚 wedding outfit, she would probably make a few of her own...

Chris Appleton

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

It鈥檚 an incredible opportunity, and I鈥檓 genuinely honoured to be part of the 2026 class alongside some incredible celebrities and dancers who I can鈥檛 wait to meet! I鈥檝e always believed in pushing yourself and embracing new challenges, so this felt like the perfect chance to do exactly that.

I鈥檓 especially excited to join the Strictly family this year in particular, and to meet Emma, Johannes and Josh as they host the show for the first time.

What made you say yes to Strictly?

I鈥檝e loved watching Strictly for as long as I can remember, so when the opportunity came along, it felt like one I couldn鈥檛 pass up. I鈥檝e always believed in saying yes to new challenges, especially the ones that push you outside your comfort zone. That鈥檚 something I鈥檝e always done throughout my career, however dancing is something completely different for me, and that鈥檚 exactly what makes it so exciting.

One thing I鈥檓 not a stranger to is showbiz glam, so I鈥檓 really excited to wear the incredible outfits and try out different looks each week!

What are you most looking forward to?

I really cannot wait to get stuck into the live shows. There鈥檚 something really special about performing in front of an audience, especially when it鈥檚 on live TV! It鈥檒l definitely be nerve-wracking, but I think that鈥檚 what makes it even more exciting. I鈥檓 also so excited to meet my dance partner! The dancers on Strictly are always legendary and I can鈥檛 wait to see who I鈥檒l be working alongside and learning from.

What are you most nervous about?

I keep having a recurring dream that the show begins, and I鈥檓 out there on the dancefloor in front of the studio audience and cameras鈥� and suddenly I forget all my moves. So fingers crossed that doesn鈥檛 happen!

Do you have a signature dance move?

Definitely the dad dance. I鈥檓 not sure how much I鈥檒l be able to bring that one out, or if it鈥檚 something anyone should see鈥�

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett鈥檚 Jive in 2004! It鈥檚 known as one of the greatest routines of all time and rightly so. Jill absolutely smashed it with a perfect score of 40, so if I can get anywhere close to that it鈥檇 be incredible.

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

They were absolutely thrilled. I think they鈥檙e even more excited than I am! Everyone has been so supportive from the moment I told them. Strictly is such an iconic show that so many people have grown up watching, so getting the chance to be part of it is really special. They鈥檝e all been encouraging me every step of the way, and I know they鈥檒l be cheering me on throughout the competition.

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

My kids and my mum were definitely the most excited. They鈥檝e always loved Strictly, so when I told them I was doing the show, they couldn鈥檛 believe it. Seeing how happy and supportive they were made saying yes feel even more special. I鈥檓 so excited to see my family in the audience cheering me on.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I鈥檓 hoping to come away having learned a completely new skill and with memories that will stay with me forever. I want to enjoy every moment, challenge myself, embrace the experience and hopefully surprise myself with what I鈥檓 capable of.

Have you had any advice from any former contestants?

My friend Chrishell has done Dancing with The Stars in the US. The best piece of advice she gave me was to just have fun and enjoy every bit, because it goes so quickly.

What would be your dream song to dance to?

One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston.

Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?

I haven鈥檛, but I鈥檓 looking forward to meeting everyone and making new friendships along this journey! It was so exciting seeing the announcements and finding out who I鈥檇 be dancing alongside. It鈥檚 going to be so fun meeting some of the iconic names from our screens and people I鈥檝e grown up watching too.

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

Calling my kids will definitely be my number one ritual. They will encourage me and help me to get into the zone and focus on what I鈥檓 about to do, as well as just remembering to have fun. I know I鈥檒l be thinking of them when I鈥檓 out on the dancefloor.

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

Any friends and family who have danced with me at parties or at home, I鈥檇 say would hopefully describe my dancing skills as always having fun! However, my kids might say otherwise.

You have friends who have taken part in Dancing with the Stars in the US. What made you want to take part in Strictly instead?

I have friends who've taken part in Dancing with the Stars in the US, but for me, Strictly felt like the right fit. Being from the UK, there's something really special about taking part in such an iconic British show - it genuinely feels like coming home to my roots.

Having my family here as well makes it even more meaningful, because they're so excited to support me throughout the whole journey. I can鈥檛 wait to be in London and head back home to Leicester too.

Graeme Hall

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

More excited than I鈥檝e ever been to get stuck into something. I鈥檓 feeling quite apprehensive, but I imagine that鈥檚 normal.

What made you say yes to Strictly?

I love dancing. I did a little dancing as a hobby years ago, but had to stop when I had a stroke. I recovered fully after a heart operation, but I haven鈥檛 danced for years.

I鈥檓 a huge Strictly fan. We always watch in our house and try predicting what the judges (especially Craig) are going to say. I鈥檒l be more anxious than ever to know what he and they think this year!

What are you most looking forward to?

