TV dog trainer Graeme Hall joins Strictly Come Dancing: ‘I can’t wait’

TV presenter and dog trainer Graeme Hall is the latest contestant to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing, and said: “I can’t wait to get started.”

The 59-year-old canine professional was announced as the 11th contestant joining the star-studded line-up on Wednesday. Nicknamed “the Dog Father”, Hall is famed for hosting hit Channel 5 programme Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly and regularly showcases his expert knowledge on ITV’s This Morning and BBC Radio. He is also an author who has penned several popular books focusing on dog training, canine behaviour and understanding pets. Hall said: “I can’t believe I am joining the cast of Strictly for 2026. “I have always loved dancing, so to have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business is a dream come true. “I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking! “I can’t wait to get started. Bring it on!” The TV star also revealed his latest venture in a video on the Strictly Come Dancing Instagram page. Describing himself as “that dog fella off the telly”, Hall said: “Come September, you’re going to see quite a bit of me on the dance floor. “Because you guessed it – I’m doing Strictly! “How exciting is that? Well, very to me. And how nervous am I? Also, very. In fact, all of the emotions are ‘very’ at the moment.” Hall will join previously announced contestants Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton and Cach Mercer. Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Dame Sarah Storey, Bethany Antonia and Shaun Wright-Phillips are also among the stars competing for the coveted Glitterball trophy. Strictly recently revealed five new professional dancers are joining the show this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita. The upcoming series of the BBC show will also be hosted by three new faces – broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe. They will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced they were leaving the show late last year. Further celebrities joining the line-up will be announced throughout the summer ahead of the new series airing on BBC One and iPlayer this September.

Published: 05/08/2026 by Radio NewsHub