Strictly Come Dancing signs huge Eurovision star for 2026 series
Strictly Come Dancing Signs Eurovision Star Delta Goodrem for 2026 Season
Strictly Come Dancing signs huge Eurovision - The BBC's long-running dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, has officially announced its third participant for the 2026 series, marking a significant addition to the lineup. Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, who recently competed in the Eurovision Song Contest, will join the show after a year-long hiatus due to a serious health setback. Her participation signals a fresh chapter for the series, which has been gaining momentum as it continues to attract high-profile celebrities.
Earlier Stars Already Confirmed
Before Goodrem’s announcement, the BBC had already confirmed two other stars for the upcoming season. Former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer and EastEnders legend Lacey Turner were revealed as the first to sign up, sparking excitement among fans. Dyer’s return to the spotlight comes after a brief absence, while Turner’s presence has been a long-awaited highlight for the show’s audience. Together, these three stars form an intriguing mix of talent and experience, setting the stage for a thrilling season.
Delta Goodrem’s Eurovision Journey
Delta, 41, made headlines in the Eurovision Song Contest last month with her performance of “Eclipse,” which earned her a fourth-place finish. Her return to the competition this year marks a significant moment in her career, as she had to withdraw from the 2025 event due to a medical issue. Now, she’s eager to showcase her skills on a different stage—this time, the ballroom floor of Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking about her decision to join the show, Delta shared her enthusiasm: “I’ve been incredibly honored to perform on many different stages throughout my career—TV, theatre, film sets, and even global tours. However, the ballroom floor is a stage I’ve never stepped onto, and I’m thrilled to explore it.”
“Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of performing on countless stages—television, theatre, film sets, and global tours. Yet, the ballroom floor remains a stage I've never stepped onto, and it's a thrilling opportunity to explore.”
Goodrem’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, with her early success beginning at just 15 years old. She signed a recording contract with Sony Music at that age, and her debut album Innocent Eyes quickly became a chart-topper, reaching number nine in the UK and holding the title of one of the highest-selling Australian albums of all time. Over the next 23 years, she released six more albums, selling more than nine million copies worldwide. Her versatility as an artist has cemented her status as a cultural icon, with a fanbase that spans continents.
Health Challenges and Resilience
Despite her remarkable achievements, Delta’s career has not been without hurdles. At 18, she was diagnosed with cancer, which she bravely overcame, continuing to thrive in the entertainment industry. Later in 2018, she faced another challenge when a nerve in her tongue became paralyzed during salivary gland surgery, leaving her unable to speak or sing for nearly a year. Her perseverance through these setbacks has become a testament to her resilience, and fans are eager to see how she’ll adapt to the physical demands of ballroom dancing.
In more recent years, Delta has solidified her role as a judge on The Voice Australia, sharing the stage with music legends like Boy George and Ricky Martin. Her experience on the show has been instrumental in shaping her perspective on performance and mentorship. When asked about her journey on the platform, she reflected: “I was only 26 when I joined The Voice as a coach. Starting my career as a teenager, I had the chance to work alongside icons at different stages of their lives. Each year, another legendary figure joined our stage, and I learned something new from every artist I worked with.”
“I was only 26 when I joined The Voice as a coach. I had started my career as a teenager and a decade later I was on this show with icons. They were at different stages in their careers, and each year another icon would join our stage, and I was always learning from them, as well as the artists.”
Delta’s impact on Australian music and television has been profound. She is also known for her iconic role as Nina Tucker on Neighbours, a position she held for over two years. Her dual success as a performer and a television personality has made her a household name in both Australia and the UK. Now, with her new venture on Strictly Come Dancing, she’s expanding her reach into the world of dance, a genre she’s yet to fully explore.
Shifting Hosting Dynamics
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing will also mark a change in its hosting lineup. After Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their retirement last year, the show has been eager to introduce fresh energy. This year’s hosts include Emma Willis, who is transitioning from her role on The Voice UK, as well as Johannes Radebe, a former professional dancer, and comedian Josh Widdicombe. Their collective expertise and charisma are expected to bring a new dimension to the popular series, which has long been a staple of British television.