Strictly Come Dancing confirms 'unreal' 14th celeb in star-studded line-up

It's been two months since Lacey Turner was confirmed as the first contestant for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, and on Tuesday, it was revealed that John Nellis was the show's 14th contestant.

John is a social media influencer known for his football content, and his channels have a combined audience of over 20 million people. The former air traffic controller has won at the  Sport Creator of the Year at the 2024 TikTok Awards UK & Ireland, and collaborated with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland during his career.

Speaking about joining the show, John said: "I'm still in disbelief that I've been selected for Strictly and, if I'm honest, I'm a little nervous as I've never danced before! It's such an incredible opportunity, and I'm going to throw myself into every moment. I can't wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!"

One fan said: "Unreal mate," while a second enthused: " 15.8m subscribers on YouTube, he’s not not famous, you just don’t know who he is!"

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There's just one more star to be confirmed for this year, and we can't wait to see who it will be!

The major changes for Strictly's 2026 season

The ever popular BBC show will be so different when it returns next month, with both an overhaul in the presenting line-up and the professional roster.

Last October, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed that they would both be departing the show at the end of its 2025 season, and it was confirmed in May that three new hosts would be filling their places: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.

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Joking about his new role on the show, Josh said: "Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can't wait to spend my weekends with them. I'll dust off the penguin costume."

We've also seen the departures of Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez, with the group being replaced by Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.

Who else is in this year's Strictly cast?

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Is Lacey going to claim the Glitterball?

Lacey Turner

EastEnders star Lacey Turner was the first celebrity to be confirmed this year, and the actress follows in the footsteps of some of Walford's finest.

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A freak injury eliminated Dani before the competition began last year

Dani Dyer

After missing out on last year's series after picking up an ankle injury, Dani Dyer will no doubt be determined to make it to this year's final.

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Aussie popstar Delta will be a dancefloor sensation

Delta Goodrem

Delta Goodrem was the third star to be confirmed, and the singer has had an incredible year, managing to finish in fourth place at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, where she represented Australia.

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Chris was the first male star to be confirmed for this year's show

Chris Appleton

We wonder whether stylist to the stars Chris Appleton will be bringing any of his famous celebrity clients with him to the show… The star has worked with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian.

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Cach is another Love Island champion

Cach Mercer

Love Island fans will be thrilled that former winner Cach Mercer is taking to the ballroom floor, especially with the star regularly showing off his smooth moves on his social media channels.

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Will has been presenting for years

Will Best

We can't believe it's taken so long for Will Best to finally do Strictly! The Big Brother presenter will be hoping to replicate the success of his co-host, AJ Odudu, who previously reached the finals back in 2021.

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Dame Sarah has won 30 Paralympic medals

Dame Sarah Storey

Dame Sarah Storey is not only Britain's most highly decorated Paralympian, but she's also the first person with a Damehood to step out on the Strictly Come Dancing floor.

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Jaime is Ray Winstone's daughter

Jaime Winstone

The eighth star to be confirmed for this year's show was actress Jaime Winstone, best known for her portrayal of the late Barbara Windsor in Babs.

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The actress is aiming for the Glitterball rather than the Iron Throne

Bethany Antonia

Bethany Antonia is a rising star at the moment, with the actress wowing us in House of the Dragon. Is a Game of Thrones-inspired number on the way?

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Golden Boot or Glitterball?

Shaun Wright-Phillips

Shaun Wright-Phillips knows his footwork thanks to his footballing career, but can Ian Wright's adoptive son manage to claim the ultimate trophy?

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Surely there'll be a Who Let the Dogs Out routine

Graeme Hall

He's used to badly-behaving dogs, but this time Graeme Hall is the one being trained, and if he forgets his moves, it's off to the doghouse with him!

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Will Lawrence have a less dramatic time in Elstree?

Lawrence Robb

Last year's show made a breakout star out of Lewis Cope, so his former Emmerdale co-star Lawrence Robb will be looking to make a similar impression on the public.

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Tabby is an Olympic champion

Tabby Stoecker

Tabby has called joining the Strictly ballroom "surreal", but the Olympic skeleton racer will no doubt be fiercely competitive when she makes her dancing debut.