BBC Strictly bags Game of Thrones and Doctor Who star as ninth celebrity signing as show pros react

Bethany Antonia, the 28-year-old actress best known for portraying dragon-rider Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, has been unveiled as the ninth celebrity competitor for this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The BBC confirmed the news on Tuesday, with Ms Antonia set to swap Dragonstone for the dance floor when the show returns this September.

Beyond her TV work, Ms Antonia is currently performing as Eurydice in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown in London's West End.

She told the BBC: "I can't quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September!

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

"I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill."

The actress added: "See you on the dance floor!"

Ms Antonia's career in front of the camera stretches back to when she was just 14, making her professional debut in a short film adaptation of The Tempest before landing a guest appearance on BBC daytime drama Doctors.

Her breakthrough arrived in 2020 with the role of Margot Rivers in Get Even, the BBC and Netflix teen thriller that brought her wider recognition.

Since then, she has built an impressive roster of credits across British television, featuring in dramas including Stay Close, Nolly, and Sense and Sensibility, as well as comedic turns in Stath Lets Flats.

She has also appeared in Doctor Who.

Ms Antonia is the ninth confirmed name in what is shaping up to be a diverse celebrity roster.

She joins EastEnders star Lacey Turner, TV personality Dani Dyer, who is making a comeback following an injury-related exit during the 2025 series, and Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Kirstie Allsopp delivers verdict on Andy Burnham property tax confusion amid stamp duty speculation
• Ben Leo unleashes Zack Polanski fury amid Nigel Farage Instagram post saga: 'Village idiot!'
• Christopher Nolan dealt blow as translator behind The Odyssey rips apart movie: 'I'd be ashamed!'

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly)

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, Love Island's Cach Mercer, and Big Brother presenter Will Best have also been announced, alongside Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain's most decorated Paralympian, and screen and stage actress Jaime Winstone.

The full lineup has not yet been finalised, with the BBC expected to reveal additional contestants in the weeks ahead of the programme's autumn launch.

Fans online have already expressed enthusiasm about Ms Antonia's addition.

One wrote on Instagram: "I’m loving this line-up so far."

Another penned: "The Hadestown x Strictly crossover we didn’t know we needed!"

A third added: "Great signing!"

Strictly stars also took to the comments to share their support for the actress's new venture.

Amy Dowden commented: "Welcome xxxx." (Sic)

Shirley Ballas wrote: "Welcome Bethany," followed by a love-heart emoji.

Motsi Mabuse added: "Welcome, Bethany, let’s rock and roll."

Neil Jones also welcomed the actress on board.

However, some fans were critical of the current line-up selections.

"Is the BBC trying to lose viewers and end the show?" one person commented, as another added: "Get some actual famous people, please."

A third critic declared: "This line-up is so bad."

This year's series marks a period of significant upheaval for the long-running BBC programme.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have both departed, with a presenting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in to front the show for the first time.

Behind the scenes, the professional dancer lineup has also undergone a considerable overhaul.

Five new pros, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, and Maddie Ingoldsby, have been drafted in following the departure of established favourites, including Gorka Marquez.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter