Second Strictly Come Dancing star revealed as Love Island’s Dani Dyer signs up for show

Strictly Come Dancing have announced the second name set to take to the dancefloor this Autumn and Winter, after EastEnders actress Lacey Turner

Strictly Come Dancing have revealed the name of their second star – and it’s a very familiar face.

The BBC show is back for a new series this Autumn and Winter and a new face has now signed up for the programme. Dani Dyer will make a return to the show following her early exit last year due to injury.

The former Love Island star and wife of West Ham footballer Jarod Bowen said of her return: “I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!

“I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!” After being paired with Nikita Kuzmin, Dani withdrew last year due to injury before the show even began and she made no secret that she hoped to make it on the dancefloor this year.

Speaking at the time she said: “I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle. Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show.”

Dani’s announcement comes after Lacey Turner was the first star to be confirmed for the show. Speaking about signing up for the show, she said: “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”

Strictly has also had a change up top when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both stepped down from their hosting roles.. Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe have been confirmed to replace them.

Speaking about joining the show, Emma said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.

“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges.”

Johannes added “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.

“To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me. Love Jojo.”

Josh said: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.