Olympic gold medalist Tabby Stoecker will join the 2026 cast of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One.
The addition of a high-profile winter athlete brings a new dynamic to the competition as the show seeks to diversify its celebrity roster. Stoecker's recent success on the global stage provides the production with a current sporting hero to anchor the season's narrative.
Stoecker, who won gold in skeleton at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games [3], is the 13th celebrity announced for the upcoming series [1]. The 2026 iteration marks the 24th season of the long-running dance competition [2].
"I'm over the moon to be joining the cast of this year's series," Stoecker said.
The athlete noted that the transition from the ice track to the ballroom is a significant shift. "It’s surreal," Stoecker said.
Stoecker expressed a desire for a new challenge following her Olympic victory. While skeleton requires precision and speed in a prone position, the dance competition will demand upright agility, and rhythmic timing—skills far removed from the demands of winter sliding sports.
The series is scheduled to air this autumn. Stoecker joins a growing list of athletes who have attempted to pivot from professional sports to entertainment through the BBC One program.
Production has not yet revealed which professional dancer will be paired with the gold medalist. The announcement comes as the BBC continues to build anticipation for the season premiere, utilizing the momentum of the recent Winter Games to attract viewers.
“"I'm over the moon to be joining the cast of this year's series."”
The casting of Tabby Stoecker reflects a strategic trend by the BBC to capitalize on the 'Olympic bump,' where athletes transition into mainstream celebrity status immediately following the Games. By integrating a gold medalist from the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games, the show leverages current national pride and athletic prestige to maintain viewership for its 24th season.
