Strictly Come Dancing has announced Love Island winner Cach Mercer as the fifth celebrity taking part in the show’s 2026 series. The BBC One dance programme is set to return later this year, and Mercer joins the growing lineup of confirmed contestants. Multiple outlets report that Mercer, who gained mainstream recognition after being crowned the champion of the 2025 Love Island series, will compete for the Glitterball.
While coverage notes that Mercer is the latest reality star to be added, some reporting also references social media activity related to the announcement. One outlet alleges there was an incorrect tag on Instagram tied to the publicity for the news, though the core information across sources is that Mercer has been formally confirmed as a contestant.
Overall, the announced participation places another reality television figure into the 2026 Strictly roster as the show prepares for its scheduled return.
