Who's in the cast of Strictly 2026? Every confirmed contestant including bombshell 'professional dancer'

E no easy, getting into Strictly Come Dancing, but Cach Mercer, a Love Island star, has just confirmed his spot in the 2026 cast. This 25-year-old reality TV personality won over fans with his Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street dance moves, which have earned him a whopping 1.3 million TikTok followers. I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast, he said, showcasing his genuine enthusiasm.

The BBC's flagship dancing show is undergoing significant changes, including the departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. This trio will bring a fresh dynamic to the show, and fans are eager to see how they'll interact with the contestants. The pro dancer line-up has also undergone some sweeping changes, with fan favourites Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez having departed. This leaves room for newcomers like Cach Mercer and Chris Appleton, a celebrity hairstylist, to bring their unique energy to the show.

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, born in Leicester, has made a name for himself in Hollywood, working with A-listers like Kim Kardashian, J-Lo, Sofia Vergara, and Ariana Grande. His career has taken off, with Kim K even officiating his wedding to screenstar Lukas Gage in 2023. Appleton's experience in the entertainment industry will surely bring a new level of glamour to Strictly. With his extensive network and creativity, he might just surprise audiences with his dancing skills.

While the changes on Strictly might be significant, one thing remains constant: the show's ability to bring people together through dance. As Cach Mercer and Chris Appleton join the cast, fans are eager to see how they'll adapt to the high-energy dance floor. With a new era dawning on the show, it's anyone's guess who will emerge as the next winners. Will Cach Mercer's street dance moves or Chris Appleton's creativity take the top spot?## Strictly Come Dancing 2026: The New Era Begins

With a revamped hosting lineup and a fresh cast of contestants, Strictly Come Dancing is ready to shake up the dance world. Cach Mercer and Chris Appleton bring their unique talents to the table, and fans can't wait to see what they have in store. As the show embarks on this new era, one thing is certain, it's going to be a wild ride.