First three celebs confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2021

The first celebs have been announced!

Author: Alex RossPublished 4th Aug 2021

Following on from head judge Shirley Ballas admitting this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up is something special, bosses have tonight (Wednesday 4th August) announced the first three celebs taking part.

Tom Fletcher, Robert Webb and AJ Odudu were unveiled as the first contestants during tonight's (Wednesday 4th August) episode of The One Show, with viewers very excited for the new series to begin later in the year.

Although bosses have decided to reveal the first contestants a whole month earlier than usual this year, it's understood more famous faces will be confirmed in the coming weeks, as the celebs put pen to paper with their contracts.

Check out the full RUMOURED line-up below:

Chris Whitty

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.

Vicky McClure

Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.

Gregory Piper

Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.

Perri Kiely

Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."

Tom Malone Jr

After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."

Munroe Bergdorf

Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.

She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."

Carrie Symonds

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."

Cheryl

After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?

Tommy Fury

After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.

Maya Jama

TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.

Alan Carr

Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?

Michelle Keegan

Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.

But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."

Strictly's Executive producer Sarah James revealed to The Mirror last week that the 2021 series will be going ahead as normal.

She said: "We’re so thrilled that Strictly will be returning for a full-length series this year, and know how much viewers are looking forward to getting their full Strictly fix and seeing the return of much-loved specials.

"We are all so sad that we won’t be able to get to Blackpool this year but can’t wait to be back dancing at the one and only Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the future."

Before the first three stars were announced this evening, head judge Shirley Ballas appeared on Loose Women earlier in the week, admitting viewers are going to be very impressed with this year's line-up.

She said: "Well let me tell you, of all panels, you have never seen such celebrities as what you are going to see on this particular show.

"I have to say, Sarah James she just delights every time. She tweaks here, she tweaks there, she's outside the box. She is bringing a show... just when you think it couldn't get any better, it does! I'm telling you, hold onto your seats and your crash hat coz you're gonna need it!"

It's not yet been announced when Strictly Come Dancing will return, but if it's anything like recent years, you can expect it in mid-October!

Now read:

Take our ultimate Strictly Come Dancing quiz

Shirley Ballas teases amazing line-up of celebs for Strictly 2021

Strictly Come Dancing: Everything you need to know about the 2021 series

How to listen to Forth 1:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into Forth 1 on 97.3, DAB, online, on the Rayo app, or say ‘Play FORTH 1’ to your Smart Speaker. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. From Boogie In The Morning, to Garry and Steven getting you home after work, we play you the biggest hits from the world's hottest artists.