Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed that Cach Mercer, of Love Island fame, is the fifth celebrity to join the 2026 lineup.
The reality TV star first appeared on our screens during last year's summer series of ITV2's hit dating show. He won over the public, and was crowned as part of the winning pairing in the finale.
News of his casting on Strictly has been confirmed across the show's official social media channels today, with the Instagram caption making reference to his time on Love Island through the show's popular catchphrase: "He's our type on paper..."
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The BBC has also described Cach as a social media star, where he's amassed a fan base "showcasing his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves". He also works as a model, DJ, and is an ambassador for a young persons' mental health charity.
Along with his Strictly announcement, Cach said in a statement: "I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can't wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!"
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Cach is the latest name to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, following Chris Appleton's announcement back in June. The famous hair stylist has worked with a number of A-listers, having also appeared in Selling Sunset and the Kardashians' reality shows.
The pair join music icon Delta Goodrem, who represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest this year, and Dani Dyer, also part of the Love Island alumni, who returns to the dance show after being forced to pull out of the 2025 series due to an injury.
EastEnders legend Lacey Turner, who joined the beloved BBC soap in 2004, was the first famous face to be confirmed to be taking part in Strictly's 2026 series.
"I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing," she said in a statement at the time. "I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
It's fair to say that the BBC ballroom is going to look quite different this year, with a trio of brand-new hosts taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. After much speculation, it was finally revealed in May that Emma Willis, beloved pro dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe, would be taking the reins.
Further news about Strictly's new series is expected to be revealed throughout the summer.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
