A look back on Hits Radio presenter Fleur East’s incredible Strictly Come Dancing journey

Fleur gets announced for Strictly

On Thursday 11th August, Fleur confirmed on the Hits Radio Breakfast show that she'd signed up for Strictly Come Dancing! She said: I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much."

Fleur discovers her professional partner

During the pre-recorded launch show on Friday 23rd September, it was revealed that Fleur had been paired with new dancer Vito Coppola.

Week One: Fleur and Vito perform the Cha Cha Cha

Fleur and Vito gave an incredible Cha Cha Cha performance during the first live show on Saturday 24th September, getting an impressive score of 29/40 from the judges.

Week Two: Fleur and Vito perform a Viennese Waltz

In Week Two, Fleur performed her first ballroom dance in the form of a Viennese Waltz to 'Glimpse Of Us' by Joji. After picking up another score of 29/40, Fleur made it through to Movie Week.

Week Three: Fleur and Vito perform an American Smooth

During Movie Week, Fleur and Vito performed an American Smooth to 'Part Of Your World' from The Little Mermaid. The pair finished in 6th place on the leaderboard with a score of 29/40.

Week Three: Fleur finds herself in the bottom two

Despite her amazing routine, Fleur was in the bottom two during the Movie Week results show, alongside Richie Anderson. After a tense dance-off, three out of four of the judges chose to save Fleur and Vito.

Week Four: Fleur scores her first 10s of the series

Following the disappointment of finding herself in the bottom two last week, Fleur performed an Argentine Tango with partner Vito in Week Four, where she picked up her first 10s of the series. With an overall score of 38/40, Fleur found herself second on the leaderboard, sailing through to Week Five.

Week Five: Fleur and Vito transform into ABBA

To celebrate 100 years of the BBC, Fleur and Vito transformed into ABBA in Week Five, performing a Jive to hit track 'Waterloo'. Fleur finished in fourth place on the leaderboard, making it through to Week Six following the public vote.

Fleur opens up about her Strictly journey so far

Speaking on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show ahead of her Week Six performance, Fleur said: "I watch myself back and I'm like 'who is that woman?'"

Week Six: Fleur performs a Salsa to 'Break My Soul' by Beyoncé

Fleur wowed the crowd as she and Vito hit the floor on Halloween Week to do their Salsa, accompanied by Beyoncé's bop 'Break My Soul'. Despite gaining an impressive score of 32, Fleur and Vito found themselves in the dance-off, up against EastEnders actor James Bye and his professional partner Amy Dowden. With Fleur and Vito smashing their Salsa once more, it was James who we said goodbye to.

Week Seven: Fleur performs a stunning Waltz

Dusting herself off from being in the bottom two in Week 6, Fleur performed a beautiful Waltz alongside Vito during Week 7, scoring an impressive 35/40. The pair made it through to Week 8 during the public vote.

Fleur opens up about appearing in her second dance-off

After Fleur found herself in the dance-off again, this time up against James Bye and his partner Amy Dowden, she and Vito were saved by the judges. Opening up about being in the dance off again, Fleur said: "Another Halloween scare for me! I was like surely not, surely the Strictly gods are smiling down on me - it's my birthday! I honestly thought 'this is it, I'm gone' because I was in the dance off again, so I was prepared but I was so very, very thankful to the judges for saving us. I'm having such a good time, I love dancing with Vito and I feel like we've got so much more to show, so I'm really happy we're here for another week."

Week Eight: Fleur performs a sizzling samba

Fleur East and Vito Coppola wowed in Week Eight on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor as they performed a sizzling samba to 'Hot Hot Hot' by Arrow. The dance won high praise from the judges, with Shirley Ballas calling it "one of the best sambas we've seen". Fleur and Vito scored 39 points and topped the leaderboard.

Fleur East gets HUGE surprise in Blackpool

To celebrate Fleur getting to Blackpool Week on Strictly, we brought the Hits Radio Breakfast show to you from Blackpool! James and Matt also went the extra mile and surprised her with a plane flying over pulling a 'Vote Fleur on Strictly' banner.


Fleur was overcome with emotion, saying: "How did you pull this off? It looks so good guys I'm actually quite emotional. I don't know if it's the wind in my eye or I'm actually crying – you're amazing, you absolutely smashed it. This is so cool."

