Bethany Antonia, currently playing Eurydice in Hadestown in London's West End, has been announced as a contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The BBC Media Centre described Antonia, also known for her role in House of the Dragon, as the latest celebrity joining the new series, which returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in autumn 2026 (BBC Media Centre).

She is one of several stage names in this year's line-up. Jaime Winstone, who played Jenny in 2:22 A Ghost Story and is also known for Made in Dagenham and EastEnders, was confirmed the previous week as the eighth celebrity contestant (BBC Media Centre; BBC News). Dani Dyer, who appeared in Nativity! The Musical, returns to the show after withdrawing due to injury last year. The full line-up, tracked by Cosmopolitan UK, also includes Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, presenter Will Best, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, and EastEnders actor Lacey Turner (Cosmopolitan UK).

The cross-over between the West End and the Strictly ballroom has been deepening for more than one series. Amber Davies, a WhatsOnStage Award winner, made the Strictly final in the 2025 series. Layton Williams, who holds both WhatsOnStage and Olivier Awards, is currently performing a Tony Award-nominated role in Titanique on Broadway. Johannes Radebe, a former Strictly professional who moved into West End musical theatre, returns to the 2026 series in a hosting role (WhatsOnStage).

Behind the contestants, the professional dancer line-up has been refreshed. Five new pros join for 2026: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita (BBC Media Centre). Emma Willis joins the presenting team alongside the returning cast, per the BBC's own announcement of the confirmed celebrity contestants (BBC Media Centre).

For audiences, the 2026 series is shaping up as one where a sizeable share of the contestants will already know what it feels like to perform under lights in front of a live crowd. Whether stage experience translates to ballroom success is a question the last series began to answer, and the new one will test again.