David James MBE

Former England goalkeeper David James MBE is one of the first celebrities announced joining this year's Strictly line-up.

James began his career at Watford F.C and went on to lift the League Cup for Liverpool and contribute to Portsmouth’s success in the FA Cup.

With an international career spanning 13 years, James was a first choice to play for the UK in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and holds the record for the most clean sheets in the Premier League with a total of 173.

James concluded his footballing career in 2013 at Icelandic club, IBV, and was awarded an MBE for his services to charity and football in 2012.

Outside of the world of football, James displayed his artistic abilities as an illustrator for the children’s book Harry's Magic Pockets: The Circus and turned to modelling for Giorgio Armani and H&M.

"I'm really excited to be on Strictly this year,” said James.

“Not just competing against this year's stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons. I have some big shoes to fill, #LetsGetLive"

 

Chris Ramsey

Comedian and presenter Chris Ramsey started out in the open-mic circuit and quickly became a regular face on entertainment shows, Live at the Apollo, Celebrity Juice and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.

In 2011, Ramsey received critical-acclaim for his BBC Four comedy show, Offermation, and has since secured his own series on Comedy Central, The Chris Ramsey Show.

The topical chat show followed Ramsey as he looked back at wonderful and weird stories from the internet, alongside a variety of special guests including Mo Gilligan, Rachel Riley and Guz Khan.

Alongside his TV career, Ramsey has enjoyed sell-out tours and last year completed his stand-up tour, Chris Ramsay Live 2018: The Just Happy To Get Out Of The House Tour, throughout the UK across 106 dates.

He currently hosts the podcast Sh**ged, Married, Annoyed with his wife Rosie Ramsey.

“You will not find me on the dance floor at parties,” added Ramsey.

“You will find me at the buffet table. All night.”

“So I’m looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people… there better be a buffet after the live shows.”

 

Emma Barton

Eastenders actor Emma Barton is set to swap Albert Square for the Strictly dance floor.

Barton is best known for playing Honey Mitchell on the soap, however she has also had a successful theatre career with lead roles in the National Theatre’s production of One Man, Annie and Over The Moon.

The actor is a patron of Down’s Syndrome Association and ran the London Marathon in aid of charity Dementia Revolution as one of Dame Barbara Windsor’s Revolutionaries.

“As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening,” said Barton.

“I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I've been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business.”

 

Saffron Barker

Social media influencer Saffron Barker has accumulated over four million followers across various social channels.

Now averaging 15 millions views a month on YouTube, Barker will see if she can be a hit on the dance floor.

In 2017, the YouTube star topped the Sunday Times list of bestsellers with her book Saffron Barker Vs Real Life and recently secured three successful homeware ranges for Primark.

Behind the screen, Barker is a supporter of the Make A Wish foundation and completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon in aid of the charity, as well as the completing the London Marathon in memory of her great-grandad Ted.

Barker commented: “I am really excited to go on the Strictly journey and am feeling very grateful for the opportunity!”

“I’m looking forward to learning all of the dances, finding out who my partner is, getting to wear the costumes and to just experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

 

Catherine Tyldesley

Coronation Street actor Catherine Tyldesley has joined this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

Known for playing Eva Price on the soap, Tyldesley has also starred in Channel 5’s 15 Days and recently finished filming a new six-part comedy series for BBC One, Scarborough, written by Benidorm creator, Derren Litten.

In June this year, Tyldesley joined comedian Jason Manford to deliver the Anthony H Wilson Memorial Lecture 2019.

“It’ll be my biggest challenge to date as I’m not much of a dancer,” added Tyldesley.

“But I’ve always wanted to learn the skill and the time feels right! I’m nervous as hell but super excited to work with such talented professionals.”

“Hold onto your jazz shoes... mine is sure to be a bumpy/clumsy/fun ride!”

 

Mike Bushell

Sports presenter Mike Bushell will swap scoreboards for salsa this autumn.

A familiar face on BBC Breakfast, Bushell delivers the latest bulletins on sporting events including the Olympics, Paralympics, Winter Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Football World Cups.

The presenter is experienced in competing against sporting professionals, having played Novak Djokovic in the tennis court and bowled with Alistair Cook.

For Comic Relief, Bushell secured the world record for crossing a mile of water inside a large inflatable ball in one hour and 57 seconds.

