Strictly Come Dancing introduce NEW dance category for first time in 10 years
This will shake things up!
Author: Alex RossPublished 6th Sep 2018 Last updated 6th Sep 2018
With the dark nights slowly creeping in, the temperatures dropping and The X Factor returning to our TV screens last weekend, we can't contain our excitement for the official Strictly Come Dancing launch on Saturday 8th September!
Ahead of the brand new series, bosses have confirmed that a BRAND NEW dance category will be introduced, for the first time in 10 years!
This year's contestants will be given the chance to choose which style of dance they wish to perform, with bosses calling the new feature Couple's Choice. Each couple will be given the chance to choose from three different styles:
Street/commercial – Covers all styles of urban dance as well as allowing couples to go in a more pop, commercial direction
Contemporary – Takes inspiration from ballet, lyrical, and modern dance
Theatre/jazz – Includes elements of tap, soft shoe, burlesque, and jazz
Meanwhile, whilst fans of the popular dancing show weren't all that impressed with this year's line-up, 15 celebrities have now been confirmed to take part in the 2018 series
Katie Piper has been the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2018! Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and model said, "Thank you so much, it's been so hard to keep it secret!" before adding that she's struggled not to tell her friends who have invited her to events later in the year. The only person I told is my husband through text message and he thought I was joking!" she laughed, adding, "I don't have that natural rhythm but I like the fact there's a challenge."
Strictly Come Dancing introduce NEW dance category for first time in 10 years
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Susannah Constantine
Fashion expert Susannah Constantine is the final signing for Strictly this year! She confirmed her appearance with Charles Venn on GMB, saying, "I hope to prove pigs can fly (dance). I'm sick with nerves and jangling with excitement."
Katie Piper
Katie Piper has been the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2018! Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and model said, "Thank you so much, it's been so hard to keep it secret!" before adding that she's struggled not to tell her friends who have invited her to events later in the year. The only person I told is my husband through text message and he thought I was joking!" she laughed, adding, "I don't have that natural rhythm but I like the fact there's a challenge."
Danny John-Jules
Confirming his appearance alongside Faye Tozer on The One Show, actor Danny John-Jules of Red Dwarf fame revealed that he'd once danced with George Michael, saying, "I ended up kind of choreographing a bit of stuff for George," before adding that he's never done ballroom or Latin dancing.
Faye Tozer
Faye Tozer of 90s pop group Steps has signed up for the show! Announcing her appearance in an interview on The One Show on 13th August, Faye revealed that although she has danced before in her career with Steps, she doesn't "have any ballroom experience." She added, "Being on Strictly is literally a dream come true! It's everything my nine-year-old self ever wanted from showbiz and I'm going to relish every moment!"
Joe Sugg
YouTube star and brother of vlogger Zoella, Joe Sugg was announced via the Strictly Twitter page. He said, "My knowledge of dance isn't the best, so I'm just going to go into it completely open-minded. I'm honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year! Not going to lie, I'm very nervous about it, 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 guess."
Vick Hope
Radio presenter Vick Hope has been announced as the fifth contestant for Strictly 2018! She said, "Honestly it's really surreal, this is a huge show, isn't it? It's crazy. I used to do contemporary dance, I'd pretend to be a tree or a rock, I don't know how helpful that's going to be."
Graeme Swann
England cricket legend Graeme Swann has announced he would be joining Strictly in the autumn! Speaking in a radio interview, Graeme said it had been nearly impossible to keep the secret from his kids, "They are huge fans of the show and I can't wait to see their faces when I tell them. I don't have any background in dancing but can do the floss so let's hope this comes in useful! I spent my career enjoying the excitement of performing in front of crowds and cameras. It's a bizarre pressure that makes you sink or swim and I've missed it since having to retire from cricket."
