BBC bosses respond to criticism of Strictly line-up

15 celebs have been unveiled

Author: Alex RossPublished 14th Aug 2024

With all of the controversy surrounding the show right now, BBC bosses were hoping this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up announcement would go down without any hiccups, but it seems not everyone is thrilled with the 15 famous faces that have been announced.

Only six female celebs have signed up, in comparison to nine male celebs, with fans of the show quick to point out the imbalance in genders.

A BBC spokesperson has now addressed the criticism via Metro.co.uk, saying "it's never been about ticking boxes."

They said: "We are really excited about this year's line up and look forward to the series starting.

"There are many factors that influence the casting process to ensure we have a good mix of celebrities from a broad range of backgrounds. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the gender split on the show and it's never been about ticking boxes."

Check out the Strictly Come Dancing line-up below:

Chris McCausland

Best known for: Comedian


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

Best known for: JLS singer


JB 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

Best known for: Opera singer


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

Best known for: Singer and actress


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

Best known for: TV doctor on Morning Live


Dr 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."

Tasha Ghouri

Best known for: Love Island star


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

Best known for: Reality TV star


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

Best known for: Singer and actor


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

Best known for: Actress


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

Best known for: EastEnders actor


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

Best known for: Olympic swimmer


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 (Fire)

Best known for: Gladiators (Fire)
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

Best known for: TV presenter


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!"

Sam Quek MBE

Best known for: Olympian and TV host


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."

Paul Merson

Best known for: Former professional footballer


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!"

Of course, this isn't the first time the show has faced complaints in recent months, as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary series.

After Amanda Abbington made a formal complaint against her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice, calling her Strictly experience 'inappropriate, mean and nasty' in the process, bosses made the decision to remove the Italian dancer from the 2024 line-up.

More former contestants then came forward, with Graziano Di Prima also being removed from the show whilst investigations take place by the BBC.

Although Strictly bosses are yet to confirm when the 2024 launch show is, rehearsals have now started, with this year's pairings expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September.

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