Wearing a tail suit. When does a chap ever get to dress up in a tail suit these days? I love the elegant look. I鈥檓 known for my tweed and cravats, but Strictly takes 鈥榙apper鈥� to a new level, doesn鈥檛 it? Oh, and the sparkles. In for a penny...!

What are you most nervous about?

I鈥檓 most nervous of the nerves themselves, messing up a routine on the night and letting my partner down. I鈥檓 a bit of a perfectionist. 鈥業f a job鈥檚 worth doing it鈥檚 worth doing right鈥� is something I say a lot and I鈥檒l work hard to get it right but there鈥檚 no accounting for stage fright. Strictly is way out of my comfort zone!

Do you have a signature dance move?

I鈥檓 confident I can walk down the famous Strictly staircase looking the part. I reckon I鈥檒l be good at that, but as for actual dancing, no signature moves I鈥檓 afraid. I was rather good with The Funky Gibbon (by The Goodies) at the school disco in 1975. Does that count...?

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz鈥檚 quickstep to Sing, Sing, Sing. So fast, so sharp, so elegant. Very Fred Astaire!

And JB Gill鈥檚 Viennese Waltz to Let鈥檚 Go Fly a Kite 2024. It literally looked like he and Lauren were flying. Lauren鈥檚 the favourite female pro in our house! I also loved their Samba to Mas Que Nada. I鈥檝e no idea how I鈥檓 going to move my hips and chest like JB, but I鈥檒l give it a go!

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

They were over the moon for me. I was quite taken aback. I heard from old friends I haven鈥檛 spoken to for a while too. There was a bit of mickey-taking from my mates, it has to be said. My fellow Yorkshireman, the chef James Martin, laughed his head off when he heard: 鈥淵ou have no idea what you鈥檙e letting yourself in for!鈥� he said. James made the semi-final in 2005, which is something he was quick to remind me of. The gauntlet has been thrown down!

In my spare time I race a 1960s MG sports car in a speed hillclimb and sprint championship. I鈥檝e been leading the overall championship from the start of the season in April, but there鈥檚 a good chance I might not win ultimately as I鈥檒l miss the last couple of events due to Strictly. Hey ho! The other drivers have been lovely 鈥� one saying that if I lose because of Strictly, I鈥檒l be 鈥渢he best overall champion the championship never had鈥�. I was very touched. Recently, I spun the car 360 degrees in practice, trying too hard. One of my championship colleagues wasted no time in describing it as 鈥渁 pirouette Shirley Ballas would be proud of鈥�. Very funny...

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

My mum. She鈥檚 90 on 6th September this year. We lost my dad a few years ago and she still lives in the bungalow where I was born in Selby, North Yorkshire.

She met my dad, literally on the dance floor, in the late 1950s. They danced jive, as everyone did then, but also waltz and 鈥� my mum鈥檚 favourite 鈥� quickstep. Apparently, they would fly around the dancefloor, quickstepping their way past everyone else. I would love to make her proud.

One of my dad鈥檚 sayings was 鈥淒o your best. No one can ask any more of you鈥�. Good advice, isn鈥檛 it? I鈥檒l 100% be doing my very best on the dancefloor for my mum and in memory of my dad.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

Strictly Come Dancing is a life experience that money can鈥檛 buy. I think of it this way: This is series 24 and there are 15 celebs. Do the maths: that鈥檚 not a lot of people in the whole wide world who have been given this opportunity to learn something so joyous from the best in the business. How lucky am I...?! I鈥檓 going to enjoy every single minute of it, work hard and hope it lasts for many weeks.

What would be your dream song to dance to?

It鈥檚 so hard to choose one but as an avid Strictly viewer, I know the music choice really makes the performance (There鈥檚 also the small matter of dancing, telling the story etc!). I鈥檇 love to waltz to a classic such as Moon River, or a cheeky Cha Cha to Rufus Thomas鈥� Walking the Dog because, sooner or later, I HAVE to dance to a dog song, right...?

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

I think they might say it was erm... surprising. I鈥檒l let everyone else judge whether that鈥檚 surprisingly good or otherwise, ha ha!

Lacey Turner

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

I'm excited to learn something new and to be a part of this whole glittery shenanigan. But I am absolutely terrified and hoping that will go once I'm in the training room and I can get into it. I鈥檓 going to create a character that I can play on a Saturday night, as that鈥檚 the only way I鈥檒l get out there I think!

What made you say yes to Strictly?

I've always wanted to do it, but I've just never been brave enough. I've had a friend do it every year, so I know how hard it is. A lot of my friends are physically fit, and they have been exhausted. So, whilst I'm not working on EastEnders this year, I thought it might be a good time to do it because I'm not sure I am physically or mentally fit enough to do both jobs at the same time as well as run a household with three feral children! [laughs]

What are you most looking forward to? What are you most nervous about?

