Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024

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!"

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec

Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas

Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones

JB Gill and Amy Dowden

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal

Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Seven.

Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Six.

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Five.

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Four.

Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Three.

Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Two.

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.

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.