Singer-songwriter and actress Delta Goodrem is “absolutely thrilled” to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2026, and said she “can’t wait to get started”.
The Australian star, 41, will join the hit BBC dancing programme this autumn and will compete against celebrities including EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and reality star Dani Dyer for the coveted glitterball trophy.
Goodrem 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.”
The news was revealed in a post to the show’s official Instagram on Friday night, and the caption said that “the Strictly Come Dancing class of 2026 is growing”.
In the comments, Goodrem wrote: “Beyond excited team!! Let’s dance.”
The star recently represented Australia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in Austria, and her power ballad Eclipse landed the country fourth place overall in the coveted competition.
She rose to fame in Neighbours as shy teenager Nina Tucker from 2002 to 2003.
Goodrem returned to the Australian soap for several guest appearances, including the finale in 2022 before the show was rebooted by Prime Video.
Her former Neighbours co-star Stefan Dennis appeared on Strictly last year until he was forced to pull out from the competition in October after injuring his calf.
Goodrem has also featured as a coach on The Voice Australia, and has achieved massive chart success in the country – landing five Australian number one albums.
The news comes weeks after broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe were announced as the new hosts for the upcoming series.
They will preside over the ballroom and replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after they announced they were leaving the show late last year.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens this September and be available to stream on BBC One and iPlayer.