I'm actually most looking forward to the training. I think that I will enjoy that bit of it the most, and meeting everybody else. I'm obviously most terrified about the live Saturday nights and sitting in the makeup chair for that long, I鈥檓 not very good at that! I'm going to try my best and work on my patience.

Do you have a signature dance move?

All I've done on dance floors for the past 25 years is put my right arm up and point it in the air! [laughs]

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

I鈥檝e always gravitated towards something Latin. I鈥檝e got to say I thought Balvinder and Julian鈥檚 Paso Doble last year was brilliant.

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

They're so excited, even more excited than me! I think they've always wanted me to do it so they are beside themselves, especially my children.

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

It's mainly for myself and my children. I want to show them that you can do anything if you're brave and you work hard.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

Just to have a good time. I think it is such a lovely experience that not many people get the opportunity to do. So, I've got to really enjoy it because it is a once in a lifetime thing.

What would be your dream song to dance to?

I'm actually terrible with music. I've normally got the wrong words and I have no idea who sang it. But, my daughter's favourite song is Ordinary by Alex Warren, so she really wants me to do a dance to that. And my son's favourite is a song from Minions, so you never know it might be that for Movie Week!

Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?

I've met Dani and Jaime before, which is lovely because we're sort of similar and we're the same-ish ages. So, I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing them again and becoming a big family with everyone else.

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

Oh no. I'm one of those that just wings it and hopes for the best!

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

Not great. I have zero dancing skills, so definitely room for improvement!

The nation has watched you grow up as the legendary Stacey Slater on EastEnders. Is there something you hope they鈥檒l discover about you during your Strictly journey?

I think it would just be nice for people to maybe see me as me. You play the same character for 21 years, and there are obviously bits of me in Stacey, but we are so different. Hopefully on Strictly people will be able to separate me from the character and learn more about me.

Will Best

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

It's a dream come true! My main feelings are a mixture of delirious excitement, and terror, and I think that's healthy [laughs]. It still feels surreal and I can't quite picture myself on the show 鈥� it seems crazy that I'm going to be doing the thing that I've watched so many other people do for so long. And when I do imagine doing it, my knees go a bit wobbly.

What made you say yes to Strictly?

The thing that always blows my mind is watching people who've never danced before put on some of the most unbelievable displays of dancing prowess. To just be in the ballroom on that dance floor, I jumped at the chance because I love the show 鈥� and I love music, which is such a huge part of it.

The thought that I might learn even a tenth of the moves that people seem to be able to learn after a few weeks of the show, and to think that I could hold my own in any dance-off in a club, is amazing.

What are you most looking forward to, and what are you most nervous about?

I'm specifically nervous about remembering the routines. It's not that I'm particularly nervous about the movement, although I am obviously nervous about that, it鈥檚 the fear of getting lost on the dancefloor and not knowing what my legs are supposed to do next. There is a reason why I don't do TikTok dances on my feed, and it鈥檚 mainly because they take me about a week to learn! [laughs].

I am probably most excited about the feeling that will come after having done my first dance and it's gone well, but I don't know if that's going to happen so that's kind of maybe wishful thinking鈥� Also, wearing some low-cut shirts!

Do you have a signature dance move?

I do this thing that is slightly hard to describe. I drop to my knee, down into a very low squat, and then I spring up again whilst alternately kicking my legs. I guess you could describe it as a kind of Cossack-inspired breakdancing move. Which gets harder and harder the older my knees get, and it doesn't look as impressive as it feels!

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

Probably Fleur East and Vito when they did the Destiny's Child Mega Mix, which was their first perfect score of 40 - and at Blackpool no less. If you're going to pull out a 40 pointer, that's the time to do it!

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

My mum cried, which is very sweet. She鈥檚 a big fan of the show. Everyone else was just very, very excited, but mum shedding a few tears was probably the highlight.

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

It would have to be my mum. When I first got into telly, I think it's been my mum's ambition for me. When I got my first big proper telly gig, my Mum was like, 鈥渙h my god, does this mean you might be able to do Strictly?鈥�. So, this has been on her mood board for about 15 years.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

Besides some dance moves, my friends that have done the show like Fleur [East] and AJ [Odudu], are still good mates with people that they did the show with. It's probably that, and it sounds really pathetic doesn鈥檛 it, but making friends! [laughs].

What would be your dream song to dance to?

I interviewed Sam Smith on the radio recently, and they have a new single out called My Guy, and in the studio we said this would be an incredible song for a waltz. I told them that because they love Strictly, and I said to them that I would dance to the song. They said, 鈥減lease dance to it and I鈥檒l come sing it鈥�! Which obviously can't happen because that would be very unfair [laughs].

Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?

I've met Dani Dyer, but I haven't seen her since I chose her dad as my specialist subject on Mastermind, so I don't know whether she is going to be freaked out by me and I鈥檓 slightly embarrassed. I chose him because he's a national treasure. I've always thought it would be fun to be mates with him, but in hindsight, I don't know whether basically telling somebody that you're an obsessive fan is the best way to spark a lasting friendship.

