Lace up your ballroom shoes: Strictly’s back.
The BBC has announced all 15 of the celebrity contestants who will be attempting to impress the judges in the show’s 22nd series. Here’s a breakdown of every celebrity taking part in the show, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Chris McCausland
Comedian
Chris McCausland is a stand-up best known for his appearances on Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You?, Have I Got News for You and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. He will also be the first blind contestant in Strictly’s history.
“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,” said McCausland. “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? Okay, don't answer that!”
JB Gill
Singer, TV presenter
JB Gill rose to fame as part of boyband JLS, and has got involved in turkey farming, contributing to Countryfile and Springlife. According to his website, he has supplied turkeys to the likes of One Direction and Little Mix.
“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,” said Gill. “I’m raring to go 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
Opera singer, broadcaster
Wynne Evans is an opera singer with 25 years of experience under his belt, and currently presents a daily show on BBC Radio Wales. He also played Gio Compario, better known as the ‘Go Compare Man’, in a series of advertisements for the financial services comparison company.
“I am honestly still pinching myself,” said Evans. “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.”
Toyah Wilcox
Singer, actress
Over a decades-long career, Toyah Wilcox has recorded 25 albums, amassing 13 top 40 singles.
“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,” said Wilcox. “How I will do, it’s a mystery. I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!”
Punam Krishan
GP, broadcaster
A resident GP on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland, Punam Krishan helps members of the public with all manner of medical queries. Still a practising doctor, she will now swap the scrubs for sequins.
“This still doesn’t feel real,” said Krishan. “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.
“This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all,” she continued.
The full line-up will be revealed in due course, before the series starts in autumn 2024.
Tasha Ghouri
Model and TV personality
Tasha Ghouri appeared on the eighth series of Love Island, becoming the reality show’s first deaf contestant. She also hosts the podcast Superpowers with Tasha.
“This is a total dream come true,” she said. “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
Pete Wicks made his name on The Only Way Is Essex, and has since made appearances on Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
“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,” he said.
Shayne Ward
Actor and singer
As well as having a chart-topping single under his belt in the form of ‘That’s My Goal’, Shayne Ward has appeared on Coronation Street and The Good Ship Murder.
“I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life,” he said. “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
Actor
Sarah Hadland is best known to viewers as Stevie in the sitcom Miranda, and was also amongst the original Horrible Histories cast.
“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!” she said.
Jamie Borthwick
Actor
Jamie Borthwick first appeared on Eastenders in 2006 as Jay, and has gone on to become one of the soap’s longest serving actors.
“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!” he said.
Tom Dean
Athlete
In the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Tom Dean became the first British man to win gold at the 200m swim freestyle in over a century. He also recently won gold in Paris, as part of the 4 x 200m freestyle relay team.
It was also in France that Tom let slip he was participating in Strictly ahead of the BBC’s announcement.
“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,” he said. “Bring it on!”
Montell Douglas
Athlete
Montell Douglas is known to fans of Gladiators as the indestructible Fire. She is also the first female UK athlete to participate at both the Summer and Winter Olympics, having competed in both sprinting and bobsleigh.
“[Strictly] is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started,” she said. “Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”
Nick Knowles
TV presenter
The face of DIY SOS for over two decades, Nick Knowles has also made a number of travel shows. These include The Mighty Mississippi with Nick Knowles and Nick Knowles in South America.
“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,” Knowles said. “I’ll give it my everything… and try not to embarrass my kids, of course.”
Paul Merson
Former footballer and presenter
Paul Merson started playing for Arsenal FC at the age of just 17, going onto play 21 times for England. He now works as a pundit.
“Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on,” he said. “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
Former athlete and presenter
Sam Quek is a former hockey player, having won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, not to mention 125 international caps for the England and Great Britain women’s hockey teams. She has gone on to work as a broadcaster, presenting on BBC Morning Live and co-anchoring the BBC’s Tokyo Olympic Games Breakfast programme.
“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!” she said. “It feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.”
