Dragon Star Dances
House of the Dragon Star Bethany Antonia Joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Lineup
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Key Points
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Bethany Antonia is currently starring as Eurydice in Hadestown in London's West End, the Tony Award–winning musical.
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Jaime Winstone, who joins the Strictly line-up, is the daughter of actor Ray Winstone and is known for portraying Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs.
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Dani Dyer is making a Strictly Come Dancing comeback after missing the 2025 run due to a fractured ankle suffered during rehearsals.
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Lacey Turner is returning to the Strictly line-up after an extended break from playing Stacey Slater on EastEnders.
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Dame Sarah Storey is included in the lineup as Britain’s most successful Paralympian of all time, highlighting the show’s diverse contestant background.
Bethany Antonia, the 28-year-old actress best known as Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO's House of the Dragon, has been confirmed as the ninth celebrity to join Strictly Come Dancing 2026, according to Yahoo. The BBC ballroom competition returns to BBC One and iPlayer this autumn, with the full lineup being revealed in a steady, staggered wave across the summer.
Antonia joins a lineup that already includes EastEnders star Lacey Turner, Love Island's Dani Dyer, and Britain's most decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey. The announcement adds another high-profile name to what is shaping up to be one of Strictly's most varied casts in years.
From Dragon Rider to the Ballroom Dance Floor
Antonia is no stranger to performance. Beyond her role in House of the Dragon, her acting credits include Nolly, Stay Close, Stath Lets Flats, Doctor Who, and Get Even, according to Watton and Swaffham Times. She is currently starring as Eurydice in Hadestown, the Tony Award-winning musical, at London's West End.
She described Strictly as a long-standing part of her life and said she is excited to take on the challenge of learning both ballroom and Latin dance. The show will mark her first major live TV competition appearance.
Dani Dyer Returns After Injury Forced Her Out
Dani Dyer's place on this year's show is a comeback story. She missed the 2025 series after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals, according to Streamline Feed. Her return adds a familiar face and a ready-made storyline for the show's producers.
Lacey Turner is also making a return of sorts. The EastEnders actress, who plays Stacey Slater, had stepped back from the show for an extended period before being confirmed for the 2026 lineup. Her casting signals a strong push by the BBC to bring back recognisable names.
Dame Sarah Storey and Jaime Winstone Broaden the Cast
Dame Sarah Storey brings a remarkable background to the dancefloor. She is Britain's most successful Paralympian of all time, a fact that underlines the show's commitment to a diverse lineup, according to Streamline Feed. Her inclusion has drawn significant attention from fans and media alike.
Jaime Winstone, daughter of actor Ray Winstone, also joins the cast. She is known for playing Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs. Her casting adds another strong acting pedigree to a lineup that blends sport, soap opera, and screen drama in equal measure.
Strictly's Slow Reveal Builds Summer Buzz for BBC
The BBC is rolling out the 2026 cast in a deliberate, staggered way across the summer months. Each announcement lands as its own news moment, keeping the show in the headlines week after week ahead of its September return, according to Central Fife Times.
The strategy appears to be working. With nine celebrities now confirmed and more still to come, Strictly 2026 is already generating significant coverage. New hosting dynamics are also part of the story this year, adding another layer of interest before a single dance has been performed.
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