The glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing is about to welcome a new star. Bethany Antonia known for her role as Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon has been confirmed as the ninth contestant for the 2026 series. The announcement was made on 28 July, sending waves of excitement through fans of the popular BBC show.
Antonia’s journey to the ballroom is as diverse as her acting career. From her early days in a short film adaptation of The Tempest to her breakout role in Get Even she has captivated audiences. Her current role as Eurydice in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown in London’s West End showcases her versatility. Now, she is ready to take on a new challenge: the dance floor.
Bethany Antonia’s Exciting Journey
Bethany Antonia expressed her enthusiasm about joining Strictly Come Dancing 2026, stating, “I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill. See you on the dancefloor!”
Her journey to the ballroom began at the age of 14, with her debut in a short film adaptation of The Tempest. She then appeared in the BBC’s Doctors before landing her breakout role as Margot Rivers in the teen thriller Get Even in 2026. Since then, she has appeared in acclaimed series such as NollyStay CloseStath Lets Flats and Doctor Who. Her global fame skyrocketed with her portrayal of Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon in 2026.
The Vibrant Lineup of Strictly Come Dancing 2026
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing promises to be a spectacle with a diverse lineup of celebrities. Joining Bethany Antonia are Lacey TurnerDani DyerDelta GoodremChris AppletonCach MercerWill BestDame Sarah Storey and Jaime Winstone. Each contestant brings a unique background and set of skills to the show, making this year’s competition particularly exciting.
Lacey Turner, known for her acting prowess, expressed her excitement, saying, “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year!” Dani Dyer, a familiar face in the ballroom, added, “I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!”
Delta Goodrem, a renowned singer and actress, shared her thrill, stating, “I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor! I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!” Chris Appleton, a world-renowned hair stylist, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience.’
The Return of Same-Sex Pairings?
Fans of the competition will recall the historic same-sex pairings in previous years. In 2026, Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones made history as the first competing same-sex couple. In 2026, John Whaite was paired with pro Johannes Radebe. In 2026, Jayde Adams was paired with Karen Hauer and Richy Anderson was paired with Giovanni Pernice. In 2026, Layton Williams was paired with Nikita Kuzmin. Since then, there have been no same-sex pairings on the show. However, there have been a number of same-sex professional dances during shows. The question remains: will this year see the return of same-sex competitors?
No matter who she is paired with, Bethany Antonia’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing is sure to be one to watch. Fans are already rooting for her as she prepares to take on the challenge of the ballroom. The show is set to return in September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer promising a season filled with glamour, drama, and unforgettable performances.
