Strictly Come Dancing 2026 hopeful Sarah Jayne Dunn 'gutted' not to be in line-up
Sarah Jayne Dunn had launched an online campaign where each week she expressed her wish to be on Strictly Come Dancing.
Sarah Jayne Dunn is "gutted" that she is not taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year.
The ex-Hollyoaks actress - who launched an online campaign where each week she expressed her wish to be on the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show - is still hoping to grace the dance floor on a future series.
Sarah, 44, took to Instagram on Sunday (28.06.26) and posted shots of herself, with the caption: "Manifesting Strictly 2026…
"Well, this chapter didn’t end the way I’d hoped. Of course I’m disappointed. I wanted this more than I can put into words.
"But if this journey has taught me anything, it’s that saying your dreams out loud isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It’s brave. It’s vulnerable. And whether you get the outcome you’re hoping for or not, there’s something really powerful about backing yourself.
"Over the last few months I’ve been overwhelmed by your support. From every message, comment and share, to seeing my name mentioned on TV and radio… this journey has already given me more than I ever expected. (sic)"
Despite not being cast on the 2026 series, Sarah - who played Mandy Richardson in Channel 4's Hollyoaks from 1996 until 2021, when she was dropped after joining OnlyFans - will keep "manifesting" doing Strictly Come Dancing.
The soap star concluded: "So no, I won’t be stepping onto the dance floor this year. But I also won’t be quietly talking myself out of the possibility that one day I will.
"Dreams don’t always arrive on our timeline. That doesn’t mean they’re over.
"Thank you for coming on this journey with me. Here’s to whatever comes next… and to always asking, 'Why not me?'
"Manifesting continues… just with a different date. (sic)"
On May 25, Sarah shared her excitement about being tipped to do Strictly Come Dancing in September by ITV's Good Morning Britain.
In a video posted to Instagram that day, 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?'"
The entertainer turned around to watch the ITV breakfast news programme as presenter Ranvir Singh, 48, guest host Tom Swarbrick, 39, and entertainment correspondent Rishi Davda discussed the rumoured names for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
After the trio said that fans now know that Emma Willis, 50, Josh Widdicombe, 43, and Johannes Radebe, 39, have replaced Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, as hosts, after months of speculation, Rishi noted that the celebrity dancers remain a mystery.
He added: "Or do we? It’s 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, and Josie Gibson."
As Sarah's face appeared on the screen, she turned back to the camera, put her hands on her face, and said: "Oh my God!"
Since then, Neighbours alum Delta, 41, has been confirmed as a contestant on this year's Strictly Come Dancing, alongside EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, 38, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, and Love Island alum Dani Dyer, 29, who withdrew from the 2025 series due to an ankle injury.
The BBC will announce more contestants in due course.
