Will Best confirmed for Strictly 2026
Big Brother's Will Best Confirmed as Sixth Celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
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Key Points
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Delta Goodrem described joining Strictly as an honour and highlighted that the ballroom stage is something new for her, saying she is "absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!"
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Dani Dyer expressed excitement about returning to the ballroom this September and hopes to make it to week one, saying she cannot wait to put on her dancing shoes again and is "over the moon" about the new series.
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Chris Appleton’s background includes being a celebrity hair stylist best known for work with Kim Kardashian, and he is also identified as Leicester-born Color Wow creative director, adding industry-profile diversity to the lineup.
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Cach Mercer is noted as a Love Island winner who also works as a model and DJ, and serves as an ambassador for a young people’s mental health charity, underscoring the show’s mix of reality TV and broader entertainment/charity roles.
Will Best has been confirmed as the sixth celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing 2026, the BBC announced on its official social channels. Head Topics reported the 41-year-old Big Brother co-host called the news an "absolute dream" — and also "pretty terrifying."
Best joins a lineup that already includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Cach Mercer, and Chris Appleton. The show is expected to kick off in September on BBC One and iPlayer, with more names still to be announced.
Will Best Admits He Has No Idea If He Can Dance
Best is best known for hosting Big Brother alongside AJ Odudu. Skeptic Society reported he has over 15 years of TV and radio experience, spanning T4, This Morning, BBC Three, and Viva. He recently won Celebrity Mastermind. But Strictly is a very different challenge.
Best said he has no idea whether he can dance but is eager to try. He wants to enjoy every minute on the ballroom floor. His Big Brother hosting role is not affected by the signing, Daily Star confirmed, putting to rest any fears about his future on that show.
A Star-Studded Lineup With Wide-Ranging Backgrounds
The 2026 cast is a mix of TV stars, musicians, and industry names. Delta Goodrem, the Australian pop star, said she is "absolutely thrilled" to join and called the ballroom stage something entirely new for her. Dani Dyer said she is "over the moon" and cannot wait to put on her dancing shoes.
Chris Appleton brings a different kind of fame to the lineup. He is a celebrity hair stylist born in Leicester and best known for his work with Kim Kardashian. He is also the creative director of Color Wow. Cach Mercer, a Love Island winner, works as a model, DJ, and mental health charity ambassador. Head Topics noted the casting reflects a broad mix of entertainment and public-life roles.
New Hosting Team Takes Over From Tess and Claudia
The 2026 series brings a big change behind the mic too. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have both left the show. In their place, the BBC has announced Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe as the new hosting lineup.
The shake-up is one of the biggest in the show's history. Claudia and Tess hosted together for over a decade. The new trio brings fresh energy as the show looks to reset its image. OK Magazine noted the changes come as Strictly continues to navigate its ongoing casting controversy.
More Names Expected Before September Launch
Six celebrities are confirmed so far, but the full lineup is not yet set. The BBC has said more names will be announced as the September start date gets closer. Fans are already speculating online about who might fill the remaining spots.
Skeptic Society reported the show will air on BBC One and iPlayer. With a new host team and a fresh cast, producers appear to be pushing for a major relaunch of the format. The next few weeks of casting reveals will set the tone for what could be a landmark series.
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