Strictly announce first celebrity set for same-sex pairing
The 2020 series will introduce same-sex pairings!
Last updated 2nd Sep 2020
This year's Strictly Come Dancing contestants are being revealed thick and fast now! After Jason Bell, Caroline Quentin and Max George were all revealed on Tuesday night's episode of The One Show, three more famous names have now been confirmed!
Popular Good Morning Britain news reader Ranvir Singh was confirmed for the show this morning, alongside Olympic boxer Nicola Adams OBE, and TV and radio presenter Clara Amfo.
Nicola, who appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox earlier this year, will make history on the show as she's set to be part of the first same-sex pairing when the series begins later in the month.
Speaking about the show, Nicola said, “I’m really excited to be joining this year’s incredible line-up for Strictly Come Dancing. I’m a huge fan of the show and am thrilled to be part of something that holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts. People might know me from my work in the ring, but I’ll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dancefloor too."
She added, "I also wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing; and it’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.”
Fans have been urging Strictly bosses to introduce same-sex pairings on the show after rival show Dancing On Ice took the lead last year when Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins was paired with Matt Evers.
Check out the Strictly 2020 line-up so far:
Caroline Quentin
Actress Caroline Quentin will take part in the 2020 series. She's most famous for roles in popular shows such as Men Behaving Badly and Jonathan Creek.
Max George
Former The Wanted star Max George will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of his band mate Jay McGuiness, after Jay won the show back in 2015.
Jason Bell
Former American footballer Jason Bell will be showing off his moves on the dance floor! He's also the ex-boyfriend of Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle.
Ranvir Singh
Good Morning Britain presenter will be mixing early morning and grueling rehearsals as she's signed up for the 2020 series.
Nicola Adams OBE
Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams will make history on the show as she's set to be part of the first ever same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Clara Amfo
Radio and TV presenter Clara Amfo has also been confirmed for the 2020 line-up!
Bill Bailey
Comedian Bill Bailey revealed he decided to take part in the show for a new 'challenge', admitting his late mum would have loved watching him on the show.
JJ Chalmers
Scottish TV presenter JJ Chalmers has also joined the line-up! The former Royal Marine is best known for being a public speaker and an Invictus Games medallist.
JJ suffered some life-changing injuries in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2011.
Jamie Laing
After being forced to quit the show in 2019 due to injury, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is back to show off his moves in 2020!
Maisie Smith
EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, who plays the role of Tiffany Butcher on the BBC soap, has also been announced in the line-up.
HRVY
Pop star HRVY, real name Harvey Leigh Cantwell, is the 11th celebrity to join the line-up.
Jacqui Smith
The line-up is completed by former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
Meanwhile, the professional dancers for this year's series were all announced earlier this year, with both Kevin Clifton and AJ Pritchard announcing their departures from the show.
See a full list of the 2020 professional dancers right here.
More names for the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing will be announced in the coming days.