Huge pop star confirmed as third Strictly 2026 celeb contestant

Australian singer Delta Goodrem has been announced as the third celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing 2026, alongside EastEnders star Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer

A legendary star of the Eurovision Song Contest has been confirmed to be taking part in the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing. It comes as the BBC continues to reveal its celebrity contestants for the next series of the family favourite.

Australian superstar Delta Goodrem has now been confirmed to be participating in the next series of the hit show, BBC bosses have said. She now joins the likes of Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer as the stars of this autumn’s series.

It comes as the BBC continues to gear up for its first series since presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left the show. Tess and Claudia have now been succeeded by a trio of hosts − Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdecombe and Emma Willis.

Delta is hot off her stint representing Australia at the most recent edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, according to the Mirror. Performing her track “Eclipse”, she captivated audiences and landed herself a very respectable fourth place, while the UK floundered in last with just one point.

During a recent post-Eurovision interview, she admitted that she would be keen to sign up for the dancing contest. While appearing on Good Morning Britain with Ed Balls, Susanna Reid and entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold, she stated earlier this month: “Every time I’ve ever been in the UK and I get immersed into it. I love music with all my heart but as I said before Eurovision, I’m always open.”

Delta shot to fame when she played wannabe vocalist Nina Tucker on Neighbours before launching a hugely successful pop career. She was extremely successful in Australia and in the UK, with chart-toppers including Innocent Eyes and Born To Try.

She also joined the likes of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Holly Valance and Natalie Imbruglia, forms part of a group of performers who began their careers on the Australian soap opera before achieving global music stardom. She is currently one of Australia’s best-selling artists of all time.

Lacey, who plays Stacey Slater and has been a long-standing member of the BBC soap, was the first name to be revealed this year. The BBC programme typically announces its line-up from August onwards, but this year, the revelations have come earlier.

Lacey said: “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!” she exclaimed.

Dani Dyer is another name confirmed for this series, after an injury forced her to withdraw last year. She sustained a foot injury during training, rendering her unable to participate in the show.

Speaking about her return, she said: “I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!”

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