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

Before every live Big Brother show, I have one small beer, a cola, and a water 鈥� separately! I basically have 3 drinks and it's always quite difficult to hold them all. But I probably shouldn't have the cola just before dancing, because I don't want to be, you know, gassy if I am very close to somebody else's face鈥�

I also always give AJ a hug before going live, so it's going to be so weird getting all spruced up in my Cuban heels and my low-cut shirts and not having AJ there to wave me off onto the stage!

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

I'd say eccentric. I wouldn't go as far as to say non-existent, but there鈥檚 room for improvement.

Which Strictly judge, pro or fellow competitor would you most want to be trapped in the Big Brother house with and why?

I think Craig would be like the perfect Big Brother housemate. I've only met him to interview him, but he's very funny and he doesn't care what other people think. He has a hard, cutting exterior, but actually he's a big softy on the inside, so you would get a real character arc. He鈥檇 go in as the slightly grumpy, prickly character, and then he'd come out as a big loveable mushy mess, and it would be great.

Tabby Stoecker

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

I am buzzing! But I will say it still genuinely feels like a dream, someone pinch me. I can鈥檛 comprehend that I鈥檓 actually going to be the person dancing in the sparkly dress and heels on the telly!

What made you say yes to Strictly?

I wanted a new challenge! I鈥檝e still got so much more to do in my sport but from when I turned 18 and discovered skeleton, my whole life has been spent doing the same thing, trying to master the same skills every single day. Of course that鈥檚 got me to an Olympic gold medal which I couldn鈥檛 be prouder of - but it also means I鈥檝e not put myself out there in a long time, to go and learn something totally new and challenge myself in a different way, and that鈥檚 how we grow right? Strictly feels like such an opportunity to find out who I am outside of my sport and push myself!

What are you most looking forward to?

Honestly, I have so much admiration for professional dancers - they make something so difficult and technical look effortless and beautiful, and I really really want to learn how to do that - to captivate people in that way and move my body with fluidity and grace! Plus, anything sparkly or jewelled has a special place in my heart so the costumes are a massive treat.

What are you most nervous about?

Oh there鈥檚 a lot of firsts coming up for me. I鈥檓 definitely nervous about wearing heels, dancing in heels, dancing on live television in heels鈥� I鈥檓 also weirdly super nervous about tripping and falling down the stairs before the dancing even starts! I keep having little nightmares about it! For saying I鈥檓 an elite athlete, I can be incredibly clumsy.

Do you have a signature dance move?

To be honest I鈥檓 hardly ever in dancing situations - I started sports straight out of school so I didn鈥檛 go out dancing much when I was younger or anything! But I love a good kitchen boogie and usually it鈥檚 spinning and jumping or some variation of the two. Also - when the washing machine finishes its cycle it always plays this little song and it鈥檚 become a running joke at home that I stop what I鈥檓 doing and dance to it with a very specific move鈥� I don't know how to describe it but it always makes people giggle.

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

There are two that spring to mind鈥� Faye Tozer and Giovanni doing theatre and jazz in the sunglasses. Faye鈥檚 got this long ponytail and it was just so, so cool - the style, the music and the precision. Then also the iconic samba that Danny Mac and Oti did. That lives rent free in my head.

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

There was a lot of screaming and jumping around doing their best ballroom dancing impressions. My best friend actually screamed out the window into the traffic we were sat in! To put it simply, they were all absolutely buzzing for me.

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

I have to dedicate my Strictly journey to my mum. There鈥檚 always music playing at home and mum鈥檚 always stood in the kitchen grooving - she鈥檚 been through a lot in her life and given everything to raise my sister and I. She鈥檚 such a strong woman and I don鈥檛 think I ever see her happier than when she鈥檚 dancing to a good track. She goes out dancing as often as she can, she doesn鈥檛 even need someone to go with her - she does it for herself because it brings her joy to move and groove and I love that about her.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I鈥檇 love to find some confidence in who I am outside of my sport - I鈥檓 used to performing with a level of armour so to speak - being in a helmet so no one can see my individuality. But on Strictly it鈥檚 going to be all about stripping those layers away and showing people who I truly am. It鈥檚 so vulnerable to express yourself fully but I鈥檓 craving the opportunity to explore who I am and share it with the world. No more smiling behind a helmet!

Have you had any advice from any former contestants?

I鈥檝e spoken to a few - and the advice has been really similar. Do not underestimate how hard the training is. And blister plasters鈥� lots and lots of blister plasters!

What would be your dream song to dance to?

I鈥檇 love to dance to Cherish the Day by Sade - maybe a rumba or something. It鈥檚 such a beautiful song about true love and I鈥檇 dedicate it to my mum and dad - my dad passed away tragically when I was young and to this day my mum will forever say my dad was her one true love. So it would be nice to honour them through the dance.

Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?

