A Eurovision favourite who delivered one of Australia’s strongest-ever performances at the song contest has been unveiled as the third celebrity taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
The BBC announced the latest addition to the ballroom competition on Friday across the show’s social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
Delta Goodrem recently represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with her track Eclipse, finishing in fourth place and securing one of the country’s best results in the competition’s history.
With a career spanning more than two decades, the chart star has established herself as one of Australia’s most successful and versatile entertainers.
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The 41-year-old expressed her enthusiasm for the new challenge, saying: “I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career.
“From TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!”
Ms Goodrem added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!”
The confirmation comes just days after the singer faced questions about her potential involvement during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
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Her debut album Innocent Eyes, released in 2003, became one of the best-selling records in Australian music history, with 4.5 million copies sold.
Across her career, Ms Goodrem has shifted nine million albums and more than 13 million singles worldwide.
Beyond music, she appeared as a regular cast member on the Australian soap Neighbours between 2002 and 2003, departing to undergo treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The singer has also served as a coach on The Voice Australia.
Last year, the star married her longtime partner, musician Mr Matthew Copley, in a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, Malta.
Her eighth studio album, Pure, is scheduled for release on November 6.
Ms Goodrem joins EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, who was the first contestant officially revealed this week, and Dani Dyer, who returns to the competition after being forced to withdraw from last year’s series through injury before appearing in a single live show.
BBC executives had previously attempted to recruit the Australian star for the 2025 series, though negotiations ultimately broke down.
A source said: “Bosses really wanted Delta last year but she decided it wasn’t the right time.”
The revamped series will feature a new presenting lineup of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe, following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Fans and familiar faces from the Strictly family were quick to welcome the singer following the announcement on the show’s official Instagram page.
Professional dancer Dianne Buswell wrote: “🇦🇺 a big Aussie welcome @deltagoodrem… can’t wait to meet you x”
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Fellow Strictly star Amy Dowden also shared her excitement, commenting: “Welcome”, followed by a heart emoji.
Television personality Jake Quickenden described the signing as a “Massive name”, adding a clapping emoji.
Ms Goodrem herself joined the conversation, commenting: “Beyond excited team!! Let’s dance.”
The official Eurovision Instagram account commented: “Need to upgrade those score paddles to 12s!”
Fans also shared their excitement over the announcement.
“YESSSSS!!! Pls pls pls partner her with Jules!! We need another Aussie team!!!!” one person wrote, as another commented: “This line-up would have been lost without her!”
A third referenced Ms Goodrem’s recent Eurovision entry, writing: “You’re gonna Eclipse all the other contestants, darling!”