Which celebs are taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?
The launch show was on Saturday 14th September!
Last updated 17th Sep 2024
Whilst this year's hosts, judges and professional dancers were all announced for Strictly Come Dancing earlier in the year, we had to wait a little longer to find out which celebrities were taking part in the 20th anniversary series, which kicked off on Saturday 14th September.
Rumours were rife as to which famous faces had signed the dotted line, however after a long wait, this year's 15 celebs have were all unveiled!
Check out the 2024 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!"
The news came as the show had become embroiled in drama, with both Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima being removed from the professional line-up, following accusations from former partners.
Whilst Giovanni has always denied the allegations, Graziano released a statement to admit he 'deeply regrets the events' that led to his departure.
In the weeks that followed, BBC bosses revealed plans of their new welfare and safety procedures, which will see a chaperone in the rehearsal room at all times during the 2024 series.
Revealing the concerns that have risen over the last few months have all been related to training and rehearsals, bosses have 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.
Meanwhile, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are also back to host the show, with Shirley Ballas joining Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood on the judging panel.
When does Strictly start?
This year's Strictly began on Saturday 14th September, running until Saturday 14th December. The first live show will take place on Saturday 21st September.
The first trailer was released on Wednesday 4th September, showing this year's professional dancers on the Strictly bus.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024
Gorka Márquez speaks out over Giovanni Pernice's Strictly exit
Giovanni Pernice announces return to TV following Strictly axe