Week Nine: Fleur scores 40 with Couple's Choice

Week Nine was certainly a special one! Not only did the show take place in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, but Fleur and Vito got the first perfect score of the 2022 series! All of the judges awarded them a 10 for their Couple's Choice to 'Destiny's Child Megamix'. Go Fleurito!

Fleur East shares behind the scenes Strictly secrets

After several weeks on the series, Fleur opened up about the prep that goes into getting ready for Strictly each week. She revealed that they get their makeup done on the Saturday morning, adding: "Then halfway through the day you go back and they touch you up and add things so it's like a whole process throughout the day and your make-up gets more and more elaborate as the day goes on!"


Fleur also explained that the music they practice to is different from what they perform to, saying: "In rehearsals we practice with the original track. So we get used to all the sounds and instruments on the original.


"But then on Saturday morning that's the first time we hear it with the band so it's a completely different version, although they play it as close to the original as possible, because it's a different singer with a different intonation in their voice and the instruments sound slightly different."

Fleur is late for the Breakfast show after tough rehearsals

In preparation for dancing the Rumba, Fleur was putting in some pretty late nights and ended up being late for the Breakfast show one morning. Talking about how practice was going, she said: "The Rumba is really intense and a lot of technique so I was Rumba-ing late into the night with Vito and my hips are so sore – I've never moved my hips so much in my life! Every week is a reset it's a brand-new show again, new dance, new technique so you've got to start again."

Week 10: Fleur East and Vito dance the rumba

Fleur East and Vito Coppola returned to the dance floor with a Rumba set to Sugababes' song 'Too Lost in You' and their passion was incredible! The dance was technically difficult and the pair scored 35 out of 40 placing them mid-table.

Week Ten: Fleur finds herself in the bottom two

Following her incredible Rumba during Week Ten of the competition, Fleur found herself in the bottom two alongside Ellie Taylor. However, following a tense dance-off, Fleur was saved by all four judges.

Fleur East reflects on her third dance off

Despite an amazing performance in Week 10, Fleur and Vito were in the dance off for the third time of the series, and Fleur opened up about the experience.


She said: "You don't know what's going to happen in the dance and it's based on that dance. So if I mess it up or my mind goes blank, you just don't know what's going to happen under pressure."


She added: "Because it was the hardest dance I've had to learn so far, the Rumba is so hard, I was quite glad I could do it again and show the judges I had taken their notes on. I'm happy with it but I'm glad that it's out the way now."

Week 11: Fleur East performs a Quickstep for Quarter Final

Week Eleven was Musicals Week, which saw Fleur and Vito perform a Quickstep to 'I Got Rhythm' from An American In Paris. They scored 38 and were in the middle of the leaderboard, with the routine earning them a spot in the Semi Final!

Fleur East reflects on emotional Quarter Final

In their preparation for the Semi Finals, Fleur opened up about how emotional her and Vito had been during the Quarter Final. She explained: "It was the most nervous Vito and I had been standing there waiting to hear the results. I wear a ring on my pinkie finger that's made from my dad's ring after he passed away, and I always hold it when it comes to results night and before we perform.


"For the first time ever, Vito was standing with me, and he held it. He felt really emotional and as soon as Tess called our names out, we were so grateful it felt amazing."


Looking ahead to the Semi Finals, which requires all couples to perform two routines, Fleur said: "The pressure is on."

Week 12: Fleur East dances the Paso Doble

The Semi Final saw two amazing performances from Fleur and Vito. They danced a powerful Paso Doble to 'The Time Is Now' by Moloko which earned them 35/40 points from the judges.


Anton Du Beke said it was an "exceptional performance" and called it Fleur's: "Best dance for the whole season."

Fleur East performs the Charleston in the Semi Final

In Week 12, Fleur and Vito also performed an upbeat, Italian-inspired Charleston to 'Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano' by Fiorello. This routine really wowed the judges, with Craig Revel Horwood calling it: "Absolutely amazing," and the panel giving them an incredible 39/40! They finished the Semi Finals in third place on the leaderboard.

Vito gives sweet speech about Fleur

After Fleur and Vito had performed both dances, Claudia Winkleman asked Vito why Fleur deserves to be in the final and he was full of praise for his dance partner. He said:: "Fleur is one of the best people I have ever met in my life, she is so humble, she is a pure soul. She doesn't know this but she saved me from a tough period that I had. She is so brave but humble, she never says no. She is so grateful and I am so proud of you."

Week 12: Fleur faces the dance off

Fleur and Vito ended up in the dance off against Will Mellor and Nancy Xu in the Semi Final. After they performed their Charleston again, the judges chose to keep Fleur and Vito in the competition, making them Strictly Finalists!

Week 13: Bring on the Strictly final!

On Saturday 17th December Fleur East, Hamza Yassin, Helen Skelton and Molly Rainford took to the dance floor in hopes of becoming the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 winner.

Week 13: Fleur East and Vito Coppola score 40 for 'Hot Hot Hot'

Fleur and Vito were 'Hot Hot Hot', dancing a sizzling Samba to Arrow's hit song and scoring 40! Incredible! They also scored 40 again for their dance to 'Destiny's Child Megamix', and received a score of 119 out of 120 for the Final - the highest of the night!

Week 13: The results are in

Despite topping the leaderboard, Fleur and Vito didn't win the series - though they won many hearts and lots of praise! The winner of the Strictly Come Dancing final 2022 was Hamza Yassin and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal.

Fleur East reflects on her Strictly journey

Following an unbelievable 13 weeks of dancing, Fleur reflected on her Strictly Come Dancing journey and thanked fans for their support. In an Instagram post with Vito, the pair wrote: 'Wow! What a ride! This entire experience has been incredible. We made memories we will cherish forever, friends we will keep for a lifetime and shared moments that are priceless.


'Congratulations to Hamza and Jowita for winning, we are so happy for you! But above all else, we feel like we won because we found each other. Thank you for all of your support and love. Thank you Strictly, for the adventure of a lifetime. ❤️✨🪩'.

Fleur East gets announced for Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour

Just days after the Final, it was announced that Fleur and Vito would be part of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour line-up which has shows scheduled across the UK in January and February 2023.

The line-up also includes Helen Skelton and Kai Widdrington, Will Mellor and Nancy Xu, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin, Tyler West and Dianne Buswell and this year's winners, Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.

Speaking about the tour, Fleur said: "As a huge Strictly fan, being part of the TV competition has been an unbelievable experience and I'm absolutely over the moon to have the chance to get back into those fabulous sequinned outfits for the live tour next year!"

Ellie Simmonds OBE & Nikita Kuzmin

Tyler West and Dianne Buswell

Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima

Will Mellor and Nancy Xu

Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez

James Bye and Amy Dowden

Fleur East and Vito Coppola

Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal

Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova

Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe

Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu

Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice

Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer

Kaye Adams and Kai Widdrington

Tony Adams and Katya Jones

The X Factor (2005)

Fleur East was a contestant on The X Factor back in 2005 as part of Addictiv Ladies. The group consisted of Fleur with her childhood friends, Nicola Owusu-Akontoh, Stephanie Yamson and Vivienne Umeh. They were mentored by Simon Cowell, but were eliminated in week one.
The band went their separate ways after taking part in The X Factor.

Tour with DJ Fresh (2012)

Fleur sang on DJ Fresh's song 'Turn It Up' and toured with the DJ throughout 2012. Speaking about her performance at V Festival with the 'Hot Right Now' DJ, Fleur said, "We got the chance to perform on the 4 Music stage in place of Nicki Minaj (who couldn't make it) and it was an incredible experience!! There were something like 60, 000 people in the audience and it was so surreal."

The X Factor (2014)

Fleur returned to The X Factor as a solo contestant in 2014, this time she had more success on the show, getting all the way through to the final. Fleur's first song on the show was John Legend's 'Ordinary People', which gave her three 'yes' votes.

'Uptown Funk' performance on The X Factor (2014)

In the semi-final of The X Factor, Fleur performed 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Although not released as an official single by Fleur, the song was so popular with the audience that it went to Number 1 on the iTunes chart. Fleur became the first X Factor contestant to reach Number 1 during the competition.

Debut single 'Sax' (2015)

'Sax' was Fleur East's debut single after The X Factor. The song was a massive hit in 2015. The song reached Number 3 in the UK and was certified Platinum. Speaking about her debut song, she said she wanted her music to be fun to listen to and that's what 'Sax' is for her.

Debut album 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' (2015)

In the same year that Fleur had huge success with 'Sax', she released her debut album, 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks'. The album reached Number 14 in the UK and featured 12 songs, including her hits 'Sax' and The X Factor song 'Uptown Funk'. Nine of the 12 songs on 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' were co-written by Fleur.

Fleur East appeared on I'm a Celebrity (2018)

In 2018, Fleur was back in the public eye appearing on series 18 of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! The radio presenter was eliminated 8th, from the show that was eventually won by Harry Redknapp. Fleur later said that they were like family.


In the Jungle Arms, the campmates took part in a little karaoke, when Fleur's song 'Sax' came on and they all tried to learn her dance routine, but Harry wasn't convinced.

Fleur East joined Hits Radio (2019)

Fleur joined Hits Radio's breakfast show in July 2019. She was late on her very first day, but arrived in style. While Greg and James were at the Hits Radio studio bright and early to prepare for their first show, Fleur had to explain why she was "running a little bit late" and ended up speeding along Manchester's canals in a speedboat, finally arriving at Hits Radio.

Fleur surprises fans with a performance at Hits Live (2019)

Fleur took to the stage for a surprise performance at Hits Live Birmingham, performing 'Sax' and 'Size'. Armed with dancers, pyrotechnics and amazing vocals, Fleur looked phenomenal with her changed-up hairstyle.

'Size' was used in a TV advert (2019)

'Size' was the ever-catchy release from Fleur in the autumn of 2019. The song was also featured in the Debenhams Christmas advert.

Fleur reveals dates Fleur East: The Fearless Experience (2020)

Fleur's first UK headline tour, 'Fleur East: The Fearless Experience', was announced in early 2020, however unfortunately due to the Coronavirus pandemic it has been postponed.

Fleur confirms first song of 2020, 'Lucky' (2020)

'Lucky' fuses rhythmic percussion, smooth vocals and a pulsating bass line. Speaking about her excitement for her new release, Fleur said: "I'm really excited for people to hear 'Lucky'. It's such an uplifting, feel good song with a positive message. It's all about being grateful for the blessings you have in your life, and understanding that everything worth having is hard work."

Fleur annnounces second album 'Fearless' (2020)

After much teasing, Fleur East has confirmed her second album will be called 'Fearless' and out in March 2020. Her album is now available to pre-order and features her songs from the past few years, including her most recent, 'Lucky'.

Fleur releases 'Not Alone' to raise money for the NHS (2020)

Fleur's song, 'Not Alone' was initially written for an exclusive performance on The One Show, encouraging viewers to stay at home amidst the Coronavirus crisis. However, after getting so much attention online, she's decided to write an extra verse and chorus so the song can be released to raise money for the NHS. 💙

Fleur East's Black Lives Matter Rap Roulette (2020)

With incredibly powerful lyrics such as, 'People fear for their lives through the shade they were painted / Can you see the picture has been tainted?' Fleur's Rap Roulette was described as 'brilliant' and 'powerful' by Hits Radio listeners.

Fleur launches The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East (2020)

Hits Radio Breakfast presenter Fleur East, who has been on a number of reality TV shows herself, takes us behind-the-scenes with her podcast The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East.

Don't Rock The Boat (2020)

In November 2020 Fleur East took part in TV show Don't Rock The Boat. She was part of the winning red team along with Tom Watson, Jodie Kidd, Craig Charles, Victoria Pendleton CBE and Adam Thomas.

Fleur East releases 'You're Christmas To Me' (2020)

Fleur East released 'You're Christmas To Me' in December 2020. The song came about after a 'spontaneous studio session'.

Fleur hosts The Void alongside Ashley Banjo (2021)

Fleur East launched her show The Void alongside Ashley Banjo. Those taking part faced mental and physical challenges whilst trying not to fall into The Void, a 520,000-litre water tank which stretches across the arena floor in the seven-part series.

Fleur East appears on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway (2021 and 2022)

Fleur East joined Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway for the 2021 series, giving away holidays to lucky viewers! She returned for the 2022 series to give away even more getaways.

Fleur East stars in musical film Tomorrow Morning (2022)

Fleur East starred in musical film Tomorrow Morning which was released on 6th September at selected cinemas. The film is about one couple seen in two separate timelines, a decade apart.

Fleur East joins Strictly Come Dancing (2022)

In August 2022, it was announced that Fleur East would join Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking about the announcement the Hits Radio presenter said: "I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much."


Speaking about how she's found her Strictly journey so far, Fleur said: 'I'm dancing for a minimum of seven hours a day - it's hardcore! But the thing is you don't even realise you're dancing that long because you're enjoying it and you're focusing on getting the steps right and then before you know it it's over. I'm really enjoying Strictly but if I'm honest it's been a lot harder than I thought it would be - in terms of my fitness levels and what my body feels like.


"And learning the technique has been really, really difficult but above all of that I've just loved the experience, learning new dances, learning from Vito, building relationships with everyone I'm doing the show with. It's just so much fun'

Fleur gets her first 10s on Strictly Come Dancing (2022)

In Week Four, Fleur and her partner Vito performed the first Argentine Tango of the series. They danced to 'Paint it Black' by Ciara and it earned Fleur two 10s from the judges, placing them 2nd on the leaderboard.

Fleur East heads to Blackpool for Strictly Come Dancing

We brought the Hits Radio Breakfast show to you live from Blackpool ahead of Fleur taking to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom floor for Strictly Come Dancing. James and Producer Matt had a touching gesture in store as they arranged a flyover with a 'Vote Fleur' banner to surprsie her with.

Fleur East gets first 40 of Strictly 2022

Having scored an impressive 39 in Week Eight, Fleur and Vito came back even stronger with their Couple's Choice to 'Destiny's Child Megamix', which earned them a score of 40! Taking place at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, it was the first perfect score of the 2022 series - go Fleur!

Fleur East becomes a Strictly Come Dancing Finalist

After 12 weeks of stunning dance routines, Fleur East and her dance partner Vito Coppola made it to the Strictly Come Dancing Final along with Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez, as well as Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.

Fleur gets a surprise visit from a special guest

We had a few surprises in store for Fleur on her last Hits Radio Breakfast Show before the Strictly Final, as we played her recorded messages of support from her family and friends. Then we surprised her with a visit from her Uncle Sean.


Fleur was left feeling emotional and said: "I think we really needed something like this, Strictly has just bought so much joy to our family's lives and it came at the perfect time. And the fact that it was Dad's favourite show was the best thing and it means so much more for that reason."

Fleur East and Vito Coppola in the Strictly Final

Fleur and Vito performed a Samba, their Couple's Choice and a Showdance in the Final, two of which earned them a perfect score! Overall they got an incredible 119/120 from the judges but unfortunately were not crowned the winners.


Hamza and Jowita took home the Glitterball Trophy as the 2022 winners.

Fleur reflects on her Strictly journey

Following the Strictly Final, Fleur and Vito shared a post, thanking fans for their support and looking back on their time on the show.


Posting a photo of themselves, they wrote: 'Wow! What a ride! This entire experience has been incredible. We made memories we will cherish forever, friends we will keep for a lifetime and shared moments that are priceless. Congratulations to Hamza and Jowita for winning, we are so happy for you! But above all else, we feel like we won because we found each other. Thank you for all of your support and love. Thank you Strictly, for the adventure of a lifetime. ❤️✨🪩'.


We are so proud of Fleur and Vito!

Fleur announces 'Count The Ways' single

In December 2022, Fleur announced she would be bringing out a new single called 'Count The Ways' which she released in January 2023! This is the first of the big music plans she has promised fans.


On the Hits Radio Breakfast Show, she teased: "There's a lot more music coming from me! I've been really inspired this year and I've written some new songs and played them to Vito in rehearsals and got his approval. And I've booked him for my next music video so he's all ready for that!"


Her return to music also includes a headline show at Union Chapel in London on 16th March 2023.

Fleur East is announced for Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour

In January and February 2023, Fleur will be dancing her way across the UK as part of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. She will be performing with her partner Vito and the line-up also includes Helen Skelton and Kai Widdrington, Will Mellor and Nancy Xu, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin, Tyler West and Dianne Buswell and Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.


