Actress and House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia is joining the celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, according to the official BBC Strictly social channels. The popular dance competition will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn, bringing weekend entertainment back to screens across the country.
Bethany Antonia Joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Cast
According to the BBC, Bethany Antonia was announced as part of the 2026 celebrity roster on Tuesday, July 28, via official social media channels including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. The actress expressed enthusiasm about stepping onto the dancefloor, stating that she grew up watching the programme and looks forward to taking on the challenge of learning a new skill.
“I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September!” Antonia said, according to BBC announcements. “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!”
Did you know? Bethany Antonia began her professional acting career at just 14 years old in a short film adaptation of The Tempest before securing a guest role in the long-running BBC medical drama Doctors.
From BBC Dramas to HBO Blockbusters
Antonia’s television career spans several notable BBC and streaming productions. In 2020, she landed her breakout television role as Margot Rivers in the BBC and Netflix teen thriller Get Even. Following that project, she appeared in acclaimed series such as Nolly, Stay Close, Stath Lets Flats, and Doctor Who, as reported by BBC production details.
Global recognition arrived in 2022 when Antonia joined the cast of HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, portraying the dragon-rider Lady Baela Targaryen. Alongside her screen credits, she currently stars as Eurydice in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown in London’s West End.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Line-Up and Schedule
Antonia joins a growing roster of confirmed celebrities for the upcoming series. According to BBC announcements, the 2026 line-up features Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, and Jaime Winstone.
Additional celebrity participants will be revealed throughout the summer months leading up to the official launch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September. Viewers can already add the program to their watchlists on BBC iPlayer. The entertainment show is produced by BBC Studios Entertainment for the BBC.
Pro Tip: Fans looking to track all the latest updates can consult the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Everything You Need to Know guide for rolling announcements, professional dancer pairings, and broadcast schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start?
The new series begins this September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, airing across Saturday and Sunday nights throughout the autumn.
Who has been announced for the Strictly 2026 line-up so far?
Confirmed contestants include Bethany Antonia, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, and Jaime Winstone, according to BBC announcements.
What is Bethany Antonia best known for?
Antonia is widely recognized for playing Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon and Margot Rivers in the BBC/Netflix series Get Even.
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