BBC announces Bethany Antonia as Strictly 2026 contestant

The BBC has announced the ninth celebrity contestant for the upcoming 2026 season of "Strictly Come Dancing," confirming actor Bethany Antonia, best known for her role as Lady Baela Targaryen in the HBO series "House of the Dragon." The 28-year-old performer, who is also starring in the West End production of "Hadestown," will join the competition when the show returns this September.

In a statement released on July 28, Antonia expressed her excitement, saying she could not quite believe she would be heading to the Strictly ballroom. She added that she had grown up watching the show and was excited to take on the challenge and learn a new skill.

Antonia joins a lineup of previously announced celebrities, which includes actress Lacey Turner, reality stars Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer, singer Delta Goodrem, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, television presenter Will Best, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, and actress Jaime Winstone. The cast is not yet complete, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks ahead of the season premiere.

This year's competition marks a significant period of change for the long-running BBC program. The show will debut a new presenting team, with...