“I’ve heard so many wonderful things from colleagues over the years so thrilled I’m now getting the chance,” said Bushell.

“I know I will completely throw myself into the whole experience and I’m sure will love it from start to finish.”

“I may have tried and profiled over 500 sports over the years in my Saturday morning BBC Breakfast slot but think the Strictly challenge could be the greatest. Bring on the glitter!”

 

Karim Zeroual

Children’s television presenter Karim Zeroual started out as a child actor in the West End, starring in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Far Pavillions and The Lion King.

Zeroual’s TV appearances include Blue Peter, Top Class, EastEnders, Da Vinci’s Demons and The Sparticle Mystery.

Zeroual joined CBBC in 2014 and has appeared on BBC Young Dancer and Wimbledon Live.

The presenter is currently filming a new documentary for the channel, A Week To Beat The World, where three British kids travel to Brazil, Guatemala and Japan to play national sports against the locals.

“To be offered the chance to take part in Strictly is dumbfounding,” commented Zeroual.

“I want THE LOT. The skimpiest of clothes, the widest of flares, the brightest of colours and the tallest Cuban heel a guy can find! The more flamboyant the better… sequins galore please!!”

 

Viscountess Emma Weymouth

Businesswoman and philanthropist Emma Thynn became the chatelaine of the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire in 2013, following her marriage to Ceawlin Thynn.

Raised in South Kensington, Thynn was the head girl at Queen’s Gate School and studied History of Art at the University College London.

In 2015, Thynn launched Emma’s Kitchen at the Longleat Estate to share her love of food and has showed off her culinary skills as a guest chef on Saturday Morning with James Martin.

Thynn is also a contributing editor for British Vogue, an ambassador for Fiorucci and has modelled for Dolce and Gabbana.

In her spare time, Thynn has worked with the charity TUSK to help save the population of Northern White Rhinos.

“I absolutely love watching Strictly every weekend and I can’t believe that I’m getting the chance to be on this series,” added Viscountess Weymouth.

“I know it will be such an amazing experience from start to finish. I can’t wait for the dancing and the fabulous outfits!”

 

Michelle Visage

DJ, singer and TV host Michelle Visage rose to stardom in pop band Seduction and is best-known for being a guest judge on reality RuPaul's Drag Race and spin-off show RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.

The TV host finished in fifth place on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015 and appeared as a judge on Ireland’s Got Talent last year.

Off screen, Visage made her West End debut in 2018 as Miss Hedge in Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

Visage will join Ru Paul for RuPaul's Drag Race UK, which airs this October on BBC Three.

“Getting to do Strictly in my favourite place on Earth is an actual DREAM!,” commented Visage.

“I'm so excited to show that being 50 doesn't mean life stops. Things may not work like they did when I was 20, but 50 also means 'FABULOUS!'”

“There are plenty of women like me out there who still 'got it' and we still 'plan to use it!' so slap on the sequins, point me to the dance floor and watch me Paso my Doble!”

 

Will Bayley MBE

World Table Tennis Paralympic champion Will Bayley MBE was born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition that impacts all four of his limbs.

Bayley was awarded an MBE for his services to table tennis after taking home gold at the Japan Open 2019 and consecutively winning gold and silver medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics.

Bayley is currently preparing for the Tokyo 2020 games to defend his Paralympic title.

“I’m so proud to be on the show, it’s my family’s favourite show,” said Bayley.

“I have no dance experience at all, but I hope I can do well. I want to inspire people with a disability - that would mean a lot to me. I want to prove to people I can do this.”

 

Jamie Laing

Reality star Jamie Laing will be among the celebrities trying to lift the glitter ball cup this year.

Laing shot to fame in 2011 when he joined the second series of Made in Chelsea alongside his friends and has become one of the longest-serving stars of the show.

Laing co-hosts his podcast Private Parts alongside fellow Made in Chelsea star Francis Boulle, in which the pair discuss intimate details of their lives with famous guests, including Jack Whitehall, Vick Hope and Jordan Banjo.

The reality star is also a successful businessman and founded gourmet sugary treats brand Candy Kittens 2012.

Laing has also appeared on Celebrity Hunted with Spencer Matthews and Famous And Fighting Crime, where he joined former Strictly contestant Katie Piper as they policed the streets with the Cambridge Constabulary as volunteer officers.

