Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has announced its second celebrity contestant, and it is a returning favourite. The BBC show confirmed on Thursday, 11 June, via its official social media channels that Dani Dyer will take to the dance floor later this year.
Dani Dyer Returns After Injury
Dani Dyer, 29, is the daughter of actor Danny Dyer. She was originally set to compete in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 but was forced to withdraw due to a foot injury before the series began. Now, she will get her chance to compete for the Glitterball Trophy in the upcoming season.
Reacting to the announcement, Dani said: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!" She added: "I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Previous Injury and Recovery
Last year, Dani suffered a foot injury that ruled her out of the competition. Confirming her exit at the time, she explained: "I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly. After an MRI scan it turns out I have fractured my ankle. Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable." She also shared the emotional toll: "It was so hard because I was having the best time of my life. I couldn't leave the house, because I knew if someone said to me, 'Are you OK?', I'd just cry. It's been really testing my mental health."
Earlier this year, the former Love Island contestant hinted at a possible return. When asked about coming back, she said: "It's up to them. It's a magical thing to do, so we'll have to see when they start casting. But yeah absolutely – who could say no to Strictly?"
Dani Dyer's Professional Partner
During the 2025 series, Dani was partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin. Whether the pair will be reunited for the 2026 show, or if she will be assigned a new partner, has yet to be confirmed.
First Contestant Announced
Dani Dyer is the second contestant revealed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The first was EastEnders legend Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater since 2004. Turner was announced on Wednesday, 10 June.
Strictly Come Dancing will return soon to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
