The professional dancers of Strictly Come Dancing have commenced rehearsals for the upcoming 2026 season, offering a preview of their return to the ballroom. Among the returning stars, Amy Dowden shared a fitness update, showcasing her toned abs in a post-mastectomy selfie. Dianne Buswell also posted from the studio, balancing her return to work with time with her newborn son.
Dowden, who is returning after undergoing a second mastectomy last year following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, posted a mirror selfie in a black crop top and tracksuit bottoms, expressing enthusiasm for the new season. "And we’re off! What a great day with these beautiful, talented souls! Welcoming our fabulous new pros too! @bbcstrictly let’s go!" she wrote.
Dianne Buswell, who made history as the first professional dancer to compete while pregnant, shared a moment with her baby boy before heading to rehearsals. She and her partner, YouTuber Joe Sugg, welcomed their son Bowden in March. Buswell is entering her 10th year on the BBC show.
Other returning professionals spotted at the rehearsals include Jowita Przystal, Carlos Gu, Katya Jones, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Alexis Warr, Julian Caillon, and Vito Coppola. Gu, who won the previous season with footballer Karen Carney, was also seen in studio photos.
The 2026 season will also feature five new professional dancers: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, and Maddie Ingoldsby. This comes after a significant reshuffling of the pro lineup, with Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Marquez departing the show.
Eight celebrity contestants have so far been confirmed for the upcoming series, including EastEnders star Lacey Turner, TV personality Dani Dyer, and Love Island winner Cach Mercer. Turner, who is currently on an extended break from her role, expressed both excitement and trepidation about participating. "I'm so excited and terrified at the same time but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plucked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor," she stated.
Dani Dyer is returning to the competition after being forced to withdraw from the 2025 series due to an ankle fracture sustained during rehearsals. "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September!" Dyer announced. "I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!"
The casting of Cach Mercer, a professional dancer and Love Island winner, has drawn some criticism from viewers who questioned his inclusion due to his dance background. Mercer has a significant following on social media for his Afrobeats, hip-hop, and street dance skills, and also leads dance classes. Complaints echoed past fan reactions to contestants with existing professional dance experience.
The new season of Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to premiere in September.