The Strictly cast is shaping up nicely thanks to the likes of Will Best, Lacey Turner and Delta Goodrem, but now the BBC has confirmed that Dame Sarah Storey will be lacing up her dancing shoes this autumn.
Dame Sarah is Britain's most decorated Paralympian, scooping 19 gold medals in both swimming and cycling events. The star holds an impressive 30 Paralympic medals overall. Dame Sarah recently confirmed her retirement from the sport, and she makes Strictly history as the first ever person to compete with a Damehood, which she was awarded with in 2013.
Speaking about joining the show, Dame Sarah said: "Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting. I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!"
Fans were over the moon with the signing, as one enthused: "Yes, so excited," and a second joked: " OH YES!!! A Storey to Remember! Smash it up well!" while a third added: "Amazing news."
© BBCWe can't wait to see who Sarah will be paired up with, and who else will be announced for the new series.
What has changed for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing?
While fans are used to an ever-changing cast of celebrities on the show, there's been plenty of changes in long-standing presenters and pros, most notably the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the last series.
They've been replaced by Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, and while fans were nervous this meant that Johannes would be hanging up his dancing shoes, he's assured them that he will still be involved with the dancing, even though he won't be with a celebrity.
The pro line-up is also heavily changing. The BBC is yet to announce new pros, although it's been confirmed that there will be some fresh faces, but we have lost Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez from the line-up.
Confirming his departure, Gorka said: "I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity—over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful."
Who is in the current Strictly line-up?
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© BBCLacey was our first star
Lacey Turner
EastEnders legend Lacey was the first star to be confirmed for this year's line-up. The star is best known for her stint on the iconic BBC soap opera, where she played Stacey Slater.
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© BBCDani sustained an injury last series
Dani Dyer
Reality TV star Dani was the next star to be confirmed. As well as appearing with her famous father, Danny Dyer, on several reality shows, she is also known for winning Love Island. Dani was due to dance with Nikita Kuzmin last year, but pulled out following an injury.
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© BBCAussie pop icon Delta was a surprise signing
Delta Goodrem
From Eurovision to Elstree! Fresh off securing fourth place in the music competition with Eclipse, Delta revealed that she would be looking for Glitterball glory this autumn.
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© BBCChris has plenty of A-list stars
Chris Appleton
Chris was the first male to be announced for this series, and the Leicester-born star is known as a stylist to the stars, including for the likes of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande. Will they be cheering him on?
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© BBCCach is the second Love Island star for this series
Cach Mercer
Love Island champion Cach hasn't been afraid of showing off his dance moves on his TikTok, so we just know the star will be hoping to go all the way!
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© BBCWill is finally on Strictly!
Will Best
We're surprised it's taken so long for the Big Brother presenter to finally sign up for the ballroom competition, but this autumn, Will will be dancing in front of the nation.