No, I鈥檝e never met any of them before! It was super exciting seeing people getting announced on socials and learning who I was going to share this amazing journey with! I think I鈥檓 the youngest celeb this year which is kind of cool because I get to speak to so many incredible people about their lives, soak up all the advice - I鈥檝e already had a few pearls of wisdom from some of them!

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

Super cheesy but whenever I鈥檓 nervous before a big race I like to take myself off and find a mirror and just smile at myself - I usually end up laughing at the ridiculousness of it and it just reminds me of why I鈥檓 doing the nerve wrecking thing in the first place - because it makes me happy. And that just helps to calm me right down and reminds me to enjoy the moment. So if you catch me smiling at myself in a dressing room mirror now you know why.

How would your family and friends describe your dancing skills?

I think they鈥檇 say I鈥檝e got rhythm and that I definitely look like I鈥檓 enjoying myself鈥� but I don鈥檛 necessarily have any of the skills to back up my enthusiasm!

What do you think will be more nerve wracking, competing for a gold medal or dancing live on TV?

Dancing live on telly sounds incredibly nerve wracking but as I鈥檝e still not done that yet, I have to say competing for a gold medal - the feeling of getting only one shot at achieving your dreams is a huge amount of pressure. Plus doing skeleton is dangerous in its own right, so that brings on the nerves too!

What are the transferable skills between competing at the Olympics and taking part in Strictly?

Well for starters they demand a lot of physical training, mental resilience and determination. I鈥檇 say for both you need to be ready to adapt at any moment, be extremely coachable and open to taking on feedback - good or bad - and be unflappable under pressure. Also both the Olympics and Strictly are live, so you鈥檙e putting yourself out there real time for people to watch - they鈥檙e both a performance of sorts! For skeleton specifically, we were encouraged to really tune into our body and our senses as we hurtle down the track, if you鈥檙e switched off for one moment you might miss something and then crash! So far it seems that dancing relies heavily on that trust in yourself too - so the skills translate really well!

Dani Dyer

How do you feel about returning to Strictly?

I seriously couldn鈥檛 be more excited to join. I cried when I got the call, I didn't want to assume after everything that happened last year that I would get another chance.

I can鈥檛 wait to finally get the opportunity to properly experience the Strictly journey. I am excited, nervous and emotional - all the feelings! But more than anything I can鈥檛 wait to get stuck in to learning how to dance and make the most of every single moment. As long as I don't trip over my own feet I will be happy!

Your time in the competition last year was unfortunately cut short. What does it mean to be back in the ballroom this year?

It means the world to me. Getting another chance feels really special. I'm just so grateful to be back and to get out on the dance floor, enjoy every moment and give it absolutely everything I've got. I'm ready for the glitter, the fake tan, the sore feet and hopefully a few good dance moves along the way!

What are you most looking forward to?

I鈥檓 really looking forward to meeting everyone, seeing some old friends and making some new ones along the way. I am ready to get on the dance floor and give it my all.

Last year I only got a small taste of the excitement with the launch show and only a few days of training, and I just loved it. I can't wait to learn new skills, challenge myself, get glammed up and make memories I'll never forget. I know I'm going to be really emotional when I finally do my first dance. After everything that's happened, that moment is going to mean so much to me.

What are you most nervous about?

I'm probably most nervous about getting out on that dancefloor for the first time and being judged! I'm quite sensitive and definitely my own biggest critic, I'll probably overthink everything.

But if I'm really honest, my biggest fear is getting injured again. I'm going to do everything I can to look after myself, stay positive and just enjoy every moment of the experience.Doing the Quickstep definitely scares me a little...

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

I really admire Karen Carney and loved her and Carlos鈥� Peaky Blinders themed Argentine Tango last year. It was such a powerful performance and you could tell how much it meant to her. The confidence, the storytelling and the fact she fully committed to it was magical. If I could perform a routine that made people feel that way, I'd be very happy!

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

They were absolutely buzzing! They knew how much this meant to me. They were all so supportive and just really happy that I got another chance to do something I've been so excited about.

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

I'd definitely say Jarrod's mum, Nat. She absolutely loves Strictly and was convinced I was going to do it before I even knew myself! She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. My mum as well. She's one of my biggest supporters and is always in my corner no matter what. We love a dance together and I know she'll be watching every week

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I'm hoping to come away with more confidence in myself and a brand new skill. I want to push myself out of my comfort zone, learn something completely different and make memories I'll never forget. I of course also want to have lots of fun along the way. It's such a special experience, and I want to throw myself into every second of it

Have you had any advice from any former contestants?

Yes! Vicky Pattison has given me some great advice. We became really close and she always says, just enjoy every single moment because it goes by so quickly. She told me not to put too much pressure on myself, to embrace the whole experience and have fun with it. Knowing how nervous she was at the start and how brilliantly she did has definitely given me a lot of confidence and inspiration.

