Delta Goodrem has been confirmed as the latest celebrity to join Strictly Come Dancing. The Eurovision star will be joining Dani Dyer, who is making a comeback after injury forced her to pull out last year, alongside EastEnders actress Lacey Turner.
Delta Goodrem's excitement about joining Strictly
Delta said: "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, 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!"
Career highlights and Eurovision success
The Australian star boasts a career encompassing acting, singing and songwriting, philanthropy and entrepreneurship. She took to the stage at Eurovision in Vienna, Austria, in May, representing Australia with Eclipse, securing the country their second-best result in the competition's history by finishing in fourth place, reports Wales Online.
Fan reactions and judge's welcome
Fans have been absolutely delighted by the announcement, with judge Motsi Mabuse commenting: "Welcome, @deltagoodrem From one Southern Hemisphere girl to another, I can't wait to see you sparkle in the ballroom. Let's dance!" One fan also commented: "The Eurovision 2026 powerhouse herself!! Between her and Dani, who am I gonna stan? Strictly, you're making this extremely difficult." Another said: "Now THIS is a booking!! YES DELTA!!!!"
Speculation and hints on Good Morning Britain
Speculation had been swirling that the pop star would be joining the reality TV competition, after playing coy when questioned about it on Good Morning Britain. During an appearance on the ITV daytime programme, Delta claimed she was "always open" to Strictly, but refused to shut down the rumours. After a behind-the-scenes clip of Delta dancing at an afterparty aired, former Strictly star and GMB host Ed Balls commented on her "good frame". "What are you suggesting Ed?" co-presenter Susanna Reid, who has also competed on Strictly, replied, as Richard Arnold quipped: "You knew we were going to go here!" Teasing the then-rumours, Delta had said: "Everytime I've been in the UK and I can immerse into [Strictly], I love music with all my heart. As I said last year before Eurovision, I'm always open. I love the variety of the arts... I'm always open!" She added: "I'd have to work really hard because I'm a piano girl at the end of the day." "I've not confirmed," she went on, joking that she'd come to the Good Morning Britain stars for advice before stepping into the ballroom.
Other rumoured contestants and show changes
Names such as Natalie Imbruglia and Josie Gibson are also rumoured to be joining Strictly this year. The BBC programme is undergoing a major shake-up, after a series of professional dancers have left amid a so-called 'bloodbath', and three new hosts have been confirmed as replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
