Strictly Come Dancing confirms Cach Mercer as the fifth celebrity taking part in its 2026 series. The news follows Mercer’s rise to public attention after he wins Love Island in 2025, and outlets describe him as a social media star and former Love Island champion. The BBC and other listings report that Mercer joins the cast ahead of the show’s return later this year, competing for the Glitterball.
Multiple reports identify Mercer as the latest Love Island winner to sign up, with The Independent and Manchester Evening News naming him as the fifth confirmed contestant. Other coverage also notes that Strictly’s lineup already includes previously announced stars, such as Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer.
While most sources focus on Mercer’s confirmation and Love Island background, at least one outlet reports that some viewers react to the news, including claims that Mercer has prior dance experience. One tabloid-style report additionally alleges an Instagram-related tagging error, though the core confirmation of Mercer’s participation is consistent across outlets.
