The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing are set to return this autumn, and this year’s line-up is already generating plenty of excitement. On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the BBC confirmed that acclaimed actress and model Jaime Winstone would be stepping onto the famous Elstree dance floor as the eighth celebrity contestant for the show’s highly anticipated 2026 series. For fans of both dance and drama, the announcement marks another high note in what’s shaping up to be one of the show’s most intriguing seasons yet.
Winstone, 41, is no stranger to the spotlight. The daughter of veteran actor Ray Winstone, Jaime has carved out her own impressive career in film, television, and theatre. She’s perhaps best known for her roles in films like Made in Dagenham, Bullet Boy, Tomb Raider, and Wild Bill, as well as TV appearances in Dead Set, Poirot, Mad Dogs, Count Abdulla, and the BBC drama Four Lives. Her portrayal of Dame Barbara Windsor in the BBC biopic Babs earned her widespread acclaim, and she even took on the iconic role of Peggy Mitchell in a special episode of EastEnders—a testament to her versatility and talent, as reported by HuffPost.
Upon her announcement, Jaime Winstone radiated enthusiasm. "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!" she declared, according to multiple outlets including the BBC and Digital Spy. It’s clear she’s eager to embrace the sparkle, sequins, and spectacle that have become Strictly trademarks.
Winstone is joining a line-up already brimming with talent and personality. The confirmed contestants for 2026 so far include EastEnders favorite Lacey Turner, Love Island winner Cach Mercer, singer and actress Delta Goodrem, world-renowned hair stylist Chris Appleton, TV personality Dani Dyer, Big Brother host Will Best, and record-breaking Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey. Each brings a unique background and fanbase to the competition, promising a season full of surprises and memorable performances.
The excitement isn’t limited to the cast, either. Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is undergoing some of its most significant changes in years. After a decade at the helm, beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure following the 2025 series. Stepping into their shoes will be broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe. The BBC confirmed these new hosts earlier this year, and fans are eager to see how the trio’s dynamic will shape the show’s energy and style. According to Hello! Magazine, this marks the first time in ten years that the presenting line-up has seen such a complete overhaul.
But that’s not all. The professional dancer roster is also seeing a shake-up. Several fan favorites—including Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Marquez—have exited the show. The BBC has promised new pros will join the line-up, keeping the dancefloor fresh and unpredictable. The spin-off companion show, It Takes Two, is also transforming: Janette Manrara will not return as host, and the show will relaunch as a visual podcast in autumn 2026. These changes, reported by the BBC and Digital Spy, signal a new era for the Strictly brand, aiming to keep long-time fans engaged while attracting new viewers.
For Winstone, the challenge of ballroom dancing is a new adventure. While she’s no stranger to movement—her versatility as an actress and her stint on ITV’s The Masked Singer in 2022 demonstrate her willingness to step outside her comfort zone—the technical demands of Strictly’s routines will be a fresh test. Still, she’s ready to dive in. As she put it, "I love a challenge though, so can’t wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!"
Strictly’s producers are making sure the transition is as smooth as possible for viewers. The new season will be filmed at Elstree Studios and is scheduled to return to BBC One and iPlayer on September 19, 2026. The launch show will be recorded on Wednesday, September 9, and fans eager for a front-row seat are being urged to apply for free audience ballot tickets before applications close at 10pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, according to Digital Spy. The BBC is expected to announce additional celebrity contestants throughout the summer, keeping speculation and excitement at a fever pitch.
Winstone’s personal life has also been the subject of public attention. She married James Suckling in October 2023 after eight years together, and the couple share a son, Raymond Jnr, born in 2016 and named in honor of Jaime’s famous father. This blend of family legacy and individual accomplishment adds another layer to her story as she embarks on her Strictly journey.
For fans, the 2026 series represents both continuity and change. The heart of Strictly—the celebration of dance, personality, and transformation—remains intact, but the new hosts, revamped pro line-up, and format tweaks promise a fresh experience. As always, the show’s producers are betting that a mix of familiar faces and bold new choices will keep the magic alive.
In the coming weeks, as more celebrities are announced and the first rehearsal photos emerge, anticipation is sure to build. Will Jaime Winstone’s acting chops translate to the dancefloor? Will the new hosts win over the audience? And which contestant will capture the coveted glitterball trophy? If Strictly’s history is anything to go by, there will be drama, laughter, tears—and plenty of unforgettable dance routines.
With Jaime Winstone’s infectious enthusiasm and a rejuvenated cast and crew, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is shaping up to be a season to remember. As the lights go up at Elstree and the music starts, all eyes will be on the dancefloor to see who will shine the brightest.