Cach Mercer, known for their appearance on Love Island, has been confirmed as the latest celebrity to join the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing. Mercer, who also works as a model and DJ, and serves as an ambassador for a mental health charity, will compete alongside other celebrity contestants on the BBC ballroom show.
The initial line-up announcements have been made earlier than in previous years, with the BBC typically confirming the full cast in August. Head judge Shirley Ballas recently commented on the upcoming series, teasing that "there are going to be some people on there that will make you go 'wow'." She also expressed excitement for the new presenting trio, noting that chemistry tests were conducted to bring them together. Ballas described this year's show as featuring "quite extraordinary" new elements while assuring viewers it will retain its familiar feel with only minor tweaks.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke are set to return, alongside Ballas. However, professional dancers Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, and Michelle Tsiakkas will not be returning for this season. Several familiar professional dancers, including Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, and Aljaz Skorjanec, are expected to return to the dance floor.