Cach Mercer, a prominent social media personality and former Love Island champion, is set to make the transition from TikTok dance videos to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom for the 2026 season.
The BBC programme will welcome new presenting talent including Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe, and Johannes Radebe, while retaining the familiar judging panel.
Mercer hails from London and has established himself as a television personality, dancer, and model.
Prior to his television career, he pursued dance professionally with expertise in hip hop and Afrobeats styles.
His social media presence centres on dance content posted to TikTok, with approaching 50 million likes on the platform.
He subsequently entered the 2025 Love Island villa during Casa Amor as one of the new arrivals.
Mercer formed a partnership with Toni Laites, experienced a separation when both recoupled with other contestants, and eventually reconciled.
The couple ultimately secured victory with 33.5 percent of the public vote.
Following the win, Mercer appeared on This Morning and took on the role of ambassador for the mental health organisation YoungMinds.
In a statement, Mercer described having been a long-time viewer of the programme alongside his family during his childhood.
He expressed keen anticipation about joining the cast and noted that dancing had always held significant importance to him, indicating particular interest in learning Ballroom techniques, especially the Foxtrot.
The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing lineup features Lacey Turner, known for portraying Stacey Slater in EastEnders; Dani Dyer, a television personality returning after missing the 2025 series through injury; Australian singer Delta Goodrem; hair stylist Chris Appleton; reality television star Cach Mercer; television and radio presenter Will Best; Dame Sarah Storey, Britain’s most decorated Paralympian; actresses Jaime Winstone and Bethany Antonia; former professional footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips; renowned dog trainer Graeme Hall; Lawrence Robb, who plays Mackenzie Boyd in Emmerdale; Team GB skeleton athlete Tabby Stoecker; football content creator John Nellis; and Melanie Walters, recognised for her role in Gavin and Stacey.