Strictly’s Dani Dyer is ‘grateful for second chance’ as stars gear up for launch

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dani Dyer said she is “grateful” to be given a second chance as she showed off her makeover ahead of the launch show.

The former Love Island winner, 30, is taking part in the upcoming series after she was forced to drop out early last year due to an ankle fracture.

Dyer shared her official Strictly 2026 photo in a pink sequinned dress and wrote: “Forever grateful for a second chance… strictly 2026 lets go.”

Fellow contestant Jaime Winstone posted a photo of herself in a purple tasselled mini dress along with another snap of the entire celebrity cast.

Alongside the post, she wrote: “See you in the Ballroom.”

Model Cara Delevingne commented to wish Winstone support, writing: “YES JAMIE! LETS GO GIRL!”

EastEnders star Lacey Turner shared her photo and wrote: “Well I never thought I would say this but here we go… Strictly 20206 lets go!”

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton wrote: “And we’re off” alongside his photo and his client Kim Kardashian commented: “OMG OMG you’re gonna kill it!”

TV presenter Will Best shared his photo and wrote: “ITS ACTUALLY HAPPENING. Me and both my chest hairs ARE DOING STRICTLY!!

“And with such an amazing gang of fellow dancers too. I’m a very very lucky boy. Honestly still can’t believe it…”

Dame Sarah Storey posted her photo and wrote: “Pinching myself this is actually happening and alongside this wonderful team. Strictly class of 2026… LET’S DO THIS.”

Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly star Graeme Hall shared a photo of the entire cast and wrote: “Don’t we scrub up well, eh?”

Social media personality John Nellis wrote: “Time to find out if I can dance” alongside his photo.

Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb posted his official snap and wrote:  “Guess it’s time to learn about ballroom. Here. We. Go!”

This series will be the first hosted by new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe.

They have replaced former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the show last year.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will all return for the new series.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.25pm on Saturday September 19 and will air every weekend until Christmas.