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Strictly Come Dancing 2026 confirms House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia for line-up in latest signing

From Dragonstone to the dancefloor, Strictly has announced the latest addition to this year's line-up

Bethany Antonia - Strictly Come Dancing Announcement

BBC

Published: Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at 12:35 pm

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House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia has been confirmed as the latest star for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

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The 28-year-old actor, currently on our screens as Baela Targaryen in the HBO Max smash-hit, will be trading the battlefield for the ballroom when the BBC series kicks off this autumn.

Speaking on her announcement as the latest Strictly star, Antonia said: "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!"

Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen in a red and black tunic with a concerned look on her face in House of the Dragon season 2.

Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 2. Theo Whiteman/HBO

As well as appearing in House of the Dragon, Antonia is also currently starring in the West End in Hadestown, playing Eurydice in the musical adaptation of the Orpheus tale.

She will join already announced stars including celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, EastEnders' Lacey Turner, reality star Dani Dyer, Love Island's Cach Mercer and actress Jaime Winstone.

Singer Delta Goodrem, TV presenter Will Best and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey have also been confirmed.

The line-up is yet to be fully completed, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks ahead of Strictly's launch in September.

The announcement comes just days after the BBC confirmed five new professional dancers will also be joining the series, following the exit of fan favourites including Gorka Marquez.

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The series is currently seeing a number of changes in a major shake-up, following the exit of longtime hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and pro dancer Johannes Radebe have been announced to be stepping into their shoes, and will make their presenting debut together at the launch show.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood are all maintaining their positions on the panel.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

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Authors

Tilly PearceFreelance Writer

Tilly Pearce is a freelance TV journalist whose coverage ranges from reality shows like Love Is Blind to sci-fi shows like Fallout. She is an NCTJ Gold Standard accredited journalist, who has previously worked as Deputy TV Editor (maternity cover) at Digital Spy, and Deputy TV & Showbiz Editor at Daily Express US.

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