Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Part 4: More Q&As with Dani Dyer, Cach Mercer and John Nellis!
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is almost here, and this time, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take the helm, as a brand-new year in the ballroom begins. The launch show opens in spectacular style, with an incredible performance from the entire Strictly cast. Fifteen celebrities nervously wait to find out their professional partners and this year – there’s a twist.
Five new Pros make their entrance on the dancefloor and reigning champion, Karen Carney returns for an epic performance. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke return to the judging panel to keep a watchful eye over proceedings before the competition officially kicks off next Saturday, September 19th on BBC1 at 7.25pm.
Dani Dyer
How do you feel about returning to Strictly?
I seriously couldn’t be more excited to join. I cried when I got the call, I didn’t want to assume after everything that happened last year that I would get another chance. I can’t wait to finally get the opportunity to properly experience the Strictly journey. I am excited, nervous and emotional – all the feelings! But more than anything I can’t wait to get stuck in to learning how to dance and make the most of every single moment. As long as I don’t trip over my own feet I will be happy!
Your time in the competition last year was unfortunately cut short. What does it mean to be back in the ballroom this year?
It means the world to me. Getting another chance feels really special. I’m just so grateful to be back and to get out on the dance floor, enjoy every moment and give it absolutely everything I’ve got. I’m ready for the glitter, the fake tan, the sore feet and hopefully a few good dance moves along the way!
What are you most looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone, seeing some old friends and making some new ones along the way. I am ready to get on the dance floor and give it my all. Last year I only got a small taste of the excitement with the launch show and only a few days of training, and I just loved it. I can’t wait to learn new skills, challenge myself, get glammed up and make memories I’ll never forget. I know I’m going to be really emotional when I finally do my first dance. After everything that’s happened, that moment is going to mean so much to me.
What are you most nervous about?
I’m probably most nervous about getting out on that dancefloor for the first time and being judged! I’m quite sensitive and definitely my own biggest critic, I’ll probably overthink everything. But if I’m really honest, my biggest fear is getting injured again. I’m going to do everything I can to look after myself, stay positive and just enjoy every moment of the experience. Doing the Quickstep definitely scares me a little….
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?
I really admire Karen Carney and loved her and Carlos’ Peaky Blinders themed Argentine Tango last year. It was such a powerful performance and you could tell how much it meant to her. The confidence, the storytelling and the fact she fully committed to it was magical. If I could perform a routine that made people feel that way, I’d be very happy!
How did your family and friends react when you told them?
They were absolutely buzzing! They knew how much this meant to me. They were all so supportive and just really happy that I got another chance to do something I’ve been so excited about.
Is there anyone in particular – whether family or friend – who you’re doing Strictly for?
I’d definitely say Jarrod’s mum, Nat. She absolutely loves Strictly and was convinced I was going to do it before I even knew myself! She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. My mum as well. She’s one of my biggest supporters and is always in my corner no matter what. We love a dance together and I know she’ll be watching every week
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?
I’m hoping to come away with more confidence in myself and a brand new skill. I want to push myself out of my comfort zone, learn something completely different and make memories I’ll never forget. I of course also want to have lots of fun along the way. It’s such a special experience, and I want to throw myself into every second of it
Have you had any advice from any former contestants?
Yes! Vicky Pattison has given me some great advice. We became really close and she always says, just enjoy every single moment because it goes by so quickly. She told me not to put too much pressure on myself, to embrace the whole experience and have fun with it. Knowing how nervous she was at the start and how brilliantly she did has definitely given me a lot of confidence and inspiration.
What would be your dream song to dance to?
I love all the classics! Show Me Love by Robin S, Flowers by Sweet Female Attitude, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande and my new obsession has to be Olivia Dean. I would absolutely love to do a dance to one of her songs as she is incredible.
Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 alumni before?
I’ve met a few familiar faces over the years through work and events, but I’m really excited to get to know everyone properly. It looks like such a lovely group, and going through an experience like Strictly creates a really special bond. And if Chris Appleton fancies giving me a blow dry while we’re there, I definitely won’t be saying no!
Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?
