The ninth Strictly Come Dancing contestant to join 2026's star-studded line-up has been announced as the BBC prepares for their hit dance competition show to return in the autumn12:05, 28 Jul 2026Updated 12:11, 28 Jul 2026House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia has officially been announced as one of the celebs taking to the dancefloor for the 2026 edition of Strictly Come Dancing.‌Bethany started her career at 14-years-old when she appeared in a short film adaptation of The Tempest and she has also had a guest role in Doctors. She starred as Margot Rivers in the BBC/Netflix teen thriller Get Even and has also appeared in Nolly, Stay Close, Stath Lets Flats, and Doctor Who.‌She also played dragon-rider Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon and is currently starring as Eurydice in musical Hadestown in London’s West End.‌As the news was announced, she said: "I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill. See you on the dancefloor!"The news comes shortly after Jaime Winstone, the actress daughter of Ray WInstone, was announced as part of the line-up. Jaime, 41, has starred in huge films such as Made in Dagenham and Tomb Raider, but is best known for playing Barbara Windsor in BBC biopic Babs.‌She said: "I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year. I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me. I love a challenge though, so can’t wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!! Let’s get physical – see you on the dance floor!"Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, has also been announced. The sports legend, who was born without her left hand, said she was excited, as she has "always loved watching Strictly". She also said she was doing it for her daughter Louisa, who "is a very talented dancer".‌Big Brother presenter Will Best called doing the show a "dream" after he was revealed to part of the line-up. “I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!" he added.“I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I’m going to try to enjoy every minute of it.”The other names announced include Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Love Island winner Cach Mercer, celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton and Dani Dyer. Dani was supposed to take part last year, but was unable to due to an injury, so was allowed to comeback for 2026.‌She was meant to dance with Nikita Kuzmin, who went on to reach the final with replacement fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies. Nikita has remained on the show, meaning they could dance together again.Several pro dancers have left the show this year. Gorka Marquez walked away to focus on his other commitments, while Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk have also parted ways with the show. Johannes Radebe, who was a pro dancer last year, has stayed with the show, but will take on a new role, as he has been announced as one of the presenters.‌Strictly will also be welcoming three new presenters this year. Following the departure of long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the BBC announced that Johannes, Josh Widdecombe, and Emma Willis would take over the hosting gig.There has been further change to the 2026 season, as It Takes Two hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East will no longer be on the show. It has not been revealed who will take over the spin-off's hosting positions.Article continues belowLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .