Strictly Come Dancing fans are expecting this year’s show to be “crazy in terms of the leaderboard.” The 2024 line-up features OG pop stars, Love Island alums, The Only Way Is Essex icons, and Celebrity MasterChef champions.
Every year since 2004, Strictly Come Dancing brings some pizzazz to screens. As of September 14, it’s ‘lights, camera, action’ as the BBC show kicks off series 22. The professional dancers may have been switched up this year, but the show’s judges and presenters return for another epic series.
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing series 22 stars
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly bring another Strictly series to screens this September.
The BBC show’s judging panel is made up of returning experts Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood.
This year marks the show’s twentieth anniversary. So, it’s a pretty big deal for everyone taking part. Janette Manrara and Fleur East also return to host the aftershow, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
Chris McCausland
First up on the list of Strictly’s Class of 2024 is comedian and actor Chris McCausland.
He hails from Liverpool and is the first blind contestant to take part in the show.
It’s not Chris’ first TV appearance, however, as fans may recognize him from shows such as Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie to You?, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Scared of the Dark.
Jamie Borthwick
Eastenders’ fans will likely be backing longtime cast member Jamie Borthwick as he puts on his dancing shoes this year on Strictly.
Jamie “absolutely loved” taking part in the Christmas show last year, per BBC, so it’s no wonder he’s back as a contestant on the 20th anniversary series.
JB Gill
JB Gill, better known as being one-quarter of boyband JLS for many years.
Showbiz is something JB is primed in, and he also won Strcitly’s Christmas show 12 years back, so he could be returning to take the crown once again.
Montell Douglas
Montell Douglas is a woman of many talents, and fans are about to find out if dancing is one of them.
She’s a multi-sports Olympian who started out as a sprinter and later added bobsleigh to her list of Olympic achievements.
Montell was cast as Fire in the 2024 reboot of Gladiators so she’s no stranger to the big screen.
Nick Knowles
It’s time to put down the paintbrushes and hang up the decorating aprons as Nick Knowles is trading up DIY: SOS for Strictly this Autumn.
The long-time British TV star is a dab hand when it comes to a home renovation, but on the dance floor, he expresses some doubts to BBC:
“I’m a big lad, 18 and a half stone, six foot two, with a 50-inch chest. I’ve spent my life playing rugby and running into people, so I’m not sure if I can be light on my feet, but I hope to find out over the next few weeks.”
Paul Merson
Former pro footballer Paul Merson already proved himself on the pitch. Now, he’s ready to see if he’s got what it takes in the dance world.
He’s taking part in the show for his mum, as he tells BBC: “She loves it.”
Paul is partnered with pro dancer Karen Hauer this year and it appears fans are backing the duo on X (Twitter) already: “If you still got that magic in your feet pal you will do really well.”
Pete Wicks
Pete Wicks hung up his hat on The Only Way Is Essex two years back.
Although he shot to fame on TOWIE, his super-close friendship with Made In Chelsea star, Sam Thompson, has kept him in the spotlight.
The two are now social media stars and their bromance is something that always has fans hooked.
When it comes to his reality TV stardom, Pete also spent some time looking for love on Celebs Go Dating. He also took part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2022. Now, he’s putting romance and fighting for his life on the back burner as he opts to don sequin flares on the dancefloor instead.
Dr Punam Krishan
Dr Punam Krishan says she’s “ready to surrender to the magic of Strictly,” this year.
She’s used to appearing on air, but only in the realm of being a doctor.
Dr Punam is an NHS GP and mum when she’s not dancing on stage. She’s set to upgrade her mum dancing to new levels during series 22.
Sam Quek MBE
Sam Quek MBE is “honored” to be taking part in the BBC show’s twentieth-anniversary series.
With a background in field hockey, she’s no stranger to competition.
Sam is already used to appearing in front of the cameras, too, as she now works as a TV presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live alongside Gethin Jones.
When it comes to the dances she’s looking forward to most, she tells BBC: “The Paso Doble. The intense ones.”
Sarah Hadland
Actress Sarah Hadland is set to embrace the “fabulousness” of Strictly like there’s no tomorrow.
She admits she “cried” when she first tried on her Strictly dress, adding how it’s “something that’s never happened in twenty years,” per BBC.
Sarah has been appearing on TV for 30 years and has appeared in hit shows such as The Bill, Casualty, Miranda, and The Job Lot during her career. Sarah also had a small role in 2008 movie Quantum of Solace.
Shayne Ward
Manchester lad Shayne Ward was taking his first steps into fame 20 years ago.
He won The X Factor series 2 back in 2005 and is well known for his songs including That’s My Goal, and No Promises.
Shayne spent three years appearing as Aidan Connor in Coronation Street and has now been cast as Jack Grayling in crime drama series The Good Ship Murder.
Tasha Ghouri
Love Island alum Tasha Ghouri has manifested one of her lifelong dreams this September.
The blonde bombshell says she’s always aspired to appear on Strictly, and now she’s finally getting her chance.
Tasha rose to fame on ITV’s dating show Love Island and is still with her partner from the show, Andrew Le Page.
The reality TV star writes in her IG bio that she was “born deaf” and is a “proud cochlear implant user.”
Tom Dean MBE
Tom Dean MBE is an Olympic gold medallist. His forte is taking to the water as a freestyle swimmer.
Now, he’s “excited” to see if he has skills on the dance floor, too.
Tom boasts his achievements in his Instagram bio, writing: “England’s most decorated Commonwealth Athlete.”
Toyah Willcox
Brummy singer, actress, and TV presenter Toyah Wilcox is ready to take to the Strictly stage this September.
She’s smashed it in life when it comes to entertaining the masses. Over her 40-year singing career, Toyah has had eight Top 40 singles, and released over 20 albums.
Speaking to BBC ahead of her appearance on Strictly, she says: “I want to be brilliant. I want to be my best. I’m not necessarily a dancer but I am definitely a mover.”
Wynne Evans
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans had huge success winning Celebrity MasterChef series 18 last year.
Now, he’s whacking off the cooking apron and opting for some more sparkly wardrobe options. He tells BBC the “costumes” and “musical arrangements” are some parts of the show he’s looking forward to most.
Describing himself among his castmates as the “old, tired one at the back,” Wynne adds his signature party dance move is “the slug,” so fans could be in for a treat when it comes to his time on Strictly.
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