Strictly Come Dancing Line-up: What to Expect

Strictly Come Dancing line-up: What to expect

Strictly Come Dancing line-up news is dropping much earlier than we are used to this year. But it's already in full swing. Usually, the list of celebrities doesn't hit our screens until August, so these early announcements are a real surprise for fans who've been waiting patiently for months, and they can't believe their luck.

The roster is starting to take shape. It's a mix of television staples, musical talent, and industry experts, and you can bet it will bring something fresh to the screen once the 24th series kicks off in September.

Who is heading to the ballroom

Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton has joined the roster. He's a familiar face behind the red carpet looks of stars like Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, but now he's leaving the salon chair for the dance floor, and that's a bold shift that everyone's talking about. So it's a big move.

He joins a diverse group of contestants ready to battle for the Glitterball trophy:

• Chris Appleton, known for his styling work with high-profile celebrities.
• Delta Goodrem, the Australian singer and actress who recently represented her nation for the 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
• Lacey Turner, the long-standing actress famous for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders.
• Dani Dyer, the media personality returning for a second chance after an injury last year.

The return of a familiar face

Dani Dyer is perhaps the most motivated contestant on the list. She was meant to compete last September but had to withdraw after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals, a sudden injury that derailed her plans just before she was set to perform for the audience. That was a tough break. So now she's back and ready to try again.

She's clearly been keeping busy. Beyond her reality television roots, she recently co-won a challenge-based show and has been appearing on screen with her father, Danny Dyer, so it's clear she's hoping to make it to week one this time around.

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!

What the judges think

Head judge Shirley Ballas seems genuinely impressed by the names revealed so far. It's a bold claim. She recently teased that the line-up includes people who will make you say wow, but we'll see if the chemistry holds up on the dance floor.

Ballas confirmed the show is keeping its core judging panel. That stability matters. She, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke are all returning, and for long-time fans this consistency in the judging chair is usually a good sign.

A change in the hosting team

The biggest shake-up isn't on the dance floor. It's in the hosting booth. We're saying goodbye to the era of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and the show is moving forward with a new presenting trio that includes Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe.

Ballas noted that the new team went through chemistry tests to ensure they fit the vibe of the show. It's a careful process. But whether the audience embraces the change remains to be seen, and the production is clearly looking for a fresh energy that can't be ignored.

The professional dancer reshuffle

Not everyone is coming back this year. But five professional dancers are exiting the show, so Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, and Michelle Tsiakkas will not be part of the upcoming series.

But plenty of familiar faces are staying put. You can expect to see Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, and Aljaz Skorjanec back in their roles, bringing that mix of veterans and new energy which is a staple of the show. September is right around the corner.