What would be your dream song to dance to?

I love all the classics! Show Me Love by Robin S, Flowers by Sweet Female Attitude, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande and my new obsession has to be Olivia Dean. I would absolutely love to do a dance to one of her songs as she is incredible.

Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?

I've met a few familiar faces over the years through work and events, but I'm really excited to get to know everyone properly. It looks like such a lovely group, and going through an experience like Strictly creates a really special bond.

And if Chris Appleton fancies giving me a blow dry while we're there, I definitely won't be saying no!

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

I love a manifestation card and Jarrod鈥檚 mum Nat always gets me a good luck bracelet or a stone before I do anything, so I鈥檓 sure she will be doing the same for this and I will be putting them all in my dressing room

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

I think they would say I'm actually not a bad dancer! I've always loved a dance and I'm usually the first one up at a party. If I have the technique for Strictly is another question, but I'd like to think I've got a bit of rhythm and plenty of enthusiasm!

Cach Mercer

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

I'm very excited, I cannot wait to get stuck in to the Strictly experience and start learning all of the different styles.

What made you say yes to Strictly?

I love dancing, whether it be in the shower or just at home. I鈥檓 always dancing and I would love to feel what it's like to perform under pressure.

What are you most looking forward to?

Meeting the judges, meeting my partner and telling my story.

What are you most nervous about?

I am mostly nervous about picking up the styles successfully, and being able to execute them to a high level, I am a bit of a perfectionist!

Do you have a signature dance move?

I鈥檓 quite well known for the dirt bounce.

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu鈥檚 Jive performance from the 2025 final.

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

They couldn鈥檛 believe it, they were ecstatic! They believe I鈥檒l do well as if I put my head down and really try my best I can accomplish leading anything new.

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

I鈥檇 have to say my aunties as they are huge fans of the show and have been loyal viewers since I was a child.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I can鈥檛 wait to get dance training from a professional dancer, which is such a great opportunity. They鈥檙e such experts in their field, and I can鈥檛 wait to learn from them.

What would be your dream song to dance to?

Raye - Where is My Husband!

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

Boogie master, skank king.

John Nellis

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

I keep laughing in disbelief. I keep realising the magnitude of it and getting a bit nervous. I keep saying to my wife how surreal it all is. I keep kind of going, 鈥淭his is mad.鈥� So, nervous but ridiculously excited.

What made you say yes to Strictly?

It鈥檚 a no-brainer. It鈥檚 just an absolute honour. Strictly has been part of UK culture for more than 20 years, and it鈥檚 not something that John of four years ago would have ever thought I鈥檇 be asked to do. So, there wasn鈥檛 even a decision. It was only going to be a yes.

What are you most looking forward to?

Losing some weight and being able to eat whatever I want! I think I鈥檓 really excited to be performing in front of a live audience. It鈥檚 not something I鈥檝e got much experience doing at all. So it feels like a big challenge. And it鈥檚 exciting!

What are you most nervous about?

Craig Revel Horwood, he鈥檚 going to rip me to shreds!

Do you have a signature dance move?

Not really, because I can鈥檛 dance! The last thing my friends know me for is dancing! If I had to pick a signature move, it's probably a terrible Peter Crouch robot impression!

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from a past series, which would it be?

Most recently I loved George and Alexis鈥� Paso Doble to Game of Survival from last year!

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

They thought it was a joke, then after convincing them, there were lots of hugs. I also have a very large wider family, so there have been lots of ticket requests!

Is there anyone in particular 鈥� whether family or friend 鈥� who you鈥檙e doing Strictly for?

A few people for different reasons. Firstly, my parents, it's always nice to try and make them proud, or embarrass them on national TV!

My stepson Eli, who I want to try and show that you can do anything if you give 100%. My wife, who supports me absolutely, in everything I do. And finally, my cousin John, who is the biggest Strictly fan I know!

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

To make some new friends and learn a skill I've never had. I鈥檓 really looking forward to meeting the other contestants, the dancers, everyone behind the scenes, and just having an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Have you had any advice from any former contestants?

Coincidentally, I was at the World Cup with George Clarke and he was telling me about how amazing Strictly was and I was fascinated. Since my announcement I鈥檝e had a bit of advice from him, and I鈥檒l hopefully talk to him a bit more soon! I want to know everything.

What would be your dream song to dance to?

Anything Hans Zimmer, maybe there could be something for Movie Week!

Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?

I think the only person I might have met is Shaun Wright-Phillips, but it was a couple of years ago when I had only just begun making content. He probably wouldn鈥檛 remember it, but we were on the Manchester City victory parade bus. I think I might have even asked him for a photo!

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

I'll put it this way, everyone I've told has laughed. They don't seem to have much confidence in me. I'm good fun on a dancefloor at a wedding but I wouldn't say I have great technique...

