The celebrity lineup for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 continues to grow with House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia becoming the latest star to sign up for the popular BBC dance competition. Best known for playing Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO’s fantasy drama, Antonia will swap Westeros for the ballroom when the new season premieres this September.
Bethany Antonia Reacts To Joining Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Following the announcement, Antonia shared her excitement about taking part in the long running dance competition.
“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,” she said in a statement as quoted by BBC.
She added, “See you on the dancefloor!”
Who Is Bethany Antonia?
Bethany Antonia is currently seen as Lady Baela Targaryen, the eldest daughter of Daemon Targaryen, in HBO’s hit fantasy series House of the Dragon. Her character plays an important role in the Targaryen civil war that unfolds in the Game of Thrones prequel.
Apart from House of the Dragon, Antonia has built an impressive television career with appearances across several British and international productions. She has featured in the BBC medical drama Doctors, Russell T Davies’ ITV series Nolly, Netflix’s Harlan Coben adaptation Stay Close, the comedy Stath Lets Flats and Doctor Who.
Who Else Is Joining Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
Bethany Antonia joins an expanding celebrity lineup for the upcoming season. The BBC has already confirmed Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey and Jaime Winstone as contestants for the 2026 edition.
Jaime Winstone was the most recent celebrity announced before Antonia. The actor is known for portraying a young Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders and has also appeared in Four Lives, Poirot, Tomb Raider and Wild Bill.
Five New Professional Dancers Also Join Strictly Come Dancing 2026
The BBC has also unveiled four new professional dancers who will make their Strictly Come Dancing debut this year. They are Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi and Mark Karmalita.
Ingoldsby, a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight time Amateur 10 Dance World Champion, described joining the show as a lifelong ambition.
“Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true. My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter,” she said.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
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