Actress and House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia is the ninth celebrity announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2026

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is coming! The hotly anticipated new series will light up Saturday and Sunday nights this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with actress, singer, and House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia joining the celebrity cast of 2026.

The news was announced on Tuesday 28 July via @bbcstrictly’s official social channels on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

Bethany’s impressive acting career began at 14 years old when she appeared in a short film adaptation of The Tempest, before being cast as a guest role in the BBC’s Doctors.

Her breakout television role came in 2020 as Margot Rivers in the BBC/Netflix teen thriller Get Even, and she has since appeared in a range of acclaimed series such as Nolly, Stay Close, Stath Lets Flats, and Doctor Who.

Since 2022, Bethany has gained global fame from her portrayal of the dragon-rider Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. She is currently starring as Eurydice in the smash hit, Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown in London’s West End.

Bethany Antonia says: "I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill. See you on the dancefloor!"

Bethany joins Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, and Jaime Winstone in the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Further news will be revealed throughout the summer ahead of the brand-new series getting underway on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September. Viewers can add the show to their watchlist on BBC iPlayer now.

Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

For all the latest breaking news from the ballroom check out our Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Everything You Need to Know guide.

GK

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