Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024
The line-up is complete!
It's now been a massive 20 years since popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing first hit our screens, and despite the controversary surrounding the upcoming series, it seems things are still in full swing!
After Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned the winners in 2023, fans are gearing up for the new series, with bosses also announcing a special one-off episode to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary.
Now the 2024 celebs have been announced, check out everything we know so far as rehearsals begin ahead of the start date in September!
When does Strictly start?
This year's Strictly Come Dancing will begin with a pre-recorded launch show on Saturday 14th September, with the first live show taking place on Saturday 21st September.
On Monday 22nd July, this year's professional dancers returned to begin rehearsals, with bosses posting a photo of the group on social media. The caption read: 'The photo was captioned with: 'Day one of #Strictly 2024 rehearsals done! We can’t wait to share our new pro routines with everyone soon @bbciplayer'. (sic)
On Friday 30th August, the BBC then shared a first-look photo from the launch show, showing Amy Dowden back with the pros.
The message read on X: ' 'Welcome back to the ballroom, Amy! ✨🪩 #Strictly is celebrating the return of @amy_dowden with a group dance featuring all of the Professional Dancers
'Airing in the launch show this autumn, the empowering routine will exude glamour as we welcome Amy back for the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing on #iPlayer and @BBCOne'. (sic)
On Wednesday 4th September, BBC bosses released the first trailer for this year's series, showing the professional dancers having a very exciting time on the Strictly bus.
The advert was first shown on TV at 7.29pm on Wednesday 4th September.
Who is taking part in this year's Strictly?
Bosses started to unveil this year's line-up on Monday 5th August, with comedian Chris McCausland the first to be announced. The second celeb announced was JLS star JB Gill.
On Tuesday 6th August, three more celebs were announced, including Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox and Dr Punam Krishan.
Reality TV stars Pete Wicks and Tasha Ghouri were then announced on Wednesday 7th August, with actors Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland unveiled during an episode of Lorraine on Thursday 8th August.
Later on in the day on 8th August, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and Olympic swimming Tom Dean MBE were also confirmed.
To round off the week, Montell Douglas, better known as the Gladiator Fire was announced as the 12th contestant.
Three final celebs were announced on Monday 12th August, in the form of Nick Knowles, Paul Merson, and Sam Quek MBE.
Check out the confirmed line-up:
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!"
How can I get tickets to see Strictly?
BBC bosses have opened a free ballot for tickets to see Strictly being filmed each Saturday night.
All dates will be filmed at Elstree Film and Television Studios, except the Blackpool Tower date in November, with fans able to apply for the random draw tickets up until 10pm on Monday 2nd September.
The ballot has now closed.
What is the anniversary special?
The 15th May 2024 marked 20 years to the day since Strictly Come Dancing first hit our screens, way back in 2004.
To celebrate the last two decades of the show, BBC bosses have commissioned a special one-off show which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC said: “Strictly Come Dancing is more than just a TV show, it has become an integral part of British culture, bringing families together and inspiring viewers of all ages to embrace the joy of dance.
"Throughout its 20-year history, the show has launched careers, sparked trends, and touched the hearts of millions with its dazzling performances, emotional journeys, and unforgettable moments and we will be showcasing it all in this very special programme.”
No air date has been given for the anniversary special at the moment.
Who won Strictly 2023?
Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola were crowned the 2023 winners of Strictly Come Dancing.
After each performing three dances during the final, Ellie and Vito won the Glitterball Trophy following a public vote, ahead of Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier.
When is the Strictly final?
It's understood the 2024 final will take place live on Saturday 14th December 2024.
What channel is Strictly Come Dancing on?
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One on Saturday and Sunday nights, with the spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, broadcasting on BBC2.
Who are the judges on Strictly Come Dancing?
On Monday 10th June it was confirmed that Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse will return for the 2024 series.
Which professional dancers will be on Strictly?
The professional line-up for the 2024 series was announced on Monday 10th June, along with the amazing news that Amy Dowden would be making a return to the show, following her cancer diagnosis in 2023.
After months of rumours, it was also announced that Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice would not be taking part in the 2024 series. Graziano Di Prima has also left the show after releasing a statement confirming that his work ethic "may have affected" his training regime.
In July 2024, BBC bosses revealed fan favourite Aljaž Škorjanec will be returning as a professional dancer, following a two-year hiatus.
Check out all of the pro dancers on Strictly 2024:
Vito Coppola
Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East. In 2024, Vito went one step further, winning the show with former Corrie actress Ellie Leach.
Amy Dowden
Caerphilly-born Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. In 2023 she was forced to miss the show after being diagnosed with cancer in May. After undergoing successful treatment, it's now been confirmed Amy will return to the show for the 2024 series!
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2023 he was paired with Nikita Kanda.
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Eddie Kadi.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with actor Nigel Harman in 2023.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Tennis legend Annabel Croft in 2023.
Kai Widdrington
Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai was paired with Angela Rippon.
