Reigning Love Island 2025 winner Cach Mercer has been confirmed as the fifth celebrity to join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2026. The social media star and content creator will compete in the highly anticipated new series, set to air this fall.The news was announced on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube on Thursday, July 9, according to BBC Strictly’s official social media channels. The news is another huge addition to the entertainment lineup as the show prepares for its return with new guest stars and more celebrities.
Find out about Mercer’s excitement for the game
Speaking about his involvement, Mercer expressed his enthusiasm for being a part of a show he has followed his entire life. “I grew up watching the show with my family and I’m so excited to now be a part of the cast. Dancing is a big passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn the ballroom and foxtrot for the first time!” he said, emphasizing his desire to develop his ballroom dancing skills.
Cach Mercer’s rise to fame and social media influence
Mercer rose to fame after winning the recent series of Love Island and was crowned male champion after winning the public vote. His success in the dating game is reflected in his social media following, as he has amassed nearly 50 million followers on one major video platform.The content creator is highly recognized for his posts and performances of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and hip-hop moves. In addition to her social media presence, Mercer brings multiple entertainment credentials to the competition as a professional model and DJ. He also serves as an ambassador for a youth mental health charity, demonstrating his commitment to advocacy and social responsibility.
professional dancer in the program
The competition will feature professional dancers including Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Aljaž Škorjanec, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Nancy Xu, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Vito Coppola, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, providing a rich roster of experienced choreographers and performers for celebrity contestants.The rest of the 2026 cast will be gradually announced throughout the summer, sparking anticipation for the show’s return. New episodes will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September 2026, and viewers can add the show to their watchlists on the streaming platform now.