Strictly Come Dancing reveal first two celebs for 2022 series
They are very well-known names!
Last updated 4th Aug 2022
Now we know Strictly Come Dancing will return to our screens in early September, bosses aren't hanging around in announcing this year's celebrity cast.
Revealing the first two famous faces on Thursday morning (4th August), bosses confirmed actors Kym Marsh and Will Mellor will take part in the 2022 series.
Will, who has appeared in shows like Line of Duty, Coronation Street, Casualty and Hollyoaks in recent years, 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!".
Meanwhile, Kym Marsh, who is famed for her time in pop band Hear'Say and playing the role of Michelle Connor in Coronation Street 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!”
Check out which other celebs are rumoured for the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing:
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux appeared on The Jonathan Ross show last year, where he said: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Now we would pay to see that - sign him up!
Scarlett Moffatt
After successful appearances on shows like Gogglebox and I'm A Celebrity, bosses are reportedly keen to sign Scarlett up for the new series.
If you follow her on TikTok, you'll be aware she can move!
Tom Daley
It sounds like Olympic champion and knitting extraordinaire Tom Daley is in serious demand right now! Not only are ITV bosses trying to get his signature for the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity, reports are rife BBC bosses also want him for Strictly.
Rosie Jones
Comedian and actress Rosie Jones recently admitting watching deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis win last year's show has inspired her.
Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV.
"In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me!"
Gino D'Acampo
He's loved by the masses, so it's no surprise Strictly bosses are keen to get TV chef Gino D'Acampo on the 2022 series. Gino has been asked to do the show in the past, but he turned the offer down.
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox in 2021, 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."
Helen Skelton
Following her appearance on the 2012 Christmas special, Countryfile host Helen Skelton is reportedly a 'top target' for the 2022 series.
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 2022 series?
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of shows like Line of Duty and Trigger Point, actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2022 series of Strictly.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely confessed last year 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."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf revealed last year 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."
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 2022?
Maya Jama
TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2021 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.
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.
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 announced earlier this week that Strictly will begin in early September, encouraging fans to apply for tickets.
Strictly bosses said: 'Dust off your dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing is back!
'The stunning 20th series returns, bringing glamour and show-stopping dancing back to Saturday nights on BBC One – and we're extremely excited to be able to welcome an audience back to the studio for this year's shows.
'Hosted by the very talented and glamorous Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show will once again come live from Elstree Film and Television Studios.
'Registration is now open to be part of the exciting Launch Show, which is recording in advance of this year's live shows on Wednesday, September 7.' (sic)
More famous faces will be revealed in the coming days.
Strictly Come Dancing is due to start in September.
Now read:
Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Everything you need to know
Start date confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022
Strictly Come Dancing 2022: All of the rumoured celebrities