Paralympic legend Dame Sarah Storey joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026

Dame Sarah Storey, the most successful British Paralympian with 19 gold medals and a total of 30 Paralympic medals across nine Games, has been confirmed as the seventh celebrity contestant for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Storey announced her retirement from sport and said she is excited to take on the new challenge, adding, “I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best is incredibly motivating.”

The BBC has also revealed the rest of the initial line‑up: Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best. The series will return in the autumn of 2026 on BBC One and iPlayer, with a new presenting team of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, replacing long‑time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.