Love Island star Cach Mercer joins Strictly line-up

By Paul Glynn, Steven McIntosh and Helen Bushby Culture reporters Published 10 June 2026 Updated 12 minutes ago Love Island's 2025 champion Cach Mercer is the fifth celebrity confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. He was part of the winning couple on the ITV dating show last year, and also works as a model and DJ, and is an ambassador for a young people's mental health charity. "I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast," he said. Mercer also showcases his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves on his social media accounts. "Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can't wait to learn ballroom and do the foxtrot for the first time!" he added. Chris Appleton Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton is also part of this year's line-up. Appleton, best known for his work with Kim Kardashian, joins singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and reality star Dani Dyer in the battle for the Glitterball trophy. The Leicester-born Color Wow creative director said: "I'm thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience." He has also created red carpet looks for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry and Ariana Grande, while having his work showcased on the covers of publications including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Vanity Fair. "I've always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new," added the 43-year-old, who this year released a memoir entitled Your Roots Don't Define You. "I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story - and I can't wait to get started." Delta Goodrem Delta Goodrem is also part of this year's celebrity list, with the Australian singer and actress becoming the third celebrity to be announced for the upcoming series. "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," Goodrem said. "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." She rose to fame in hit Australian soap opera Neighbours and recently represented her nation in the 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Lacey Turner Lacey Turner was the first contestant to be announced for this year's series, which is expected to begin in September. She said she was "so excited to being making my way to the dance floor", adding that she was a "huge fan" of the show. Turner, 38, is best known for her role as Stacey Slater on the BBC One soap, which she joined in 2004. She has won a British Soap Award and National Television Award for her role, and has also starred in TV dramas including the BBC's Our Girl. In a video posted on Instagram, Turner said she was "so excited and so terrified at the same time" to be taking part in the show. "But I've had so many friend