Delta Goodrem Joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026 After Eurovision Appearance and UK Tour

Australian recording artist Delta Goodrem will join the 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing, marking her first appearance on the BBC dance competition. The move comes shortly after her Eurovision performance and completes what she describes as a year devoted to new professional opportunities.

A Year of Major Opportunities

Goodrem, aged 41, has positioned herself at the centre of a major career resurgence. Following her Eurovision debut in May, where she performed on a rising golden piano platform, she completed a series of live UK performances before closing the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She will now travel to London to begin rehearsals for her Strictly stint, occurring between her touring schedule and the upcoming release of her eighth album, Pure.

"I feel it's one of those years of saying yes to everything. I want to be adventurous. I'm ready for that in my life," the singer stated in an interview with The Independent. This marks a deliberate shift toward embracing high-profile commitments after years of reduced visibility in the United Kingdom market.

Returning to British Audiences

Goodrem's UK presence has been sporadic since her initial chart success in the early 2000s. Her debut album reached number two on the UK charts in 2004, but her promotional schedule was interrupted when she received a Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis at age 18. The diagnosis halted her early career trajectory, though she eventually recovered and continued her music career in Australia, where she has maintained iconic status comparable to established cultural landmarks.

In Australia, Goodrem remains deeply embedded in popular culture. Her role as Nina on the soap opera Neighbours introduced her to millions as a teenager, and her return to touring has included sold-out shows at Sydney Opera House. Her decision to pursue Strictly represents an attempt to rebuild her presence in the British entertainment landscape after decades with limited television exposure on UK platforms.

Casting and Competition

The 24th series of Strictly features a renewed presenting lineup, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe replacing longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Goodrem will compete alongside reality television personality Dani Dyer, former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, and actress Jaime Winstone. When discussing her participation, Goodrem indicated a preference for a taller professional dance partner, citing her own height as a consideration. She also noted that the dance competition offers an opportunity to learn choreography techniques she can incorporate into her future touring performances.