Jowita Przystal
Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series, with the pair went on to win the show. Jowita was then paired with Jody Cundy in 2023.
Carlos Gu
Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show. Last year, Carlos was paired with Angela Scanlon.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Les Dennis in 2023. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.
Neil Jones
Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His past celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2023 she was paired with actor Adam Thomas.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2022, she danced with Matt Goss. She was without a celebrity partner last year.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022. She was without a celebrity partner last year.
Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the show for a massive nine years before announcing he'd quit in 2022. However, much to the delight of fans, BBC bosses confirmed in July 2024 that he will be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series.
In 2022, four brand new dancers joined the show, in the form of Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Who is hosting Strictly Come Dancing this year?
The lovely Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return for the 2024 series, the news was confirmed on 10th June.
After presenting the Sunday night results show for a number of years, Claudia took over Bruce Forsyth's role as co-presenter alongside Tess in 2014.
What are the new Welfare and Support protocols?
Following the allegations surrounding Giovanni and Graziano, BBC bosses introduced the following welfare steps:
1) Have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times.
2) Increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer.
3) Deliver further training for the production team and crew.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, says: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
"Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."
Who hosts Strictly: It Takes Two?
Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two has become nearly as popular as the main show since it first hit BBC Two in 2004.
After four years presenting the show, Rylan Clark confirmed in April 2023 that he's quit his hosting role, leaving fans wondering who will replace him.
Following the news, it was later announced that last year's contestant Fleur East would join Janette Manrara to host the show. It's not yet been announced if Fleur and Janette will return for the 2024 seires.
How does the Strictly Come Dancing voting work?
The voting on Strictly Come Dancing combines both the judges scores and the public votes, meaning no couple is safe, even if they receive the top score of 40 from the judges.
After all couples have performed, phone lines open for the public to vote for their favourite couple, then the judges scores and the public votes are added together. The couple ranked the highest will be given a number of points equal to the number of couples competing that evening.
Who has won Strictly Come Dancing in the past?
There's so far been 22 different winners of Strictly...
Series 1 winner – Natasha Kaplinsky
BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to dance her way to victory in the summer of 2004 with professional dancer Brendan Cole. She finished 39 points ahead of her fellow finalis, Christopher Parker, and received the highest points for eight out of the 10 dances on the series.
Since the competition, Natsha went on to have two children, Arlo and Angelica and was awarded an OBE for her services to the Holocaust Commission. She continued her career in journalism leaving the BBC in 2008, before joining Channel 5 and then ITV.
Series 2 – Jill Halfpenny
Also in 2004 (but this time in December) soap actress Jill Halfpenny also became a Strictly champion alongside her dance partner Darren Bennett. Their Jive was the first ever Strictly routine to score a full house of 40 points, so we're not surprised she went on to win!
Jill was most well known for starring as Rebecca Hopkins in Coronation Street and Kate Mitchell in EastEnders. After Strictly she continued her acting career before stepping onto the West End, performing in plays such as Uncle Vanya and even Chicago. Now, she's a broadcaster for BBC Radio 2, which she's been doing since 2017.
Series 3 – Darren Gough
English cricketer Darren Dough stole the glitterball trophy from the likes of Zoe Ball and chef James Martin, despite never reaching the top of the Strictly leaderboard with his dance partner, Lilia Kopylova. The pair also went on to win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2005.
Darren retired from his cricketing career in 2008. The following year he became a presenter on the sport radio station Talk Sport, which he is still currently doing.
Mark Ramprakash
You may remember England cricketer Mark Ramprakash was the first ever contestant to restart a routine on Strictly after his microphone got caught in his dance partner's dress. However despite the hiccup, they still received the highest score! He was the second cricketer to bowl through and take home the glitterball in 2006. The sportsman soon departed from playing on the cricket pitch to coaching on it instead, and became the batting coach for the England cricket team. He then departed this role in 2019.
Series 5 – Alesha Dixon
Former R&B singer Alesha Dixon lifted the glitterball in 2007 alongside her dance partner Matthew Cutler in what was a very close final, as she finished just two points ahead of actor Matt Di Angelo.
Since her time on the dance floor, we've seen Alesha sit on the Strictly judging panel herself from 2009 to 2011, before leaving to judge on Britain's Got Talent, America's Got Talent and then Australia's Got Talent.
Series 6 – Tom Chambers
Holby City and Casualty actor Tom Chambers' Strictly win alongside Camilla Dallerup became somewhat controversial, as despite scoring the lowest of the three finalists the public still made him their winner.
Tom clearly enjoyed his time on the dance floor, as he starred in a stage version of the musical Top Hat, before returning for two Strictly Christmas Specials in 2008 and 2015.
Series 7 – Chris Hollins
Ola Jordan helped breakfast presenter Chris Hollins dance his way to victory in 2009. After the show he continued with his presenting career at the BBC for various shows including The Rescues, Cash In The Attic, and The Food Inspectors. He is also a presenter for BT Sport Live.
