The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 season has added Love Island's reigning champion Cach Mercer to its roster. Beyond his reality television victory, Mercer works as a professional model and DJ while serving as an ambassador for youth mental health programmes. The contestant expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, highlighting his lifelong appreciation for the show and his existing interest in dance, particularly ballroom styles.

Four additional celebrities have been revealed as part of this year's competitor group. High-profile hairstylist Chris Appleton, recognised for his work with major entertainment figures and recent memoir, brings his creative background to the competition. Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, who gained prominence through television drama and recently represented her country at Eurovision, will be attempting her first ballroom experience. Lacey Turner, an award-winning television actress known for her longstanding role in a British soap, and media personality Dani Dyer, who is attempting the competition after a training ankle fracture prevented her from competing the previous year, complete the announced roster.