Jaime Winstone Joins Strictly Come Dancing

Actress Jaime Winstone joins the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 lineup, bringing her acting credits in films like Made in Dagenham and television roles such as EastEnders. She is the eighth celebrity to be confirmed for this year’s series, joining seven other confirmed celebrities ahead of the show’s September launch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Entering the Showgirl Era on the Ballroom Floor

Known for her television credits including Dead Set, Poirot, Torvill & Dean, Mad Dogs, Count Abdulla, and the BBC drama Four Lives, Winstone earned widespread praise for portraying Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs. Winstone launched her acting career in 2004 and her film credits include Bullet Boy, Tomb Raider, and Wild Bill. She later stepped into Windsor’s famous role of Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, appearing in flashback specials, most recently in the soap’s 40th anniversary last year. The episode went on to win the British Soap Award for ‘Best Single Episode’.

Reflecting on her upcoming transition to reality competition, Winstone shared her enthusiasm in a statement, saying she was “so excited” to be joining the dance competition.

“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.”

Jaime Winstone, Actress

Beyond her television and film career, Winstone has modelled and appeared on stage in the West End production of 2:22 A Ghost Story.

A Star-Studded Lineup Takes Shape for 2026

Winstone is the eighth celebrity to be confirmed for this year’s series, joining stars including Delta Goodrem, Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer. She joins a diverse roster of personalities from acting, music, reality television, and sports.

Will Best Joins Strictly Come Dancing Line Up

Lacey Turner: Known for playing EastEnders’ Stacey Slater.

Dani Dyer: TV personality – returning after injury in 2025.

Delta Goodrem: Australian singer.

Chris Appleton: Hair stylist.

Cach Mercer: Reality TV star who was part of the winning couple on ITV dating show Love Island last year, and also works as a model and DJ, and is an ambassador for a young people’s mental health charity. Mercer also showcases his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves on his social media accounts, noting that Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can't wait to learn ballroom and do the foxtrot.

Will Best: TV and radio host known for hosting Big Brother with AJ Odudu on ITV since 2023, and as host of the Hits Radio Breakfast Show alongside Fleur East and James Barr. Best said it was an absolute dream to be taking to the BBC One contest’s dance floor in September, albeit a pretty terrifying one, adding: “I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait! 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.”

Dame Sarah Storey: Britain’s most successful Paralympian. Known as Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian of all time, Dame Sarah Storey has secured 19 gold medals across the nine Paralympic Games she competed in. The swimmer and cyclist started her career as a swimmer and later switched to cycling, winning 30 Paralympic medals in total, which included four golds at London 2012. She said embarking on the challenge is hugely exciting and she can't wait to get started. She stated: I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating!

They will be joined on the show by new hosts Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe, who take over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. All four Strictly judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas (head judge), will each be returning.

Countdown to the September Launch on BBC One

Further cast announcements are expected throughout the summer ahead of the show’s return. Strictly is due to begin on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.