Bethany Antonia Joins Strictly Come Dancing Line-Up Amidst Major Show Shake-Up

Antonia, 28, known for her role as dragon-rider Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO's Game of Thrones prequel since 2022, now joins the high-stakes competition.

Her acting career ignited at 14, with an appearance in a short film adaptation of The Tempest before a guest role in Doctors.

Her breakout television role arrived in 2020 as Margot Rivers in the teen thriller Get Even. She has since featured in acclaimed series such as Nolly, Stay Close, Stath Lets Flats, and Doctor Who.

Antonia currently commands the stage as Eurydice in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown in London’s West End.

She expressed her palpable excitement, stating: "I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill. See you on the dancefloor!"

The official @bbcstrictly social media channels across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube announced her participation.

Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer also join the 2026 series as contestants, expanding the celebrity line-up.

EastEnders star Lacey Turner, currently on an extended break from her iconic character Stacey Slater, was the first contestant revealed.

Dani Dyer makes a comeback after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals for the 2025 series.

BBC bosses confirmed Dani's potential return upon her 2025 exit, stating they "hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future."

Jaime Winstone, Dame Sarah Storey, and Will Best also received confirmation as contestants for the upcoming series.

Jaime Winstone declared: "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!"

Dame Sarah Storey, the most successful Paralympian of all time, holds an astonishing 19 gold medals.

Will Best will also host the Big Brother revival in 2026.

Five new professional dancers will debut in the Autumn, injecting fresh energy and new dynamics into the competition.

Several professional dancers, including Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer, departed the show, creating openings for this new talent infusion.

Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdecombe, and Emma Willis will assume new presenting roles for Strictly Come Dancing.

This change follows Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure from their long-standing hosting duties.

Janette Manrara and Fleur East will no longer host the spin-off show It Takes Two, further altering the show's familiar faces and presenting structure.

The new series will air on BBC One and iPlayer in September.