Looking ahead to the shows, Fleur said: "As a huge Strictly fan, being part of the TV competition has been an unbelievable experience and I'm absolutely over the moon to have the chance to get back into those fabulous sequinned outfits for the live tour next year!"

Fleur East tops Heat's Fit List 2023

As well as showing off her incredible moves while on Strictly Come Dancing, Fleur also proved her fitness levels, especially while juggling training, performing and hosting the Hits Radio Breakfast show.


She bagged the top spot on Heat World's Fit List and commented on some of the physical challenges she's taken on: "Strictly is definitely up there, but when I did Don't Rock The Boat (the ITV show where celebs rowed the length of Britain) – that was so hard. The repetitive movement of rowing for hours on end was crazy. I had a moment where I realised that fitness was part of my life and wasn't just something to help me look good, then I just started to embrace more challenges, as I want to see how far my body can go and how strong I can actually be."


In 2022, Fleur also launched her own fitness programme through fitness brand SWEAT with a workout called Energising HIIT with Fleur.

Fleur East released 'Count The Ways'

In 2023, Fleur released her song 'Count The Ways', which had a fantastic music video full of 70s vibes. She also had a headline gig in London which sold out!

Fleur East lands TV acting role

Fleur East lands the role of Miss Meesha in the BBC Three series Phoenix Rise. Her role will appear on screen in 2024.

Will Mellor

Known for: Actor
Will said: "I'm honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year!


"Not going to lie, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about.


"I lost my dad in 2020 and from then I've just thought I've got to grab life - I've got to do things and create new memories. My mindset changed and that's the reason why I signed up for Strictly.


"This is also my mum's favourite show and she's had a really tough few years so I'm doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!"

Kym Marsh

Known for: Actress and singer
Kym said: "I've considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I'm so delighted that this year they have! I'm a huge fan of the show and can't believe I'm going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it's unreal!"

Richie Anderson

Known for: Radio presenter
Richie said: "This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it's just pure escapism. I'm going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I'm sure my friends and family will understand. It's also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it's so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show."

Kaye Adams

Known for: Loose Women star and broadcaster
Kaye said: "I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can't think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!"

Jayde Adams

Known for: Comedian
Jayde said: "Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I've taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly. I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family. I've always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly). I've been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I'm watching myself in a dream and I can't believe I've manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!"

Ellie Simmonds OBE

Known for: Paralympic swimmer and broadcaster
Ellie said: "Oh my gosh!! I'm literally bursting with excitement!! It's been soooo hard keeping this secret as I've wanted to tell everyone. I'm going on Strictly Come Dancing!! I'm a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I'm absolutely petrified! To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it's going to so much fun. I'm counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It's going to be a blast. I've been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it's a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it's a genuine privilege to be part of it."

Tyler West

Known for: KISS FM UK presenter
Tyler said: "I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp. It's going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone. It's a show that means so much to me and my family and I can't wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins."

Matt Goss

Known for: Bros singer
Matt said: I'm extremely nervous and excited, but I'm optimistic because I'm very supple from the knees down."

Ellie Taylor

Known for: Comedian, broadcaster, writer and actor
Ellie said: "Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022! I've watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan! At the moment I'm focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!"

Molly Rainford

Known for: Singer and actress
Molly said: "I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!"

Tony Adams MBE

Known for: Former England and Arsenal footballer
Tony said: "To say I'm excited is an understatement - the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes. Am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year's 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can't wait to meet my partner - god help her - and start the dancing."

Fleur East

Known for: Singer and Hits Radio presenter
Fleur said: "I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much. Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I'm doing this to make him and my family proud and can't wait to get my dancing shoes on!"

Hamza Yassin

Known for: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
Hamza said: "I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I'd be on such a cool show. I've been watching it for years and I can't believe I'll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public. My dance skills are currently at the level of '1970's disco vibe' but I'm ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it 'til you make it!"

James Bye

Known for: Actor on EastEnders
James said: "I'm not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes - in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it's an honour to be asked and I'm going to give it my best shot. There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it's truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I'd love to do everyone proud."

Helen Skelton

Known for: TV and radio presenter
Helen said: "I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started."