BBC Strictly fans express relief as show bags Dame in new line-up: ‘Someone we all know!’
Britain’s most decorated Paralympian has been confirmed as the seventh celebrity joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC announced today.
Dame Sarah Storey, 48, becomes the first person holding a Damehood to take part in the long-running dance competition, and fans are delighted by the update.
The announcement arrives just weeks after the sporting legend revealed she would not be competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
“Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting,” Dame Sarah said.
Dame Sarah Storey has been confirmed as the latest Strictly contestant
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“I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating!
“I can’t wait to get started!”
Viewers took to social media to celebrate the casting decision, with many expressing relief at recognising a contestant.
“At last, someone I have heard of!” one fan wrote on X, while another echoed the sentiment: “Someone we all know for a change.”
Others praised the selection as inspired, with one user declaring: “Dame Sarah Storey on Strictly is a great casting choice.”
Several comments referenced the Paralympian’s previous attempt to appear on Dancing on Ice, which did not come to fruition.
“Happy for her after what happened on DOI,” one supporter posted, with another suggesting that missing out on the skating show “was probably a blessing in disguise.”
An industry insider described the signing as “classy.”
Viewers took to social media to celebrate the casting decision, with many expressing relief at recognising a contestant
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Dame Sarah’s extraordinary sporting career saw her accumulate 30 Paralympic medals across nine Games, with 19 of those being gold – more than any other British Paralympian in history.
Born without a functioning left hand after complications with the umbilical cord during birth, she began competing at just 14 years old.
Her journey started in the swimming pool, where she represented Great Britain at four Paralympic Games before making a remarkable transition to cycling.
Four of her gold medals came at the London 2012 Games, and in 2010 she became only the second Para-athlete to compete against non-disabled athletes at the Commonwealth Games, finishing sixth in the Individual Pursuit.
Dame Sarah’s extraordinary sporting career saw her accumulate 30 Paralympic medals
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The athlete received her Damehood in 2013 and is recognised as one of Paralympic sport’s most influential voices.
Beyond Dame Sarah, the confirmed celebrity lineup features EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, reality television personality Dani Dyer, Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton, Love Island champion Cach Mercer, and Big Brother host Will Best.
Dyer had originally been set to participate in last year’s series but withdrew following the launch show due to a knee injury.
The 2026 series marks a significant shift behind the scenes, with Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as presenters following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The professional dancer roster has also undergone substantial changes, with Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez all leaving the show.
Eight more celebrity contestants remain to be announced before the autumn launch.
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