"I am beyond thrilled to be asked to be on Strictly,” said Laing.

“The only person potentially more thrilled is my mother. I have finally become the son she hoped for!”

 

Alex Scott MBE

Former football captain and sports pundit Alex Scott is the latest sportsperson set to appear on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Scott joined Arsenal at eight years old and helped the team achieve a domestic double for the FA Women’s Premier League and the FA Women’s Cup.

The footballer played a key role in Arsenal’s historic quadruple season where the club won all of their trophy competitions.

In 2014, Scott became the captain of the team and earned the title of second most capped player for England, securing 140 appearances on the pitch.

After retiring from football in 2017, Scott scored a position on BBC Sport’s football broadcasting team and made history last year as the first female Sky pundit on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday.

“It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do and I can’t believe I’m finally going to be part of it,” said Scott.

“The football pitch is a bit less glam than the ballroom, but I’m ready to try the sequins and dresses! Bring it on!”

 

Dev Griffin

Radio presenter and DJ Dev Griffin began his career presenting children programmes on BBC Two before stepping into the DJ booth on BBC’s 1Xtra.

More recently, Griffin took over from Alice Levine’s weekend breakfast show on Radio 1 and warms up the nation during the weekend mornings.

Griffin is no stranger to a little competition, as the DJ tackled gruelling challenges on SAS Who Dares Wins for Stand Up To Cancer and refined his cooking abilities in Celebrity MasterChef.

“I just can’t believe I’m doing Strictly,” added Griffin.

“It just doesn’t feel real yet! It’s going to be so much fun, but just to be clear, I’m not doing this to take part, I’m totally in it to win it!”

                  

James Cracknell OBE

Setting sail for Elstree studios is former rowing world champion James Cracknell OBE.

Cracknell is best-known for taking home two Olympic gold medals for the 2000 Sydney games and the 2004 Athens games.

Although Cracknell retired from rowing in 2006, the athlete won a dangerous race across the Atlantic alongside Ben Fogle and later raced over 430 miles on bicycle across the frozen Alaskan countryside, finishing 12th as the highest placed Briton.

In 2010, Cracknell suffered a near fatal injury when he was struck by a truck while attempting a cross marathon in America. After a sixth month recovery, he headed to the Canadian Yukon to complete in The Coldest Race on Earth.

The double Olympic gold medallist is the BBC’s commentator for rowing and became the oldest ever Boat Race champion aged 46 as part of the Cambridge University’s rowing team in the 165^th Boat Race.

“Having spent so many years mucking around in a rowing boat with big men in tight Lycra, it’s time I learned a new skill,” said Cracknell.

“I need to apologise to my kids in advance for the embarrassment.”

 

Anneka Rice

Broadcaster Anneka Rice is the final celebrity joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

Rice shot to stardom in the 1980s after hunting for hidden riches in Channel 4’s Treasure Hunt.

In 1989, the broadcaster devised an award-winning gameshow Challenge Anneka for BBC One, which shined a spotlight on social topics including homelessness, disability and animal welfare whilst raising millions of pounds worth of funds for communities and charities in the process.

She went on to host a variety of entertainment programmes including The Royal Variety Performance, Hell’s Kitchen, Sporting Chance, TV-am, Driving Force, Capital Woman, Wish You Were Here, Combat, Holiday and a number of other shows.

Rice has presented a variety of shows on BBC Radio 2 including the Saturday Breakfast Show and The Arts Show, and currently hosts The Pick of Radio 2 with Anneka Rice and podcast Fortunately.

She is also a patron of Help for Heroes, Operation Encompass and Horatio’s Garden.

“I haven’t danced since I was seven and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated.”

“I can’t see myself in a long frilly dress either. But I’m feeling recklessly excited.”

“Strictly has always been my Autumn’s entertainment and now I’m part of it! My children will probably leave the country”.

---

A new professional dancer has also been announced; Latin dancer Nancy Xu will replace Pasha Kovalev.

Xu was previously a finalist on dance competition So You Think You Can Dance? in China and appeared on the Burn The Floor in the West End.

This year’s contestants will put their dancing shoes to the test under the watchful eyes of returning judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, alongside new judge Motsi Mabuse who will be replacing Dame Darcey Bussell.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing airs the autumn.