Dr Ranj Singh
This Morning's resident medical expert Dr Ranj Singh has confirmed him appearance on the next series of Strictly! The presenter said, "I'm so sore at the moment, I've been going to the gym to try and get fitter and everything hurts. My friends would describe me as a cross between dad dancing and go-go dancing. I do like to dance, I do it for fun, I've never had any training or anything. I'm super excited. I really want to learn how to dance properly."
Stacey Dooley MBE
Investigative journalist Stacey Dooley has been announced as the next contestant! Stacey said in a statement on the Strictly Twitter account, 'It's happening! I'm taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year and my mother is going to explode. 2018 has already been such an incredible year for me. I've done some amazing things and I'm excited to add 'becoming a dancing GENIUS' to the list. Typically, work for me is very serious and can be quite hard core so I'm going to soak up the escapism and bathe in sequins. See you on the dancefloor!'
Ashley Roberts
Former Pussycat Dolls member Ashley Roberts has been announced as a contestant in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. When the announcement was made the singer tweeted, 'So... the pussycat's out the bag!! Ahhh sooo beyond excited for this adventure!!! CANT WAIT!!'
Kate Silverton
Newsreader Kate Silverton has been confirmed as one of the contestants on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The 48-year-old apparently has size nine feet and said the producers have ordered 'special shoes' for her because none of the Strictly ones fit her.
Seann Walsh
Comedian Seann Walsh will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Speaking about his involvement with the show he said, "It's just something that I and no one I know would expect me to do. Everyone looks like they're having so much fun on it. It makes me laugh every time I imagine doing it."
Lee Ryan
Blue singer and former EastEnders actor Lee Ryan was the 12th celebrity announced for the 2018 series. He said, "I was nervous, even to say yes. I used to run out of my dance lessons, I used to hide in the singing lessons. That's why I can sing and not dance."
Lauren Steadman
Paralympian Lauren Steadman confirmed her appearance for Strictly 2018 on The One Show. She said, "I still don't think it has properly sunk in that I'm actually going to be part of this year's Strictly! I have loved the show since I was young, and it's a huge thing to tick off my bucket list. I'm more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month!
"I'm more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month! But I'm up for the challenge and excited to swap my triathlon kit for dancing shoes and sequins."
Charles Venn
EastEnders and Casualty actor Charles Venn confirmed he would be participating on Good Morning Britain with Susannah Constantine. He said, "It truly is a pleasure to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, to be associated with a show that has such a huge following excites and scares me in equal measure! Dancing on Strictly is going to be quite a challenge but life's all about testing yourself so there's lots to look forward to, let the games begin!"
Susannah Constantine
Fashion expert Susannah Constantine is the final signing for Strictly this year! She confirmed her appearance with Charles Venn on GMB, saying, "I hope to prove pigs can fly (dance). I'm sick with nerves and jangling with excitement."
Katie Piper
Katie Piper has been the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2018! Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and model said, "Thank you so much, it's been so hard to keep it secret!" before adding that she's struggled not to tell her friends who have invited her to events later in the year. The only person I told is my husband through text message and he thought I was joking!" she laughed, adding, "I don't have that natural rhythm but I like the fact there's a challenge."
Danny John-Jules
Confirming his appearance alongside Faye Tozer on The One Show, actor Danny John-Jules of Red Dwarf fame revealed that he'd once danced with George Michael, saying, "I ended up kind of choreographing a bit of stuff for George," before adding that he's never done ballroom or Latin dancing.
Faye Tozer
Faye Tozer of 90s pop group Steps has signed up for the show! Announcing her appearance in an interview on The One Show on 13th August, Faye revealed that although she has danced before in her career with Steps, she doesn't "have any ballroom experience." She added, "Being on Strictly is literally a dream come true! It's everything my nine-year-old self ever wanted from showbiz and I'm going to relish every moment!"
Joe Sugg
YouTube star and brother of vlogger Zoella, Joe Sugg was announced via the Strictly Twitter page. He said, "My knowledge of dance isn't the best, so I'm just going to go into it completely open-minded. I'm honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year! Not going to lie, I'm very nervous about it, 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 guess."