I love a manifestation card and Jarrod’s mum Nat always gets me a good luck bracelet or a stone before I do anything, so I’m sure she will be doing the same for this and I will be putting them all in my dressing room
How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?
I think they would say I’m actually not a bad dancer! I’ve always loved a dance and I’m usually the first one up at a party. If I have the technique for Strictly is another question, but I’d like to think I’ve got a bit of rhythm and plenty of enthusiasm!
Cach Mercer
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?
I’m very excited, I cannot wait to get stuck in to the Strictly experience and start learning all of the different styles.
What made you say yes to Strictly?
I love dancing, whether it be in the shower or just at home. I’m always dancing and I would love to feel what it’s like to perform under pressure.
What are you most looking forward to?
Meeting the judges, meeting my partner and telling my story.
What are you most nervous about?
I am mostly nervous about picking up the styles successfully, and being able to execute them to a high level, I am a bit of a perfectionist!
Do you have a signature dance move?
I’m quite well known for the dirt bounce.
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu’s jive performance from the 2025 final.
How did your family and friends react when you told them?
They couldn’t believe it, they were ecstatic! They believe I’ll do well as if I put my head down and really try my best I can accomplish leading anything new.
Is there anyone in particular – whether family or friend – who you’re doing Strictly for?
I’d have to say my aunties as they are huge fans of the show and have been loyal viewers since I was a child.
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?
I can’t wait to get dance training from a professional dancer, which is such a great opportunity. They’re such experts in their field, and I can’t wait to learn from them.
What would be your dream song to dance to?
Raye – WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?
Boogie master, skank king
John Nellis
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?
I keep laughing in disbelief. I keep realising the magnitude of it and getting a bit nervous. I keep saying to my wife how surreal it all is. I keep kind of going, “This is mad.” So, nervous but ridiculously excited.
What made you say yes to Strictly?
It’s a no-brainer. It’s just an absolute honour. Strictly has been part of UK culture for more than 20 years, and it’s not something that John of four years ago would have ever thought I’d be asked to do. So, there wasn’t even a decision. It was only going to be a yes.
What are you most looking forward to?
Losing some weight & being able to eat whatever I want! I think I’m really excited to be performing in front of a live audience. It’s not something I’ve got much experience doing at all. So it feels like a big challenge. And it’s exciting!
What are you most nervous about?
Craig Revel Horwood, he’s going to rip me to shreds!
Do you have a signature dance move?
Not really, because I can’t dance! The last thing my friends know me for is dancing! If I had to pick a signature move, it’s probably a terrible Peter Crouch robot impression!
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from a past series, which would it be? Most recently I loved George and Alexis’ Paso Doble to Game of Survival from last year!
How did your family and friends react when you told them?
They thought it was a joke, then after convincing them, there were lots of hugs. I also have a very large wider family, so there have been lots of ticket requests!
Is there anyone in particular – whether family or friend – who you’re doing Strictly for?
A few people for different reasons. Firstly, my parents, it’s always nice to try and make them proud, or embarrass them on national TV! My stepson Eli, who I want to try and show that you can do anything if you give 100%. My wife, who supports me absolutely, in everything I do. And finally, my cousin John, who is the biggest Strictly fan I know!
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?
To make some new friends and learn a skill I’ve never had. I’m really looking forward to meeting the other contestants, the dancers, everyone behind the scenes, and just having an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Have you had any advice from any former contestants?
Coincidentally, I was at the World Cup with George Clarke and he was telling me about how amazing Strictly was and I was fascinated. Since my announcement I’ve had a bit of advice from him, and I’ll hopefully talk to him a bit more soon! I want to know everything.
What would be your dream song to dance to?
Anything Hans Zimmer, maybe there could be something for Movie Week!
Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 alumni before?
I think the only person I might have met is Shaun Wright-Phillips, but it was a couple of years ago when I had only just begun making content. He probably wouldn’t remember it, but we were on the Manchester City victory parade bus. I think I might have even asked him for a photo!
How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?
I’ll put it this way, everyone I’ve told has laughed. They don’t seem to have much confidence in me. I’m good fun on a dancefloor at a wedding but I wouldn’t say I have great technique…
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.