Shirley Ballas teases amazing line-up of celebs for Strictly 2021
The show is set to be a big one!
Following a number of changes to Strictly Come Dancing last year, thanks to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, bosses have confirmed the popular dance show will be back to normal for 2021, minus a small change in location as filming at the iconic Blackpool Tower is not yet viable.
But despite that, after four brand new professionals were unveiled last month, head judge Shirley Ballas has now been on Loose Women, confirming the line-up for Strictly 2021 is something special!
Speaking to the panel on Tuesday 4th August's show, Shirley said: "Well let me tell you, of all panels, you have never seen such celebrities as what you are going to see on this particular show."
Speaking about Strictly producer Sarah James, Shirley added: "I have to say, Sarah James she just delights every time. She tweaks here, she tweaks there, she's outside the box. She is bringing a show... just when you think it couldn't get any better, it does! I'm telling you, hold onto your seats and your crash hat coz you're gonna need it!"
Check out all of the rumoured celebs for Strictly 2021:
Chris Whitty
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.
Gregory Piper
Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Carrie Symonds
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."
Cheryl
After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Maya Jama
TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.
Alan Carr
Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
It was confirmed last week that Strictly won't be heading to Blackpool again this year due to health and safety reasons.
Executive producer Sarah James told The Mirror: "We’re so thrilled that Strictly will be returning for a full-length series this year, and know how much viewers are looking forward to getting their full Strictly fix and seeing the return of much-loved specials.
"We are all so sad that we won’t be able to get to Blackpool this year but can’t wait to be back dancing at the one and only Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the future."
Speaking on Loose Women, Shirley also confirmed bosses are keen to bring back a studio audience, with the 60-year-old saying: "It will be back to normal, we're hoping there will be an audience."
Watch Shirley's interview on Loose Women below:
Last year saw the likes of Caroline Quentin, Nicola Adams, Jamie Laing, Max George, Ranvir Singh and eventual winner Bill Bailey take to the ballroom.
The first three celebs for the 2021 series will be unveiled this evening (Wednesday 4th August).
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later in the year.
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