The BBC has confirmed that Dani Dyer will return to Strictly Come Dancing for its 2026 season. This comeback follows her forced withdrawal from the 2025 series due to a fractured ankle. Additionally, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has been named the first celebrity participant for the upcoming competition.

Dani Dyer’s pursuit of redemption after a 2025 ankle fracture

Dani Dyer is set to rejoin the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom in September 2026. As reported by the source,Dyer's return follows a difficult 2025 season where a fractured ankle forced her to exit the competition prematurely. The Love Island winner, who has amassed 3.7 million social media followers, expressed her excitement about returning to the dancefloor, noting her desire to "make it to week one" this time around.

Dyer will once again work alongside professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, who has been confirmed as a returning pro for the 2026 series. This comeback follows a successful year for Dyer, which included a win on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and her appearance in The Dyers Caravan Park alongside her father. Her previous exit was part of a turbulent 2025 run that also saw Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn withdraw due to medical reasons.

Lacey Turner leads the charge for a revamped 2026 lineup

Lacey Turner, the 38-year-old EastEnders star, has been announced as the first official contestant for the 2026 series .. According to the report, Turner is currently taking an extended break from her role as Stacey Slater to focus on training for the BBC competition. She used Instagram to share her "secret" with fans, admitting she feels "terrified" about the upcoming challenge.

Turner's early announcement comes as the show prepares for a significant transition. while she is eager to "learn a new skill," her participation marks the beginning of a summer-long reveal process for the BBC's highly anticipated roster.

A new hosting trio replaces Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

The 2026 season promises a major structural shift for the BBC production. The show is undergoing a "huge revamp" that includes replacing longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. in their place, the BBC will introduce a new hosting trio consisting of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe.

This change in leadership represents one of the most significant changes to the show's presentation in years. The introduction of these three personalities suggests the network is looking to refresh the energy of the ballroom as it enters a new era .

Who joins Dyer and Turner in the September lineup?

While the casting of Turner and Dyer provides early momentum, several details remain unconfirmed . The BBC has not yet revealed the full roster of celebrities, nor has it clarified how the new hosting trio will interact to maintain the show's established chemistry.. Furthermore, while Dyer is returning, the full extent of the 2026 lineup remains a mystery to the public.