Here’s a look at which celebrities are heading into the ballroom on Strictly Come Dancing this year.
Jamie Borthwick
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, known for his role as Jay Brown, is set to join Strictly Come Dancing after winning the festive special in 2023. Jamie, who has been in the BBC soap for 18 years, was previously paired with pro Nancy Xu.
Jamie said: “I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!”
Sarah Hadland
Sarah Hadland is an actress, best known as Stevie Sutton in BBC comedy Miranda. She has also starred in The Job Lot, Waterloo Road and That Mitchell and Webb Look.
Sarah Hadland said: “I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!”
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is one of the big names on the line up. He posted a clip of his footwork on Instagram in March last year, with one fan commenting: “I see Strictly Come Dancing on the horizon.” It was understood that he had been in talks with the BBC for months and recently agreed to join the show. He recently joined Strictly stars including judge Anton Du Beke for a DIY SOS special.
Nick Knowles said: “I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure. I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything …. and try not to embarrass my kids of course!”
Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward won the second series of The X Factor in 2005 and participated in ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2013. Shayne, who played factory boss Aiden Connor in Coronation Street from 2015 to 2018, currently stars in Channel 5 crime drama The Good Ship Murder with ex-Corrie co-star Catherine Tyldesley.
Shayne Ward said: “I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!”
Tom Dean
Olympic swimmer Tom Dean is trading his swimsuit for sequins as he joins the new season of Strictly Come Dancing. Fresh off a gold medal victory in Paris, Tom will dive straight into rehearsals for the BBC dance show.
Tom said: “I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!”
Tasha Ghouri
Love Island star Tasha Ghouri found fame on the ITV2 reality show in 2022. Tasha, a trained dancer and disability campaigner born deaf and fitted with cochlear implants at five, also fronts her own podcast Superpowers with Tasha and has just released her first novel.
Tasha Ghouri said: “Pinch me, I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true. I know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor.”
Pete Wicks
Pete Wicks is set to make his primetime TV debut after finding fame on Towie in 2015. Pete has previously appeared on Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and The Real Full Monty.
Pete Wicks said: Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Toyah Willcox
Punk singer and mod movie star Toyah Willcox, has signed up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Inspired by watching her friend Angela Rippon in the live studio shows last year, Toyah, known for her role in the 1979 film Quadrophenia, has some dance experience from her stage performances.
She said: “Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m here for every sparkly second. I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!”
Wynne Evans
Wynne Evans is a broadcaster, presenter, and professionally trained opera singer, famously appearing in car insurance adverts.
Wynne said: “I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I’m not entirely sure how I’ll get along, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I’m definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!”
Montell Douglas AKA Fire
Montell Douglas is better known as Fire from the new BBC reboot of Gladiators. She is a former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
Montell Douglas said: “Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”
Chris McCausland
Comedian Chris McCausland will make history as Strictly Come Dancing’s first blind contestant. The TV star, who lost his sight at 22 due to a hereditary condition, follows the path of deaf EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won the glitterball trophy in 2021.
Chris said: “If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing. I don’t dance, I haven’t danced, I can’t dance, I can’t see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Ok don’t answer that…!”
JB Gill
JB Gill is the second celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. JB Gill is a singer, TV presenter and author who rose to fame as a member of one of the UK’s biggest boybands – JLS.
JB Gill said: “I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me. I’m raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!”
Punam Krishan
Broadcaster and GP Dr Punam Krishan is a resident GP on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland.
Punam Krishan said: “This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show. I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.”
Sam Quek
Sam Quek is a former Team GB Hockey star and Rio Olympics gold medallist. She launched a presenting career covering the Tokyo Games in 2020 and became a team captain on A Question of Sport. Sam also appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2016 and narrowly missed the final three.
Sam Quek said: “As a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting! I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.”
Paul Merson
Paul Merson, the former Arsenal legend and now Sky Sports pundit, is set to join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing. At 56, Merson hopes to impress with his footwork on the dance floor, after a career marred by struggles.
Paul Merson said: “Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on. I’m ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!”
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will launch on BBC One and iPlayer in the autumn.
The most recent series was won by Ellie Leach in the final last December.
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