Will Best Joins Strictly Come Dancing Line-Up as Sixth Confirmed Star
Television presenter adds to growing celebrity roster for upcoming series, alongside returning favourite and new hosts.
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Carla Rooney
Will Best has officially joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the sixth celebrity confirmed for the highly anticipated new series.
The series returns in September, with broadcasts scheduled for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Beyond the familiar faces, the show introduces new hosting talent; Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe step into fresh roles for the program.
This shift in presentation marks a notable evolution for the long-running dance competition.
Historically, Strictly Come Dancing often features a blend of established talent and emerging personalities; this year's selections uphold that tradition.
Dani Dyer makes a return to the competition, having withdrawn from the previous series due to a knee injury.
Her comeback highlights the physical demands of the show and the determination required from its participants.
The inclusion of Cach Mercer, a reality star known from Love Island, signals a shift in the show's casting policy.
The inclusion of Cach Mercer, a reality star known from Love Island, signals a shift in the show's casting policy.
For years, the program maintained a rule against featuring reality television personalities; that guideline now stands relaxed.
This move broadens the show's appeal to different demographics, aligning with changes in the broader entertainment landscape.
Meanwhile, the departure of several long-standing professional dancers also marks a change for the series.
Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Marquez will not return, opening new opportunities for the professional dance troupe.
These changes impact the show's core dynamics, shaping partnerships and choreographic styles for the upcoming season.
Discussions continue regarding additional celebrity participants, with names like Jake Quickenden and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey circulating.
Quickenden has caught the attention of Strictly bookers, indicating further announcements are imminent.
While Dame Sarah Storey is a candidate for Strictly 2026, the immediate focus remains on the confirmed roster for the current series.
The evolving cast and crew maintain Strictly Come Dancing as a central fixture in British television entertainment.
These confirmed participants set the stage for another compelling season of ballroom and Latin dance.