Vick Hope
Radio presenter Vick Hope has been announced as the fifth contestant for Strictly 2018! She said, "Honestly it's really surreal, this is a huge show, isn't it? It's crazy. I used to do contemporary dance, I'd pretend to be a tree or a rock, I don't know how helpful that's going to be."
Graeme Swann
England cricket legend Graeme Swann has announced he would be joining Strictly in the autumn! Speaking in a radio interview, Graeme said it had been nearly impossible to keep the secret from his kids, "They are huge fans of the show and I can't wait to see their faces when I tell them. I don't have any background in dancing but can do the floss so let's hope this comes in useful! I spent my career enjoying the excitement of performing in front of crowds and cameras. It's a bizarre pressure that makes you sink or swim and I've missed it since having to retire from cricket."
Dr Ranj Singh
This Morning's resident medical expert Dr Ranj Singh has confirmed him appearance on the next series of Strictly! The presenter said, "I'm so sore at the moment, I've been going to the gym to try and get fitter and everything hurts. My friends would describe me as a cross between dad dancing and go-go dancing. I do like to dance, I do it for fun, I've never had any training or anything. I'm super excited. I really want to learn how to dance properly."
Stacey Dooley MBE
Investigative journalist Stacey Dooley has been announced as the next contestant! Stacey said in a statement on the Strictly Twitter account, 'It's happening! I'm taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year and my mother is going to explode. 2018 has already been such an incredible year for me. I've done some amazing things and I'm excited to add 'becoming a dancing GENIUS' to the list. Typically, work for me is very serious and can be quite hard core so I'm going to soak up the escapism and bathe in sequins. See you on the dancefloor!'
Ashley Roberts
Former Pussycat Dolls member Ashley Roberts has been announced as a contestant in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. When the announcement was made the singer tweeted, 'So... the pussycat's out the bag!! Ahhh sooo beyond excited for this adventure!!! CANT WAIT!!'
Kate Silverton
Newsreader Kate Silverton has been confirmed as one of the contestants on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The 48-year-old apparently has size nine feet and said the producers have ordered 'special shoes' for her because none of the Strictly ones fit her.
Seann Walsh
Comedian Seann Walsh will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Speaking about his involvement with the show he said, "It's just something that I and no one I know would expect me to do. Everyone looks like they're having so much fun on it. It makes me laugh every time I imagine doing it."
Lee Ryan
Blue singer and former EastEnders actor Lee Ryan was the 12th celebrity announced for the 2018 series. He said, "I was nervous, even to say yes. I used to run out of my dance lessons, I used to hide in the singing lessons. That's why I can sing and not dance."
Lauren Steadman
Paralympian Lauren Steadman confirmed her appearance for Strictly 2018 on The One Show. She said, "I still don't think it has properly sunk in that I'm actually going to be part of this year's Strictly! I have loved the show since I was young, and it's a huge thing to tick off my bucket list. I'm more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month!
"I'm more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month! But I'm up for the challenge and excited to swap my triathlon kit for dancing shoes and sequins."
Charles Venn
EastEnders and Casualty actor Charles Venn confirmed he would be participating on Good Morning Britain with Susannah Constantine. He said, "It truly is a pleasure to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, to be associated with a show that has such a huge following excites and scares me in equal measure! Dancing on Strictly is going to be quite a challenge but life's all about testing yourself so there's lots to look forward to, let the games begin!"
Susannah Constantine
Fashion expert Susannah Constantine is the final signing for Strictly this year! She confirmed her appearance with Charles Venn on GMB, saying, "I hope to prove pigs can fly (dance). I'm sick with nerves and jangling with excitement."
The three new professionals will take the total of professional dancers to 18, with them joining AJ Pritchard, AljaĹľ Ĺ korjanec, Amy Dowden, Anton Du Beke, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Janette Manrara, Karen Clifton, Katya Jones, Kevin Clifton, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Oti Mabuse and Pasha Kovalev.
The brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on Saturday night (September 8th).