Dame Sarah Storey Announced as Seventh Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Contestant
A Legendary Athlete Takes on the Dance Floor
Dame Sarah Storey swaps retirement for new – Strictly Come Dancing has officially revealed its seventh celebrity participant for the upcoming 2026 series, and the announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans. Dame Sarah Storey, one of Britain’s most decorated sporting figures, will trade her athletic pursuits for the glittering ballroom as she embarks on this fresh chapter of her life.
The 48-year-old multi-talented athlete brings an extraordinary competitive spirit to the dance floor. With an impressive collection of 19 Paralympic gold medals already secured throughout her illustrious career, she holds the distinguished title of the most successful British Paralympian in history. Her remarkable achievements span two different sports, showcasing her versatility and determination.
Storey’s sporting journey began in the swimming pool, where she competed across four separate Paralympic Games before making the transition to cycling. This switch proved equally fruitful, as she accumulated a total of 30 Paralympic medals across nine Games appearances. Her performance at the London 2012 Olympics was particularly outstanding, with four gold medals to her credit during the home Games.
Having recently stepped away from competitive sport following her retirement announcement, the celebrated athlete has chosen the Strictly dance floor as her next great adventure. The timing feels particularly meaningful for someone who has always been passionate about performance and entertainment.
“Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.”
Her enthusiasm for the show runs deep, particularly given her personal connection to dance through her family. The opportunity to learn alongside professional dancers while gaining insight into her daughter’s world adds an extra layer of motivation to her participation.
“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.”
A Remarkable Journey from Birth to Brilliance
Storey’s path to sporting greatness began with a unique circumstance. Born without a functioning left hand due to her arm becoming entangled in the umbilical cord while in the womb, her hand did not develop normally. Rather than letting this limitation define her, she embraced the challenge and pursued athletic excellence with unwavering commitment.
At just ten years old, she joined her local swimming club in Manchester, beginning what would become an extraordinary career. By the age of fourteen, she had already launched her Paralympic journey in the pool, setting the stage for decades of medal-winning performances.
Her personal life has been equally fulfilling. She married Barney Storey, a tandem pilot and coach, in 2007. The couple welcomed their daughter, Louisa, in June 2013, creating a beautiful family foundation that continues to inspire her.
Joining an Elite Line-up
Dame Sarah enters the Strictly competition alongside six other notable celebrities. The current line-up includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, and Will Best. Each brings their own unique talents and public profiles to the show, creating a diverse and engaging cast of contestants.
The broadcasting team has also undergone changes for the new series. Broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe have been appointed as the new hosts of the BBC programme. They will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who both announced their departure from the show late last year.
Viewers can expect further celebrity announcements throughout the summer months as the production team finalizes the complete cast. The new series is scheduled to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer this September, promising another thrilling season of dance, drama, and entertainment for audiences across the United Kingdom and beyond.
