Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn suggested she may well be appearing in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing while reacting to persistent rumours on Monday – after months of ‘manifesting’ it.
The popular BBC dance show, which will now be hosted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, is set to return with a new look for its 24th series later this year.
Many fans are desperate to know which celebrities are taking part in the upcoming series and the likes of Josie Gibson, Dani Dyer, Jake Quickenden and Sarah Jayne have been rumoured.
Over the past few months, Sarah – who played Mandy Richardson on Hollyoaks from 1996 to 2021 – has been sharing videos on her social media about how she has been ‘manifesting’ to take part this year.
Talking to the camera with Good Morning Britain playing on the television in the background, she said: ‘My friend messaged me this morning and she was like “Look what I’ve just seen”.
‘I’m about to watch it. Is it actually working?!’
Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn couldn’t control her excitement as she filmed herself reacting to rumours that she’s taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing
She then turned her head to watch the screen and ITV presenter Rishi Davda told Ranvir Singh: ‘Well should we start with some Strictly news?’
She said: ‘Well we know who the presenters are.’
Rishi replied: ‘We do know who the presenters are, but we do not know who the line-up are. Or do we? Time for a rumba with the rumours.
‘Another celeb name has entered the Strictly frame. The suspected line-up is growing fast with former soap star Sarah Jayne Dunn, Delta Goodrem…’
Sarah couldn’t contain her excitement as her name was listed live on air.
She captioned the post: ‘Manifesting Strictly Week 15!! There’s something really vulnerable about saying out loud that you want something this much.
‘Especially something that feels as big and iconic and out of reach as @bbcstrictly has always felt to me.
‘But this whole series has really been about stopping myself from quietly ruling myself out of the things I dream about before anyone else gets the chance to.
‘I’ve wanted this for such a long time, genuinely. Not as a joke, not just for content… but because I know I would absolutely love every second of it. The challenge, the dancing, the nerves, the glamour, all of it.
‘So hearing my name mentioned on @gmb this morning honestly felt a little bit magical. Manifesting Strictly 2026 continues.’
On Sunday it was revealed that Dani Dyer is reportedly set to make a Strictly Come Dancing comeback, a year after she was forced to quit the series when she fractured her ankle during rehearsals.
The Daily Mail broke the news that Dani, 29, one of the show’s favourites, had to bow before she even got to perform a single routine for the judges. You can read the full story here.
Now, sources are claiming the TV personality ‘jumped at the chance’ to return to the dance floor as part of the 2026 line-up, after being approached by BBC bosses.
During her brief appearance she was paired with Nikita Kuzmin, before being replaced by Amber Davies following her exit.
Over the past few months she has she has been sharing videos on her social media about how she has been ‘manifesting’ to take part this year
The popular BBC dance show, which will now be hosted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe , is set to return to our screens for its 24th series
A source said: ‘Dani was beyond gutted when she had to quit Strictly. She never got a chance to do a single show or a dance for the judges so when the door was opened for her again by the BBC she jumped at the chance.
‘Dani hasn’t signed her contract yet but she’s clearing her diary and has told the BBC she wants in. To get a second chance to appear on Strictly is a dream come true for her.
They told The Sun: The first time around she was paired with Nikita Kuzmin and she hopes she will get him again. She is determined to get on the dance floor and show the viewers what she’s made of.’
Daily Mail have contacted Dani’s representatives and BBC for comment.
Last week Emma, Josh and Johannes were confirmed as new Strictly Come Dancing hosts.
The unlikely trio will take over from outgoing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after they stepped down at the end of last year, following a rigorous audition process.
The news was confirmed on Strictly’s official Instagram page, with the trio coming together.
The caption read: ‘It’s official….September 2026.’
Sarah played Mandy Richardson on Hollyoaks between 1996 until 2021
In the video, Emma and Johannes kissed each other on the cheek as they sat on stools, before Josh was invited over to join them.
‘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,’ said Emma of her new role.
‘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.’
She added: ‘I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!’
Josh, who is a fan of the show and competed as a contestant on the 2024 Christmas special, said he was ‘giddy with excitement’ to have won a presenting slot.
The actress has since made a name for herself as a popular OnlyFans model (pictured)
‘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,’ he said.
‘I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.’
Johannes said that being given the opportunity to host was ‘beyond anything I ever imagined’.
He said the long-running show ‘has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness’, and he feels ‘deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward’.
He added: ‘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.’
