The Traitors winner Stephen Libby 'in talks' for Strictly Come Dancing
He would be amazing on the show!
After capturing the hearts of the nation in the fourth series of The Traitors earlier this year, Stephen Libby's popularity has continued to soar. His fan base has grown rapidly over the past few months, and it now seems he could be in even greater demand...
According to the new reports, the 32-year-old is now in talks to appear on the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing!
A source told The Sun: “The Strictly casting team have met with Stephen and think he could be a great fit.
“Stephen was hugely popular on The Traitors and since leaving Ardross Castle he has built up a very big fan base.
“The BBC are always keen to utilise their talent and Stephen is ideal."
However, the source did add: “No final decision has been made yet but if Stephen doesn’t make the cut this year, he’ll be a key target for the 2027 series — especially if his profile continues to grow as it has.”
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing: Which professionals will be on the 2026 series?
After announcing the new hosts as Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe earlier this year, the BBC started to unveil this year's celebrity line-up slightly earlier this year.
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner was the first name announced on 10th June, closely followed by Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.
Then, at the end of last week, 2025 Love Island winner Cach Mercer was confirmed, with the reality star saying: "I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!"
With a number of spaces still to fill, rumours continue to swirl.
Check out all of the Strictly rumours below:
Melanie Walters
Actress Melanie Walters, best known for playing the role of Gwen on BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey is rumoured to have signed for the 2026 series, with a source saying she's "very excited".
Stephen Libby
The Traitors series four winner Stephen Libby is reportedly in talks for the 2026 series, with a source saying: "The Strictly casting team have met with Stephen and think he could be a great fit. Stephen was hugely popular on The Traitors and since leaving Ardross Castle he has built up a very big fan base. The BBC are always keen to utilise their talent and Stephen is ideal."
Josie Gibson
As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.
A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."
Jake Quickenden
Singer and TV personality Jake Quickenden has seemingly put his name in the hat for this year's Strictly! In May 2026, Jake got his fans talking when he shared a post on X which read: 'Has anyone who's done dancing on ice ever done @bbcstrictly just wondering'. Of course, Jake took part in Dancing On Ice in 2018, so could he be eyeing up a slot on Strictly?
Sarah Jayne Dunn
Former Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn hasn't been shy in expressing her ambition to take part in this year's Strictly. The actress started a social media campaign where she's manifesting that she will get the call from bosses! However, towards the end of June, Sarah posted saying: 'Well, this chapter didn't end the way I'd hoped. Of course I'm disappointed. I wanted this more than I can put into words'. (sic)
GK Barry
GK Barry a.k.a Grace Keeling, a social media personality, podcaster and presenter who first blew up on TikTok with lifestyle videos during university. She is best known for hosting the podcast Saving Grace and for TV appearances including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Loose Women, Love Island: Aftersun, The Weakest Link and The Last Leg.
Speaking on her podcast, Saving Grace, on 30th April 2026, guest Dani Dyer asked whether Grace would ever take part in the competition. Grace didn't give a definitive answer but hinted it could be a possibility - prompting one commenter to speculate: 'So Grace is doing Strictly this year ;)'. (sic).
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?
Strictly Come Dancing will return in September 2026.