Actress Jaime Winstone, celebrated for her performances in *Made in Dagenham* and *EastEnders*, has officially been added to the roster for the upcoming series of *Strictly Come Dancing*. Winstone is the eighth celebrity to be announced for the 2026 season, joining a glittering array of talent that includes singer Delta Goodrem, actress Lacey Turner, and reality star Dani Dyer.
Winstone’s Dance Challenge
Expressing her enthusiasm, Winstone remarked that she is “so excited” about the opportunity to compete in the renowned dance contest. Having earned acclaim for her role as Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic *Babs*, she acknowledged her familiarity with the dance floor but admitted that ballroom dancing represents “a whole new world” for her.
“I love a challenge,” Winstone declared. “I can’t wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!” Her eagerness suggests that she is ready to embrace the rigours of the competition and showcase her talents in a fresh light.
Winstone’s acting career commenced in 2004, and her impressive filmography includes notable titles such as *Bullet Boy*, *Tomb Raider*, and *Wild Bill*. She has also graced the stage in productions like *2:22 A Ghost Story* and has made memorable appearances in series such as *Poirot*, *Dead Set*, and *Mad Dogs*. In a nod to her history with EastEnders, Winstone portrayed the iconic Peggy Mitchell during flashback specials, including the show’s 40th anniversary last year.
The Line-Up Grows
The celebrity lineup for this season is shaping up to be diverse and exciting. Among the other confirmed participants is Dame Sarah Storey, Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, who boasts an astonishing 19 gold medals across nine Paralympic Games. Storey expressed her anticipation, stating, “I have always loved watching *Strictly*, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer. To be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating!”
Will Best, known for his hosting duties on *Big Brother*, described the opportunity to compete on *Strictly* as “an absolute dream,” albeit a daunting one. He acknowledged his experience with live television but admitted that nothing quite compares to the challenge of the dance floor.
Cach Mercer, who gained fame as a winner on *Love Island*, also joins the cast, excited to learn ballroom dancing for the first time. “Dancing is a huge passion of mine,” he said, highlighting his commitment to embracing the competition.
A Rich Variety of Talent
Delta Goodrem, an Australian singer and actress, expressed her excitement at stepping onto the ballroom floor, remarking that despite her extensive performance history, this will be her first experience in competitive dance. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining *Strictly* and can’t wait to get started,” she said, drawing from her time in the Australian soap *Neighbours* and her recent Eurovision participation.
Chris Appleton, a celebrity hairstylist famed for his work with Kim Kardashian, is also among the confirmed contestants. He shared his eagerness to take on this new venture, saying, “I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story.”
The first contestant announced for the series was Lacey Turner, whose excitement was palpable. The *EastEnders* star mentioned her long-standing admiration for the show, while Dani Dyer, returning after a previous injury, expressed her joy at re-entering the competition: “I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on.”
Changes Behind the Scenes
This year’s *Strictly* will also see a shift in its presenting team. Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe are set to take over hosting duties following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The decision to announce the lineup earlier than usual has generated buzz, with judge Shirley Ballas hinting at some surprises in store for viewers.
While the show will maintain its beloved essence, Ballas indicated that new elements will keep the format fresh: “I don’t think they’ll change the show too much, maybe tweaks here and there, but no major changes.”
Returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will be joined by a selection of professional dancers, though some familiar faces, such as Gorka Marquez and Nadiya Bychkova, will not be part of the lineup this year.
Why it Matters
The inclusion of such a diverse array of celebrities not only makes for an engaging television spectacle but also reflects the evolving landscape of popular culture, where different backgrounds and experiences are increasingly celebrated. As *Strictly Come Dancing* prepares to launch its 2026 series, viewers can anticipate a season filled with enthusiasm, creativity, and the unmistakable charm that has made the show a staple of British entertainment. The blend of established stars and new faces promises to capture the imagination of audiences, inviting them to witness the transformative power of dance once again.