Series 8 – Kara Tointon
It wasn't just the glitter ball that Eastenders actress Kara Tointon left with at the end of her time on Strictly, but a new love with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev. The pair even celebrated their win with a kiss - how romantic!
Since Strictly Kara continued a successful acting career taking to the stage too. Her most notable role was playing Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion in the West End and the ITV live production of The Sound of Music, where she played Maria.
Sadly, Kara and Artem's Strictly romance didn't last and the couple decided to part ways in 2014.
Series 9 – Harry Judd
McFly drummer Harry Judd stole the winning spot in series 9 with professional dancer Aliona Vilani, beating fellow finalists Chelsee Healey & Jason Donovan. Harry fought hard to take the winning spot and didn't top the leaderboard until week 7, but from then on he received high 30s throughout the rest of the competition.
Since Strictly, Harry returned to the band McFly and released new music with them in 2020. More recently he welcomed baby number three into the world with his wife, Izzy Judd.
Series 10 – Louis Smith
Louis took home bronze and glitter in 2012 after his success at the 2012 Olympics and on the Strictly dance floor, with dance partner Flavia Cacace. In the final he danced against Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, receiving the lowest score from the judges. But it didn't matter, as the British public voted for him to be their winner. Louis continued to represent Great Britain in the Olympics before retiring and swapping gymnastics for the theatre. He even continued doing some dancing too and took part in this years series of The Masked Dancer and won!
Series 11 – Abbey Clancy
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec's routine regularly stole the show, so we weren't surprised when the pair were crowned the Strictly winners in 2013.
After the show Abbey went on to become a judge Britain's Next Top Model and welcomed her fourth child with husband Peter Crouch in 2019.
Series 12 – Caroline Flack
Caroline Flack and partner Pasha Kovalev became the first and still are the only Strictly couple to receive 40 points for all three dances in the final. Caroline continued a successful TV career after the show, presenting on the X-Factor alongside Olly Murs and on ITV's Love Island. Sadly, Caroline took her own life in February 2020 and our thoughts are with all who knew her.
Since Caroline's passing, her mum Christine has become an advocate for mental health.
Series 13 – Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness was one of four members from boy band The Wanted and won with partner Aliona Vilan. The singer credited much of his success to his dance partner and on winning told her: "You deserve it so much, you really do." After taking a musical break for seven years, The Wanted are now back together and are embarking on a UK tour in 2022.
Series 14 - Ore Oduba
The TV and radio presenter was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout the competition, regularly getting emotional throughout the series. But he shed tears of joy after beating Louise Redknapp and ex Hollyoaks star Danny Mac, which saw him take home the glitter trophy.
In 2019 he began his musical theatre career, starring in the UK Tour of Grease and made his West End debut in January 2020.
Series 15 - Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden was the second Holby City actor to win Strictly with partner Katya Jones. He may not have been a natural dancer at the start, but he certainly came out on top beating Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the final. After Strictly he performed in the UK tour of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert.
Series 16 - Stacey Dooley
The journalist and broadcaster beat show favourite, Joe Sugg, with her dance partner Kevin Clifton. The couple had clearly fallen for each other while on the show as shortly after it was announced they were a couple.
Stacey went on to make two more documentaries and made appearances on other TV shows, including Glow Up and most recently presented DNA Family Secrets alongside Turi King, which helps people find out secrets about their families through DNA tests. Stacey and Kevin are also still together.
Series 17 - Kelvin Fletcher
Despite entering as a replacement for reality TV star Jamie Laing who injured his foot, former Emmerdale actor Kelvin stole the show and came out on top with his dance partner Oti Mabuse. Kelvin is a self-confessed 'petrol head' and has taken part in many motorsport races, including the British GT Championships.
Series 18 - Bill Bailey
Bill blew everyone's socks off and became the oldest contestant in Strictly history to take home the glitterball trophy. It was a big moment for his partner Oti Mabuse too, as their victory marked her second win.
Bill's back to doing what he loves best, which is making us laugh, as well as playing his guitar and spending lots of time outdoors.
Series 19 - Rose Ayling-Ellis
EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first ever deaf contestant to take part in Strictly, and her professional dancer Giovanni Pernice beat GBBO star John Whaite and Johannes Radebe for the Glitterball after a tense 2021 finale.
Rose, who plays Frankie on the BBC soap, was applauded by deaf communities over the world for raising awareness of sign language and how being deaf doesn't affect your ability to dance.
Series 20 - Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin won the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Jowita Przystal. A firm favourite due to his high energy, great enthusiasm and incredible lifts, he beat radio presenter and singer Fleur East, singer and actress Molly Rainford and TV presenter Helen Skelton to the Glitterball Trophy.
Series 21 - Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach was crowned the 2023 winner alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola. Ellie was in the final alongside Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier, and despite not topping the leaderboard during the final, the public voted for her to be crowned the 2023 winner of the Glitterball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later September.
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