Strictly Come Dancing is gearing up for another glitter filled series in 2026, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking over hosting duties and the celebrity line up continuing to grow.
The BBC has already confirmed the show will return in September, with seven famous faces officially heading for the ballroom.
EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner is among the stars already confirmed as she bids to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
Joining her are Dani Dyer, who pulled out of the 2025 series through injury, former Neighbours star and The Voice Australia coach Delta Goodrem, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, Love Island winner Cach Mercer, Big Brother presenter Will Best and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.
But there are still plenty of places to fill, and the rumour mill is already in overdrive.
From TV favourites to soap stars, these are the names being linked to the 2026 series, including actress Jaime Winstone.
Jaime Winstone rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing
Jaime Winstone could be heading for the ballroom if the latest reports are to be believed.
The actress, daughter of Ray Winstone, is reportedly in talks with BBC bosses about joining this year’s line up.
Jaime, 41, is best known for playing Barbara Windsor in a drama about the late actress. She also portrayed a young Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders flashback scenes.
Producers are said to be keen to sign Jaime and hope Ray will be cheering her on from the audience.
That could see him sitting close to Danny Dyer, whose daughter Dani has already secured her place in the competition.
An insider said: “Bosses will be hoping that Ray will be coming down to the studio to see his daughter dance on more than one occasion after all he’s a bit of a national treasure.
“But they’ll also be praying that he and Danny will be in the audience on the same night, with the front row looking like a gritty Brit flick.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Stephen Libby rumoured for the ballroom
A year ago, Stephen Libby was unknown to most viewers. Now, after winning The Traitors alongside Rachel Duffy, he is one of the hottest names linked to Strictly.
The Scottish star, 32, reportedly remains in talks with the BBC about swapping Ardross Castle for the ballroom.
A TV insider told The Sun: “Stephen was hugely popular on The Traitors and since leaving Ardross Castle he has built up a very big fan base.
“The BBC are always keen to utilise their talent and Stephen is ideal. No final decision has been made yet but if Stephen doesn’t make the cut this year, he’ll be a key target for the 2027 series.”
Stephen left his job in cyber security after winning The Traitors to pursue opportunities in entertainment.
We would LOVE to see him take to the dance floor. He already has Disco Week covered if it ever returns.
Strictly 2026 rumoured celebrities: Sarah Jayne Dunn ruled out
Sarah Jayne Dunn has confirmed she will not be joining this year’s Strictly line up despite being heavily linked to the show.
The former Hollyoaks actress had openly admitted she was hoping for a place but revealed the BBC had decided against casting her.
Writing on Instagram, Sarah said: “Well, this chapter didn’t end the way I’d hoped. Of course I’m disappointed. I wanted this more than I can put into words.
“But if this journey has taught me anything, it’s that saying your dreams out loud isn’t something to be embarrassed about.”
The actress added: “So no, I won’t be stepping onto the dance floor this year. But I also won’t be quietly talking myself out of the possibility that one day I will.”
Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters tipped for the show
Gavin & Stacey favourite Melanie Walters has also emerged as a potential contestant.
The 64 year old actress, best known as Gwen West, reportedly has producers keen to secure her signature.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Melanie is loved across the country for her role as Gwen.
“The Gavin & Stacey Christmas special in 2024 saw millions of fans turning in for the final episode of the series. BBC bosses are very excited to have landed Melanie given her popularity.”
With her experience as a qualified personal trainer and pilates teacher, Melanie should have no trouble coping with the physical demands of the show.
Is Roman Kemp taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?
Roman Kemp sparked fresh speculation after an awkward moment on The One Show.
While discussing Lacey Turner’s casting, former contestant Emma Barton turned to Roman and said: “Roman, you know as well.”
A stunned Roman quickly replied: “I have never done it. I’ve never done it!”
With Rob Rinder also smiling in the studio, fans were left wondering if Emma had accidentally let something slip.
Did she reveal Roman as a 2026 contestant?
Jake Quickenden tipped for Strictly
Jake Quickenden is another celebrity reportedly catching the eye of the Strictly casting team.
The 37 year old singer, presenter and Dancing On Ice winner could be swapping skates for ballroom shoes.
A source said he has “caught the eye” of producers, adding: “He’s fun, hunky and known as an all round nice guy.
“He’s an actor and singer, so is a natural performer.”
Jake recently split from wife Sophie Church, meaning there would be no Strictly curse headlines if he signs up.
Jeff Brazier rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Jeff Brazier is another familiar name linked with the ballroom.
The presenter, 47, is reportedly considering following son Bobby onto the dance floor after Bobby reached the 2023 final.
Jeff previously insisted: “That was Bob’s thing and I want to leave it to him. I’ve got plenty of things that I really enjoy doing. I’ll stay in my lane, I think.”
However, insiders now claim Bobby is encouraging him to give it a go.
“He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go,” a source said.
We certainly would not mind seeing another Brazier lighting up Saturday nights.
Comedian Katherine Ryan
In a new cover story interview with Principle Magazine, Katherine Ryan admitted Strictly could now be a possibility.
“I have not been explicitly offered Strictly or The Jungle [I’m A Celebrity… Get Me out of Here!], but they have inquired a few times, and I just think it’s too far away for my kids or too much work,” she said.
She added: “If I embarked on something like Strictly, you just don’t see your family. It’s too intense.”
However, Katherine later revealed she now feels ready to embrace bigger opportunities after raising her family.
Could this finally be the year she heads into the ballroom?
Josie Gibson to hit the BBC ballroom?
Josie Gibson remains another name tipped for the show.
The This Morning presenter was linked with the series earlier this year after reports claimed she had impressed BBC bosses.
Although Josie later played down the rumours, she admitted she “loves to dance”.
Strictly Christmas winner Scarlett Moffatt
Strictly often recruits celebrities from its Christmas special, making Scarlett Moffatt another name to watch.
The former Gogglebox star won the 2025 festive special with Vito Coppola and has since been linked to the main competition.
However, Scarlett is expecting her second child with fiancé Scott Dobson, which could make an appearance this year unlikely.
Stacey Solomon linked to Strictly again
Stacey Solomon is once again among the celebrities tipped for Strictly after previously being linked with the show, including ahead of the 2025 series.
Reports claimed she previously turned down the opportunity because of scheduling conflicts.
Whether 2026 will finally be the year she accepts remains to be seen.
Tom Parker Bowles to take part?
Tom Parker Bowles is another celebrity rumoured to be joining the line up.
The food writer and son of Queen Camilla was also linked to last year’s series but never signed up.
With his mother a well known fan of Strictly, viewers will be watching closely to see whether he finally heads for the ballroom.
A BBC spokesperson tells TVGuide: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Emma Willis reveals ‘fears’ ahead of hosting job
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