Delta Goodrem has announced an 'epic' UK tour hot on the heels of her Eurovision success — and she’ll be competing on Strictly Come Dancing later this year, BBC bosses confirmed as they unveiled the first six celebrities for the 2026 series.
The Australian singer, Eurovision star and former Neighbours actor said she was 'thrilled' to add the Strictly stage to her career. Her tour announcement comes after she was named among the line-up for the forthcoming edition of the ballroom show.
“BBC confirms first six Strictly 2026 contestants including Love Island's Cach Mercer and Delta Goodrem”
But the broadcaster appears to be breaking its reported rule about not allowing reality stars to take part. Among the latest additions is Love Island’s Cach Mercer, who left the ITV villa last year and is yet to carve out a different niche in showbiz, unlike former islanders such as presenter Dani Dyer and West End star Amber Davies.
EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater since 2004, was the first 2026 contestant to be announced. The award-winning actor said in a statement: 'I am so excited to being 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!'
Dani Dyer, TV personality and daughter of actor Danny Dyer, is being given a second chance after she had to withdraw from last year’s series due to injury. 'I’m so excited to say that I’m going to be back in the ballroom this September,' she told fans. 'I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one.'
The new-look Strictly will be fronted by presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, replacing the previous hosting team.
With the show’s return still months away, the confirmed line-up so far raises questions about how far the BBC is willing to push its casting boundaries — and whether reality stars are now a permanent fixture on the dance floor.