Sarah Storey To Trade In Cycling Shoes for Dancing Ball Gowns as Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Lineup Confirmed

Dame Sarah Storey is reportedly joining the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing, according to The Sun as reported by Radio Times on June 14, 2026. While the BBC hasn’t officially confirmed Storey’s participation, it has announced a lineup including Delta Goodrem, Lacey Turner, and Dani Dyer.

Why is Dame Sarah Storey reportedly joining Strictly Come Dancing?

A source told The Sun that Storey is delighted to be taking part and intends to use the competition to learn a new skill. The source indicated that Storey hopes to showcase her personality to viewers while embracing the glamour and dress-up elements of the production.

The reported move follows a previous attempt by Storey to enter a dance competition. She was part of the Dancing on Ice roster in 2025 but withdrew after sustaining an injury during training. ITV has since rested that program.

What is Sarah Storey’s athletic background?

Storey is the most successful Paralympian in British history. She has won 30 Paralympic medals, including 19 gold medals.

Her competitive career began at the 1992 Barcelona Games, where she competed as a swimmer at age 14. She later transitioned to cycling, becoming a leading athlete in both track and road disciplines.

Who else is confirmed for the Strictly 2026 lineup?

The BBC has confirmed three celebrities for the upcoming series: EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, TV personality Dani Dyer, and singer Delta Goodrem.

Goodrem joins the cast following her appearance at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Speaking on her casting, Goodrem stated:

I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor! I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!— Delta Goodrem

What changes are coming to the Strictly ballroom in 2026?

The 2026 series will introduce a new hosting team. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will replace long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The production will also introduce new professional dancers. They join a list of returning professionals, which includes:

• Dianne Buswell
• Amy Dowden
• Katya Jones
• Neil Jones
• Nikita Kuzmin
• Aljaž Škorjanec
• Jowita Przystał
• Johannes Radebe
• Nancy Xu
• Kai Widdrington
• Carlos Gu
• Lauren Oakley
• Vito Coppola
• Alexis Warr
• Julian Caillon

When will the BBC confirm Sarah Storey’s participation?

The BBC has not verified Storey’s signing. In a statement, the broadcaster said, Further news about Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be revealed throughout the summer ahead of the brand new series getting underway on BBC One and iPlayer this September.