As Strictly Come Dancing celebrates 20 years, it's time to officially reveal which celebrities will be taking to the dance floor this autumn,
As Strictly Come Dancing celebrates two spectacular decades of dance, the shows 22nd series promises to be extra special with even more glitz, glamour and unforgettable performances.
But before it returns this autumn, it's time to reveal who those famous faces taking to the famous Strictly ballroom will be...
Chris McCausland
Comedian
Chris McCausland is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Chris has been a comedian for over two decades and is a regular face on flagship comedy shows like Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You?, QI, The Last Leg and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
He has appeared on Live at the Apollo three times, hosting in 2021, a year that also saw him make his highly acclaimed debut appearance on The Royal Variety Performance.
Chris McCausland currently hosts his own Saturday morning chat show for ITV, The Chris McCausland Show. He has also co-written and stars in Bad Tidings a festive family comedy movie that will premiere for Sky this Christmas.
On joining Strictly, Chris McCausland 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
Singer, TV presenter and author
JB Gill is the second celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
JB rose to fame as a member of one of the UK’s biggest boybands, JLS, they have accumulated five number one singles, over 10 million record sales worldwide and have won a multitude of awards.
He is also an avid and award-winning farmer and was the lead presenter on CBeebies’ BAFTA-nominated television series, Down On The Farm, Channel 5’s On The Farm series, plus contributions to the BBC’s Countryfile and Springwatch.
JB Gill has been a part of the presenting team for BBCs' Songs of Praise since 2017 and has his own TV show Cooking With The Gills on Channel 5.
On joining Strictly, 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!"
Wynne Evans
Broadcaster, presenter, and professionally trained opera singer
Wynne Evans is the third celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Wynne is best known for his operatic skills, throughout his 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums, has been a principal at most of the major opera houses around the world and has given over 200 performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
He currently has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales and has previously had radio shows on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
On joining Strictly, 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!"
Toyah Willcox
Singer and actress
Toyah Willcox is the fourth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Toyah has been performing across stage and screen for over 50 years. She is an award-winning rock legend with hit singles like It's A Mystery, I Want to Be Free and Brave New World and played at this year’s Glastonbury Festival with her husband, Robert Fripp.
She has amassed thirteen top 40 singles, recorded twenty-five albums, written two books, appeared in over forty stage plays, acted in over twenty feature films and presented many television programmes.
In 2018 Paul McCartney awarded Toyah a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Companionship for Outstanding Achievement in music, drama, performance and media.
On joining Strictly, Toyah 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!"
Dr Punam Krishan
Media medic and broadcaster
Dr Punam Krishan is the fifth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Punam is a resident GP on BBC One's Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland. Alongside being a practising NHS GP, Punam regularly reports on health news as a broadcaster on TV, radio and national newspapers and has also written her own children’s book with additional books in the pipeline.
On joining Strictly, Punam 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."
Tasha Ghouri
Model and TV personality
Tasha Ghouri is the sixth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Tasha is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community. She appeared on ITV2’s Love Island in 2022, and since then has amassed a following of over 2.2 million across her social media network.
She has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart and is a published author with her debut novel Hits Different and has her own podcast, Superpowers with Tasha.
On joining Strictly, Tasha 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
TV personality, author, radio and podcast host
Pete Wicks is the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Pete is best known for his television appearances and presenting including from the red carpet at the BRIT Awards, Pride of Britain Awards and National Television Awards.
He first appeared on our screens on the BAFTA award-winning ITV show The Only Way is Essex in 2015. Alongside this Pete Wicks co-hosts the award nominated podcast Staying Relevant which has had over 5million downloads to date and has been number one in the comedy charts numerous times. He is also an animal rights advocate and supports many charities.
On joining Strictly, Pete 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.”
Shayne Ward
Actor and singer
Shayne Ward is the eight celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Shayne’s debut single and album topped the UK charts, with his single, That's My Goal making it to Christmas number one after he won the second series of The X Factor in 2005.
As well as being an accomplished music artist, Shayne is a multi-award-winning actor with his character, Aidan Connor in ITV’s Coronation Street, earning him ‘Best Newcomer’ at the NTA’s, ‘Best Storyline’ at the Soap Awards and 'Best Soap Performance' at the I Talk Telly Awards amongst others.
