Strictly Come Dancing 2026's line-up is complete as Gavin & Stacey's Melanie Walters finally confirms her place
The stars set for the ballroom are finally all locked inMelanie Walters is the 15th – and final – celebrity to be confirmed for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The Welsh actress, 64, is best known for playing Gwen West in the BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey.
Melanie’s name had been tipped for the new series for some time, but now she has confirmed the rumours are true.
Her announcement comes less than 24 hours after YouTuber John Nellis was revealed for the show.
Here’s what we know about Melanie and the other 14 celebrities heading into the Strictly 2026 ballroom this September.
Melanie Walters completes Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
Melanie shared her exciting news with fans on Instagram today.
In a video filmed at home, she said: “Hi there, Mel Walters here putting rumours to rest and confirming that I am indeed joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing this year. Eek!
“It is well out of my comfort zone but I promise I am going to fully embrace it all. Well, maybe not the spray tan. But you never know!”
For the Gavin and Stacey fans among us, Melanie then slipped momentarily into Ness – played by Ruth Jones.
“What I do know is, to coin a phrase, it’s going to be immense,” she smiled. “I cannot wait to see you all in September.”
Melanie played the role of Stacey’s mum Gwen in Gavin & Stacey on and off from 2007 until 2024. Fans finally bid farewell to the character, along with the rest of the show’s much-loved cast, in Gavin & Stacey: The Finale at Christmas 2024.
Melanie has a long and successful stage and television career behind her. Last year, she appeared in Death Valley as Yvonne Mallowan. The actress also popped up in Beyond Paradise this year.
YouTuber John Nellis joins Strictly line-up
John Nellis, YouTuber and social media star, has joined also the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up. But he is still in “disbelief” at getting picked.
John, 33, has become of the UK’s biggest sports content creators. He has a combined audience of more than 20 million followers across social media.
He has become known for his football content, which has featured some of the biggest sport names including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a statement, John said: “I’m still in disbelief that I’ve been selected for Strictly and, if I’m honest, I’m a little nervous as I’ve never danced before!
“It’s such an incredible opportunity, and I’m going to throw myself into every moment. I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!”
Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Tabby Stoecker
Tabby Stoecker is no stranger to performing under pressure. She only made her international debut in the winter sport the Skeleton five years ago, yet is already a gold medal-winning Olympian.
London-born Tabby, 25, won gold alongside Marcus Wyatt in the mixed team Skeleton event at the Winter Olympics 2026.
Announcing her “next challenge”, she said on Strictly’s Instagram Stories: “I am so excited to officially say that I am joining the class of Strictly Come Dancing 2026. I can’t believe that I can say it out loud finally.
“I can’t wait to get in the ballroom, find out who my professional is and just stuck in with all the dancing.
“I’ve had the craziest year of my life so far and I can’t wait to take on this next challenge with everyone.”
Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb joins Strictly line-up
Lawrence Robb will also be swapping the Dales for the ballroom this autumn. He’s best known for his role in the ITV soap playing Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Boyd, now a popular member of the show’s iconic Dingle family.
In a statement, 34-year-old Lawrence said: “I don’t know who’s more excited about this, me or my mother. I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!
“It’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to bring my all to ballroom. Wish me luck, and any advice is very welcome – trust me I’ll need it!”
Before his Emmerdale stint, Lawrence’s TV and stage credits included I Hate Suzie, Legally Blonde The Musical, and Mojo in the West End.
Graeme Hall joins the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
Graeme Hall – aka Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly’s The Dogfather – announced his big news with fans on social media on August 5. Fans will already know he has a penchant for cravats, so he put on a pink sequinned one especially for the occasion.
He said: “Hello, everyone. It’s Graeme Hall here, that dog fella from off the telly. I’ve got something to tell you.
“Come September, you’re going to see quite a bit of me on the dance floor because, yeah you’ve guessed it, I’m doing Strictly!
“How exciting is that? Well, very to me! How nervous am I? Also very. In fact, all of the emotions are very at the moment. But I can’t wait to get started.
“And, bonus feature, I’ve got a new cravat!”
The BBC has also confirmed Graeme’s signing to the show. The Dogfather says he has “always loved dancing”, so we’ve got our money on him being good!
Strictly 2026 : Shaun Wright-Phillips is confirmed
Shaun Wright-Phillips has also been confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up – and he’s hoping to make fans proud with his “shapes”.
The former England footballer, 44, is swapping the pitch for the ballroom and is “excited” about the challenge ahead.
He told fans he is “joining the class of Strictly Come Dancing 2026”. Shaun added: “I’m really hoping that I can chuck some shapes and make everybody proud.”
These days, Shaun works as a football pundit. But in his professional player heyday, he played for England and Premiership clubs Manchester City, Chelsea FC and Queens Park Rangers.
Shaun later moved to America’s New York Red Bulls and Phoenix Rising FC, before switching to a career in TV punditry.
He also said of Strictly: “Dancing is in my blood – but mainly at family events! Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge.”
Bethany Antonia joins Strictly line-up
Bethany Antonia’s signing came just two days before Shaun Wright-Phillips was announced.
Speaking from her kitchen, the House of the Dragon star, 28, shared her excitement.
Squealing, she said: “This is weird. I am coming on here to say that in September, I’m going to be joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing.
“Oh my goodness. I’m so excited… I’m absolutely terrified. I cannot wait to meet my partner and I can’t wait to be part of the Strictly extravaganza.”
HBO star Bethany, who is British, added: “I have grown up watching the show with my family and friends. It’s been such a big part of my life and I just can’t quite believe that I’m going to get the chance to hopefully learn how to ballroom and latin dance.”
The star, who has also appeared in Doctor Who and teen Netflix thriller Get Even, then let out another squeal for good measure!
