Bethany Antonia is an English actress best known for playing Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon, and she swapped Westeros for the ballroom on Strictly Come Dancing series 24. Partnered with Nancy Xu, she was still competing in the series as of October 31, 2026, bringing screen presence and stage confidence to the dance floor.
| Full Name | Bethany Antonia |
| Known For | Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon; Strictly Come Dancing series 24 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Strictly Come Dancing partner | Nancy Xu |
Who Is Bethany Antonia?
Bethany Antonia is an English actress whose breakout role was Baela Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. She had earlier appeared in the BBC teen drama Get Even, and she has also appeared in the Netflix thriller Stay Close. Her Strictly Come Dancing casting in 2026 brought her to a new audience on BBC One.
Early Life & Background
Antonia grew up in England and trained in acting from a young age, building experience on stage and screen before her television breakthrough. Her early credits included Get Even, in which she played one of a group of schoolgirls turning the tables on bullies, and she continued to build a screen career that led to her casting in House of the Dragon.
Strictly Come Dancing Series 24 Journey
Antonia joined Strictly Come Dancing series 24, which launched on BBC One on September 19, 2026, partnered with Nancy Xu. She was still competing in the series as of October 31, 2026. Her performances drew on her acting background, with an emphasis on character and storytelling in each routine.
Career
Antonia’s screen career includes Get Even (2020), Stay Close (2021) and House of the Dragon, in which she plays Baela Targaryen, the daughter of Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon. The role made her one of the most recognizable young faces in the Game of Thrones universe, and her Strictly appearance in 2026 added live performance to her career.
Facts About Bethany Antonia
- Bethany Antonia plays Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon.
- She appeared in the BBC teen drama Get Even.
- She also appeared in the Netflix thriller Stay Close.
- On Strictly Come Dancing series 24 she was partnered with Nancy Xu.
- She was still competing in Strictly series 24 as of October 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bethany Antonia?
Bethany Antonia is an English actress best known as Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon.
Who did Bethany Antonia play in House of the Dragon?
Bethany Antonia plays Baela Targaryen, daughter of Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon.
Who is Bethany Antonia partnered with on Strictly Come Dancing?
Bethany Antonia is partnered with Nancy Xu on Strictly Come Dancing series 24.
What else has Bethany Antonia been in?
Bethany Antonia has appeared in Get Even and Stay Close, as well as House of the Dragon.
Is Bethany Antonia still on Strictly Come Dancing?
Bethany Antonia was still competing in Strictly Come Dancing series 24 as of October 31, 2026.
See the full Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Cast hub.