Strictly Come Dancing 2026 tipped to cast The X Factor and I’m a Celebrity veteran

Jake Quickenden is reportedly in talks to appear on Strictly Come Dancing later this year.

I first noticed Jake Quickenden back in 2012 when he was on The X Factor – he didn’t quite make it to the live shows, getting eliminated at the Judges’ Houses stage. But he didn’t stop there! I’ve seen him pop up on a bunch of other reality shows since, including ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ and ‘Dancing on Ice’.

Joining the CBBC show Jamie Johnson FC is thought to have improved his prospects.

Jake is being considered for Strictly Come Dancing. Insiders say he’s attractive, likeable, and a talented performer with experience as both an actor and a singer. Having already won Dancing On Ice, he’s a skilled dancer, and now that he’s working with the BBC, he’s well-positioned for the show.

Jake Quickenden has said before that he’d be keen to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. He noted that few people have competed on both Dancing on Ice and Strictly, but he’d definitely be interested if the opportunity arose.

The BBC has revealed two contestants for this year’s show, one of whom is Dani Dyer. She had to pull out of last year’s competition because of an injury.

There had been speculation that Dani would come back to Strictly Come Dancing, and she had mentioned before that she’d be keen to participate again.

Dani shared her excitement about returning for the 2026 season, saying she’s thrilled to be back dancing this September. She’s eager to start practicing and hopes to make it through the first week this time! She’s really happy and can’t wait to see who her fellow dancers will be.

She joins the previously announced Lacey Turner, who was confirmed to be taking part this week.

I’m absolutely thrilled to announce I’ll be joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing this year! I can’t wait to get on the dance floor and be part of the show!

I’m so excited to be participating this year instead of watching from home – I’m a big fan! I can’t wait to meet everyone and learn something new.

More announcements will be made throughout the summer ahead of the new season this September.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

Don’t miss Strictly Come Dancing! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV suggestions, articles, and more.

Authors

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

As a total entertainment junkie, I’ve been following Katelyn Mensah’s work for a while now. She’s the Senior Entertainment Writer over at TopMob, and she really covers it all – from the biggest shows and reality TV to those seriously impactful documentaries. Before TopMob, she was writing about reality TV and celebrity news at The Tab, and she’s got a Journalism degree to back it all up, so she definitely knows her stuff!

  • Visit us on Twitter

Read More

2026-06-12 13:04