Bethany Antonia

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

So excited! Strictly has been such a big part of my life and my family's life 鈥� it鈥檚 the one thing that we still all watch together. It鈥檚 the call that I didn't ever think would come to be honest, but now it has, I'm just so excited!

What made you say yes to Strictly?

To be completely honest, my nan passed away at the start of the year, and we loved it so much together. The timing of the offer felt like a gift from her, and so I had no choice, I was like, 鈥渋f it's an offer, it's a yes!鈥�. I am doing it for her.

What are you most looking forward to, and what are you most nervous about?

I'm most looking forward to learning all the different styles and learning the technique, seeing how my body takes to each style. I guess I'm most nervous about the speed of learning the routines! Four days to learn a whole routine feels terrifying!

Do you have a signature dance move?

No! [laughs]

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

Oh, I would love to do the routine Faye Tozer and Giovanni did to Fever, that was a classic! Anything to do with Steps is iconic.

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

When I told my mum she lost her mind! She burst into tears and we then put Strictly on the telly and danced around the living room! She鈥檚 just been so excited.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I think just some joy and something completely different. It鈥檚 been such a funny year of doing different types of projects, and I think to finish the year with Strictly is going to be absolutely crazy. I鈥檓 strapping in, I don't really know what to expect, but I think I just want a new chapter of joy and excitement and something that I'll never be able to do again.

Have you had any advice from any former contestants?

Not yet but there are some people in my circles who have done it like Rose Ayling-Ellis, Layton Williams, and Amber Davies, so I'm hoping they鈥檙e going to be in my DMs asap with their tips and tricks! [laughs] I did an episode of Doctor Who with Rose, and she is so lovely and spoke so highly of Strictly.

What would be your dream song to dance to?

My favourite song of all time is Israelites by Desmond Dekker, so I would love to do that, but I was trying to think what style would go with that? Or I would like to do My Way, but the Brook Benton version 鈥� that was also my Nan鈥檚 favourite song.

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

No I don鈥檛 actually. I'm a bit ritual adverse, because if I get into rituals, then I REALLY get into rituals. I've had to make a real effort to be like, 鈥渆very day's going to be different鈥�.

How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?

I think my friends would say it's like an auntie at a BBQ! [laughs] My maracas are out, my hips are moving a little bit, but I am definitely an actor who moves not a dancer who acts!

Are you hoping to bring your fight and stunt choreography from filming House of the Dragon into the world of dancing?

I actually have done a bit of stunty stuff on House of the Dragon 鈥� I learned how to use a crossbow, I've done a bit of martial arts style things, and for a lot of the dragon riding they teach us a lot of core work. So yeah, I'm hoping that I get to do some dances that are really action packed and energetic, so I get to use all parts of my body. I think it's going to be a workout that's for sure!

Lawrence Robb

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

Overwhelmed would be my first word to have used, and I think that's the word that I've used heavily over the last few weeks. Also nervous, trepidatious, but excited is the overriding emotion.

I've never done anything like this before, and from the very minimal dancing that I've done in the past, I know that it's going to be an uphill battle from the get-go. I think once things kick off, I'll probably understand what I've got myself into! [laughs]

What made you say yes to Strictly?

The number one factor I think would be my mum, my gran, and my partner. My mum is arguably more excited about it than I am, and for someone that is going to host Strictly parties every Saturday, I kind of feel like I owe it to her to do at least relatively well so she can carry on hosting them!

What are you most looking forward to, and what are you most nervous about?

I think those two things come hand in hand. Because I'm nervous, but I'm also looking forward to getting my teeth into learning a new skill and really giving it my all. I fully intend to use the eight hours every day to learn and to iron out the routines. I mean, talk to me in week three if I get that far, and I might be saying something different! I'm excited, but I'm also aware of how much work it's going to be, and that's nerve-wracking.

On top of doing the show I am moving house, which is arguably more stressful than anything else an adult can do in the modern day! [laughs]

Do you have a signature dance move?

Yes, and I've been asked by one of my very good friends to involve it in some way in Strictly. If you're aware of the TV show Friends, the Joey dance is something that I'm known for!

If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?

I think Lewis and Katya鈥檚 Couple's Choice to Creep at Halloween last year was incredible. And I can categorically tell you that there's no way that I can do that! [laughs]

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

It was varied! It went from 鈥渙h nice鈥�, to pure weeping. My dad was very proud and happy, but he doesn't watch the show, so I don't think it hit home in the same way that it did for my mum. My mum knew that I was going in for it and that it was on the cards, and as soon as I phoned my mum to tell her, my younger brother was like, 鈥淚 want to be on the call to watch her reaction!鈥�. I told a couple of people at Emmerdale on the day about 20 minutes before the announcement, and a couple of them jumped through the roof.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

Better wedding dance floor moves! Learning new skills that are alien to me at the minute is very exciting but being able to handle myself on a dance floor after one or two champagnes is going to be really cute.

Have you had any advice from any former contestants?