Jaime Winstone confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
Fellow actress Jaime Winstone also shared her Strictly Come Dancing news on the show’s Instagram account recently. The daughter of Ray Winstone will also be joining the cast his year.
Relaxing at home in a black vest top and comfy trousers, Jaime said: “I’ve had a little secret and I cannot wait to stop lying. This September, I’m going to be joining Strictly.”
Jaime waved her hands at the camera, quipping: “There’s my jazz hands!”
She added: “I am so excited, I am nervous, I’m slightly overwhelmed. I’m no stranger to a dance floor but I am definitely entering a new world with the ballroom.
“I am just so excited and so relieved to stop lying and keeping this big sparkling secret. I just can’t wait to get started so come and see me in the ballroom!”
Jaime is famed for portraying Barbara Windsor in a drama about her life. She also recently took on the role of a young Peggy Mitchell (played by Babs) in flashback episodes of EastEnders.
Days before her Strictly announcement, TV insiders said Jaime was being lined up for the show. It was claimed that bosses like the idea of her dad Ray sitting alongside Danny Dyer in the audience. His daughter Dani is also taking part (more on that below!)
Dame Sarah Storey joins Strictly 2026
Dame Sarah Storey will also be twirling around the ballroom this autumn.
Sarah, 47, is one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes of all time, with 30 medals on display. Out of these, 19 are gold.
Sarah competed in the Games in both cycling and swimming, although now she is ready to try something new.
Taking to Instagram, Sarah revealed: “Oh my gosh, it’s just over a week since I called time on my cycling career. But I’m back training already and this time, I can’t quite believe it. I’m training for Strictly.
“Yes, it’s true. I’m going to be part of the cast for the 2026 series and I’m so excited to learn new steps, find out if I can dance and get involved.”
In 2024, Sarah had to pull out of Dancing On Ice due to injury.
Let’s hope she has better luck this time!
Will Best joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
Will Best announced his big Strictly news on Instagram recently as his new cast shot for the BBC show was revealed.
Along with being AJ Odudu’s Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother co-host, he’s also known for presenting the Hits Radio Breakfast Show.
Will said on Strictly’s Instagram account: “‘Oh hey, guys, I’m Will Best. This is surreal. I’m unbelievably excited and more than a little terrified to be able to say I’m doing Strictly this year!
“I can’t believe it. I’m so nervous already but it’s going to be so fun. I love the show and can’t wait to find out if I can dance.
“I’ve got no idea, but we can all find out together. It’s all in the hips, isn’t it?”
Will then performed an impromptu dance move in his kitchen…but decided he needs more practice. Oops!
Cach Mercer joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
Cach Mercer, 25, was the fifth confirmed Strictly contestant.
He rose to fame on last year’s series of Love Island after winning the show. He was partnered with Toni Lates. They split this year.
With almost million likes on TikTok, Cach has a huge legion of social media followers. On social media, he posts his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves. He also works as a model and DJ.
In a statement, Cach said: “I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!”
One fan gushed: “Winner already.”
Another wrote: “Winner right there.”
However, someone else wrote: “Another one I don’t know.”
Another added: “Can we get some proper celebrities? Never heard of him.”
Chris Appleton joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up
Recently, it was confirmed that hair icon Chris Appleton, 43, will be doing Strictly.
In a statement, Chris, who has done hairstyling for the likes of Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez, said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience.
“I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. 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.”
Fans were thrilled over the news as one person said on Instagram: “This is going to be epic!!!”
Another wrote: “This line-up keeps getting stronger and stronger.”
A third added: “OH THIS IS ICONIC.”
Delta Goodrem confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
It comes after Delta was confirmed as the third celebrity taking part in Strictly this year.
Delta, 41, is best known for starring in Neighbours. She played shy and aspiring singer Nina Tucker in the Australian soap opera.
The star later turned to singing in real life and topped the charts several times. Delta has since starred as a coach on The Voice Australia.
Earlier this year, Aussie fans cheered her on as she competed for her country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. She scored the highest marks the country has achieved since being allowed in the competition.
Delta is now brushing up on her dance moves ahead of her new Strictly challenge.
She says: “I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!”
Dani Dyer joins Strictly 2026 line-up
Elsewhere, Dani Dyer will be getting a second shot at the show.
Former Love Island star Dani, 29, was originally part of the cast of Strictly 2025. However, she had to withdraw due to an injury before the competition began.
She said: “I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!
“I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!”
Fans appeared thrilled as one gushed on Instagram: “Buzzing she’s back for another try!!!”
Another wrote: “Happy she gets another chance!!”
Someone else added: “Good! Really happy to see Dani get another go.”
Lacey Turner heading into Strictly
Lacey Turner was the first celebrity revealed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
In a statement, EastEnders icon Lacey said: “I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!
“I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”
Fans on social media have gushed over the announcement. Many have also noticed how early the announcement has come this year. The Strictly line-up doesn’t tend to be announced until later in the summer.
One person said on Instagram: “Oh my god amazing!!!”
Another wrote: “Wait celeb reveals announced early!?!? But also woooo Lacey gonna be amazing.”
Someone else added: “Omg it’s so early how exciting!!”
What can we expect from Strictly 2026?
Strictly Come Dancing this year is set to bring some big changes. Last year, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted their last ever series.
But this year will see three new hosts join the ballroom. Earlier this month, Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe were officially announced as the brand-new hosts of Strictly.
In a statement, Emma said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years. So to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.
I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year.
“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. 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!”
‘I feel deeply honoured’
Meanwhile, JoJo said: “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.”
Josh added: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so 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.”
Read more: Meet the five new Strictly Come Dancing professionals ahead of 2026 series
