Dancing with the Stars 2026 is almost here! The hotly anticipated new series is set to air on Saturday and Sunday nights on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with social media star and reigning Love Island champion Cash Mercer joining the star-studded 2026 line-up.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 9, on the official @bbcstrictly social channels on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
Kach rose to fame on last year’s series of Love Island, winning the public vote to become the 2025 men’s champion.
With nearly 50 million likes on TikTok alone, Cash has earned a legion of followers on social media for his posts showcasing his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dancing moves. Kah also works as a model and DJ, and is an ambassador for a youth mental health charity.
Cash Mercer says: “I grew up watching the show with my family and am thrilled to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to master ballroom dancing and perform the foxtrot for the first time!”
Cash will join Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem and Chris Appleton in the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Further news will be released throughout the summer ahead of the new series launching on BBC One and iPlayer this September. Viewers can now add the show to their watchlist on BBC iPlayer.
For all the latest ballroom news, check out our Dancing with the Stars 2026 guide. Everything you need to know.
Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment production for BBC One and iPlayer.
GK