Cach Mercer, Love Island Champion, Enters Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Love Island star Cach Mercer joins – The 2025 Love Island champion, Cach Mercer, has been confirmed as the fifth celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. Known for his role in the ITV dating show’s winning duo last year, Mercer also balances a career as a model, DJ, and mental health charity ambassador. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the competition, sharing,
“I’ve grown up watching the show with my family, and I’m thrilled to now be part of the cast.”
Additionally, he regularly posts Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street dance routines on his social media platforms, with
“Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn ballroom and do the foxtrot for the first time!”
New Entrant: Chris Appleton Joins the Line-Up
Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, famed for his work with Kim Kardashian, has also been added to this year’s Strictly line-up. Alongside him are singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, and reality star Dani Dyer. Appleton, who serves as the creative director for Color Wow, shared his excitement, stating,
“I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience.”
His portfolio includes styling high-profile red carpet moments for Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande, as well as featuring in publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Reflecting on his new venture, the 43-year-old noted,
“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.”
Delta Goodrem Steps Onto the Ballroom Floor
Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem has joined the Strictly 2026 cast, becoming the third celebrity to be announced. She previously gained fame through the hit soap opera Neighbours and will represent her country in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Goodrem shared her anticipation, saying,
“I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career—but there’s one stage I’ve never stepped onto, and that’s the ballroom floor. I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly.”
Her excitement is palpable as she prepares to take on the challenge of learning new dance styles.
Lacey Turner, First Announced Contestant, Shares Her Nerves
Lacey Turner made history as the first celebrity to be announced for the 2026 series, set to debut in September. The 38-year-old, celebrated for her role as Stacey Slater on BBC One’s EastEnders, has previously won accolades including a British Soap Award and National Television Award. In a video on Instagram, she admitted,
“So excited and so terrified at the same time to be taking part in the show.”
Turner, who also starred in the BBC drama Our Girl, expressed her eagerness to embrace the dance floor, stating,
“I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t wait to get started.”
Dani Dyer Returns After Injury
Media personality Dani Dyer, daughter of actor Danny Dyer, is back in the Strictly lineup after a setback last year. She suffered an ankle fracture during rehearsals with partner Nikita Kuzmin and was replaced by fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies, who reached the competition final. Dyer, 29, who first gained attention on Love Island in 2018, is eager to make a comeback, saying,
“I’m 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!”
She recently shared her triumph as joint winner of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and appeared alongside her father in The Dyers’ Caravan Park.
Host Line-Up Shifts for 2026
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will feature a new hosting trio, with comedian Josh Widdicombe joining Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. This marks the end of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s long-standing roles. Widdicombe celebrated Dani Dyer’s return on Instagram, writing,
“YES DANI!!!!”
While head judge Shirley Ballas added,
“Welcome back @danidyerxx.”
The changes signal a fresh dynamic for the show’s presentation.