In addition, Shayne has performed in a number of musicals and feature films, including Rock of Ages on the West End stage. He’s currently the lead character in crime-drama series The Good Ship Murder on Channel 5.
On joining Strictly, Shayne 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!"
Sarah Hadland
Actress
Sarah Hadland is the ninth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Sarah has an extensive background in film, television and theatre. She is best known for her role as Stevie in the BAFTA nominated sitcom Miranda as well as being one of the original cast members of the multi award winning series Horrible Histories, both for the BBC.
Sarah was nominated for an RTS Award for ‘Best Comedy Performance’ for her leading role in ITV’s comedy series The Job Lot. Sarah has appeared in numerous films, including the Bond epic Quantum of Solace’and her notable theatre credits include Noises Off on the West End.
On joining Strictly, Sarah 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!"
Jamie Borthwick
EastEnders actor
Jamie Borthwick is the tenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing, who won the 2023 Strictly special.
Jamie rose to fame for his portrayal as Jay Brown/Mitchell in the BBC continuing drama EastEnders which he has starred in since 2006.
He is now one of the longest serving actors on the show. In 2008 his role in EastEnders earned him a British Soap Award for ‘Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor’, he then went on to win ‘Best Actor’ at the Inside Soap Awards in 2023.
On joining Strictly, 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!"
Tom Dean MBE
Olympic Swimmer
Tom Dean MBE is the eleventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Swimmer Tom Dean is a three-time Olympic champion. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Tom Dean made history as the first British man to win a gold medal for the men’s 200m swim freestyle in over 100 years, going on to win a further gold medal in Tokyo and become England’s most decorated athlete at the subsequent 2022 Commonwealth Games, winning a total of seven medals.
Most recently, Tom Dean brought home his third gold medal for Team GB from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the team 4 x 200m freestyle relay.
On joining Strictly, 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!"
Montell Douglas aka Fire
Gladiator and Olympian
Montell Douglas is the twelfth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
In 2023 Montell Douglas was unveiled as ‘Fire’ in the BBC One series of Gladiators. She is a multi-talented sports star who has competed as an Olympic Bobsledder and Team GB Sprinter. In 2010, Montell Douglas won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race. She also held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint.
Her appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics in the Bobsledding team etched her name into sporting history as she became the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
On joining Strictly, Montell 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!"
Nick Knowles
TV presenter
Nick Knowles is the thirteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
For the last 24 years, Nick Knowles has been the face of the BBC’s BAFTA-winning ‘DIY SOS’. Alongside this, Nick has always been passionate about travelling and most recently, worked with Channel 5 on various travel programmes including ‘Into the Grand Canyon’, ‘The Mighty Mississippi’ and ‘Nick Knowles in South America’.
Over the past two decades, Nick has presented across an extensive list of formats spanning news, factual, travel and entertainment and has solidified himself as one of the UK’s most familiar faces on television.
On joining Strictly, Nick 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!"
Paul Merson
Former footballer and broadcaster
Paul Merson is the fourteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Paul made his debut playing for Arsenal Football Club when he was 17 years old and went on to win the PFA Young Player of the Year. Paul played for the club for over a decade, playing 424 times, scoring 99 goals and winning all domestic trophies, as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
He played 21 times for England, scoring three times and went on to play for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and becoming player manager at Walsall Football Club. Paul is now a football pundit and commentator and has written numerous books that cover his football career and personal life.
On joining Strictly, Paul 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!"
Sam Quek MBE
Olympic Hockey champion and TV and radio presenter
Sam Quek is the fifteenth and final celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Sam won 125 international caps for the England and Great Britain women’s hockey teams, including a Gold Medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2017, Sam Quek was awarded an MBE for ‘Services to Hockey’.
She is now a broadcaster and has presented on BBC One's Morning Live and was a Team Captain on Question of Sport. Sam Quek presents for a range of sports including Football, American football, Rugby and Cricket. She co-anchored the BBC’s Tokyo Olympic Games Breakfast programme and regularly appears on programmes across the BBC’s radio channels.
On joining Strictly, Sam 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."
Strictly Come Dancing returns in September on BBC One
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