First two celebs announced for Strictly Come Dancing
Including the show's first ever blind contestant
Despite all of the controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing right now, BBC bosses revealed last month that the show will still be going ahead, and Monday 5th August sees the start of this year's celebrity reveals!
The first two celebs announced for the 2024 series were unveiled on Monday's episode of This Morning, with Chris McCausland and JB Gill announcing they have signed up for the show.
Comedian Chris, who will be the show's first ever blind contestant, 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...!”
JLS singer JB, who has previously taken part in the Strictly Christmas special, 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!”
Who is on Strictly this year?
So far two names have been announced, with more celebs expected to be unveiled in the coming days.
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!"
Following the removal of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima after allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour' from former contestants, the BBC are currently investigating and have introduced new welfare plans for the 20th anniversary series.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: "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."
Strictly Come Dancing will begin on BBC One in September.
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