The overriding advice I鈥檝e had really is just sit back, enjoy it, allow yourself to have fun, and really embrace the Strictly family and vibe as best you can. Also, don鈥檛 hold back 鈥� which I don鈥檛 intend on doing, so standby!

How would you describe your dancing skills currently?

Lacklustre at best... Between singing, dancing, and acting, I would place dancing right down at the bottom. But my gosh can I carve up a wedding dance floor with gusto!

I trained under the umbrella of the Dance School of Scotland, but that was doing musical theatre in the same building - I didn't train at the Dance School, so I鈥檝e never done any Latin or Ballroom. There is a part of me where I hope I might take to it like a duck to water, but I think that may be a pipe dream! [laughs]

What would be your dream song to dance to?

It changes every week! Me and my partner really love funky jazz stuff, and our favourite band is Couch. I'm also a huge Hans Zimmer buff, so when I found out I was going to do Strictly I immediately had a vision of doing He鈥檚 a Pirate and becoming Captain Jack Sparrow for Movie Week!

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

It鈥檚 been a hot second since I've done anything live like this. In the past I've sometimes had a certain fragrance for a specific character on stage. Oh, and I always brush my teeth!

Delta Goodrem

How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?

So excited! I feel very much ready to grab my dancing shoes, hit the ballroom, find as much glitter as possible to put on my shoes. I am approaching it with a total open heart, and I am just wanting to learn the new skill set!

What made you say yes to Strictly?

I think the timing felt right. I obviously spend so much of my time in life finding stories in music and the expression of music, so I think stepping out of my comfort zone away from sitting at the piano and songwriting. I have a real passion for music and, I love dancing with all my heart, but I never get to do it! I'm hoping the music can guide me a bit, and the timing has been really right this year 鈥� taking on new challenges and getting out of the box, I really enjoy that.

What are you most looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to the incredible costumes that we're going to be in! I have no idea of what level of dancing I'm at, so I鈥檓 excited to have the professional dancers share all their wisdom with me. I enjoy learning and I鈥檓 not afraid of someone sharing with me how they think I can make something better. I love that there is a live band and that we can find songs that make me want to dance and connect to those emotional moments.

Do you have a signature dance move?

No! I think my family and friends would say that I'm a committed dancer, and I'm committed to the freedom of movement, whether that's on a scale of good or bad is yet to be determined! [laughs]. Actually, I would say my signature dance move is a hair flick!

Do you have any iconic Strictly routines from past series you鈥檇 like to try out?

A lot of my Strictly experiences so far come from the international versions of the show, Dancing with the Stars. I think Robert Irwin was amazing on the US version last year, so hopefully I can channel some of him on Strictly.

I previously appeared as a guest music act on the US Dancing with the Stars, initially to perform a duet with Michael Bolton. Adele was meant to be performing on the same show but she lost her voice and had to cancel, so about 15 minutes before the live show was due to start, they asked me to jump in for Adele and take her place!

Their dancers already had a whole routine ready to go to her song Make You Feel My Love, so I sung Adele鈥檚 song and they did this absolutely beautiful dance to it around me. It was incredible to be part of.

How did your family and friends react when you told them?

Everyone is so excited! My mother-in-law is flying over, and all my family and friends are so excited. One of my best girlfriends did the Australian version and she was amazing. Everyone is extremely supportive and looking forward to turning up, but I've told them all that they must come with signs in the audience!

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

Hopefully to become braver in my dancing. This is probably an area where I've always wanted to learn and improve and hopefully even bring into my shows. I'm really excited to see how I can develop this new skill with an actual professional dancer.

Have you had any advice from any former contestants?

I have crossed paths with so many people since I've been here in the UK! From the top of my head; Ed Balls, Richard Arnold, Nick Knowles, Rav Wilding 鈥� everywhere I've gone someone has shared with me that they have done Strictly and offered me some advice.

I was in Glasgow recently because I performed at the Commonwealth Games, and my driver was a Scottish ballroom dance champion, and he showed me a couple of moves!

What would be your dream song to dance to?

Probably Conga by Gloria Estefan, or The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing. I was recently on tour and I did the lift into the audience as a stage dive!

Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?

I have crossed paths with Chris Appleton a few times in the US. I鈥檓 looking forward to making some new friends in the cast!

Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?

It鈥檚 going to be a lot more stretching than I'm used to! For singing I definitely have rituals, but I'm guessing I'm going to have to find what it is for dancing. It'll be nice because I'm always out on stage by myself sometimes, so it will be nice to have a dance partner to carry the focus with and go out there as a team.

You鈥檝e just competed at the world鈥檚 biggest music competition, Eurovision. Is there anything you鈥檒l take from that experience to bring to Strictly?

Definitely! Eurovision was such a profoundly special experience, and I couldn't be more grateful for what that has taught me and brought me in my life with music and connection. I hope that we can bring equally epic, joyful performances to Strictly, and that we can tell a story through song.

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