Lacey Turner Confirmed as First Contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, reality star Dani Dyer, and Australian singer Delta Goodrem have been confirmed as the first three celebrity contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The announcements came earlier than usual, with the BBC typically revealing its line-up in August, ahead of the show's expected September return. The casting marks the beginning of a significantly revamped series featuring new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe replacing long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has begun announcing its celebrity line-up, with Lacey Turner confirmed as the first contestant on 10 June, followed by Dani Dyer and Delta Goodrem. Turner, 41, is best known for playing Stacey Slater on EastEnders since 2004 and has won multiple British Soap Awards and National Television Awards. Dyer, 29, is returning after fracturing her ankle in rehearsals before the competitive episodes of the 2025 series began, forcing her withdrawal before she could compete. Goodrem, also 41, is an Australian singer and actress who rose to fame on Neighbours and recently represented Australia at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. The 24th series will feature a new presenting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, while judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all return. Head judge Ballas described the upcoming series as having 'quite extraordinary' new elements while assuring viewers the show will still feel familiar.
What's missing
It is not yet confirmed how many total celebrities will compete in the 2026 series, nor have professional dancer pairings been announced for the confirmed contestants.
What different sources said
- Radio TimesCenter
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 confirms returning celebrity who previously was forced to drop out
- BBCCenter
Dani Dyer is the second celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
- BBC Top StoriesCenter
Lacey Turner confirmed as first Strictly contestant
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