Will Best, the co-host of Big Brother, has described joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 as “an absolute dream”.
The 41-year-old television and radio presenter was announced as the latest addition to the star-studded lineup on Tuesday.
He is best known for fronting the ITV reality series alongside AJ Odudu and hosting the Hits Radio Breakfast Show.
Best said: “I can’t quite believe it…I’m doing Strictly!
“What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one.
“I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!
“I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I’m going to try to enjoy every minute of it.”
Best has worked as a broadcaster for over 15 years, beginning his screen career as a presenter on T4 before appearing on This Morning, BBC Three and Viva.
He also recently won Celebrity Mastermind with the specialist subject of Rivals star, Danny Dyer.
Best joins the previously announced lineup which includes EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Love Island star Dani Dyer, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton and Love Island winner Cach Mercer.
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The news of his casting comes after broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe were announced as the new hosts for the upcoming series.
They will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman who announced they were leaving the show late last year.
Sharing the news in a statement, Willis said that she’s a “huge fan” of Strictly and “can’t quite comprehend” becoming a presenter on the show.
“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long,” she said.
“I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
Further contestants joining the 2026 cast will be revealed throughout the summer ahead of the brand-new series kicking off in September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Strictly Come Dancing lineup so far:
- Lacey Turner
- Dani Dyer
- Delta Goodrem
- Chris Appleton
- Cach Mercer
- Will Best
