Published: 19 October 2024
Get set to shimmy on your sofa as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Saturday 14 September 2024, marking 20 years of the nation’s favourite dancing show.
Made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, Strictly Come Dancing, which recently won in the Best Entertainment category at the 2024 Bafta TV Awards, is presented by Tess Daly, who has presented during every series since the very first back in 2004, alongside the ever faithful Claudia Winkleman in the famous ballroom.
But who’s dancing for the Strictly 2024 Glitterball? It’s time to meet the official Strictly Come Dancing celebrity line-up…
Chris McCausland
If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing. I don’t dance, I haven’t danced, I can’t dance, I can’t see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Ok don’t answer that…!
Chris McCausland is a comedian who says Strictly is so far out of his comfort zone it may as well be on the moon.
“By that rationale, I think it could be the best thing I’ve ever done. Or three weeks I’ll never live down!”
Find out more about Chris and why he’s most looking forward to “mosh pit week” here.
JB Gill
I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me. I’m raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!
JB Gill is a singer, TV presenter and author who can’t wait to be in the dancefloor bubble.
“I said yes because I had such a great time doing the Christmas Special 12 years ago and just absolutely loved it! I love dancing, though I’ve never really done Ballroom or Latin before, so it’s an incredible opportunity to learn something new and have a lot of fun doing it.”
Wynne Evans
I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I’m not entirely sure how I’ll get along, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I’m definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!
Wynne Evans is a broadcaster, presenter, and professionally trained opera singer who’s looking forward to “pretty much everything” about the Strictly experience.
“I’m hoping we can get big Welsh music in at some point. Also, whoever I get as a partner I want to show them a bit of Wales and give them the full Welsh experience.”
Find out more about Wynne and his signature dance move – the slug – here.
Toyah Willcox
Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m here for every sparkly second. I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!
Toyah Willcox is a singer and actress who’d certainly be up for dancing to one of her own hit songs.
“I think dancing is one of the most extraordinary things about being a human being. I just love it. I think it’s the greatest way of expressing and getting in touch with your emotions.”
Find out more about Toyah and why she’s ready to channel her “inner Ann Widdecombe” here.
Dr Punam Krishan
This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show. I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.
Punam Krishan is a media medic and broadcaster who’s ready to surrender to the magic of Strictly.
“What it does for me when I watch it as a fan is that it makes me feel excited. It makes me feel hopeful. It inspires me. It makes me want to dance. I love the music, I love the colours, I love the outfits. And now to get to step into that, I’m looking forward to just experiencing and immersing myself in all of it.”
Tasha Ghouri
Pinch me, I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true. I know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor.
Tasha Ghouri is a model and TV personality who’s doing Strictly “for myself and the deaf community, and for people who struggle with their confidence.”
“I want people to feel seen and heard and understood when they see me dance. I want to bring people along with me on my journey and feel it all with me. I really hope they feel represented and heard.”
Find out more about Tasha – and the challenge she wants to set herself – here.
Pete Wicks
Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.
Pete Wicks is a TV personality, author, radio and podcast host who’s “told the costume team they can be as wild as they possibly want…”
“It’s exciting, it’s obviously going to be a big year and it’s nice to be part of something so iconic.”
Find out more about Pete – and why he doesn’t have a signature dance move – here.
Shayne Ward
I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!
Shayne Ward is an actor and singer who’s super excited to be taking part in Strictly’s 20th anniversary year.
“I’m completely honoured. It’s an extra bit of pressure but I feel blessed. I’ve watched for so many years and many people I know have done it. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most over the years is watching people progress when they start really out of their comfort zones. The fact that I’m one of those people now is exciting.”
Find out more about Shayne – and the routines he’s most keen to get stuck into – here.
Sarah Hadland
I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!
Sarah Hadland is an actress who doesn’t want to do anything slow – and knows that might be problematic.
“I feel like I’ve been in a Strictly closet for about 15 years and now I’m going, ‘yes, I really, really, really do want to do Strictly, actually’. I’m so ready for it. When I first put my Strictly dress on I cried which has apparently never happened in 20 years.”
Find out more about Sarah – and her theory about Angela Rippon’s leg – here.
Jamie Borthwick
I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!
Jamie Borthwick is an actor who absolutely loves watching the Strictly pros’ dance routines.
“The one thing that made me say yes was my very fortunate experience of doing the Christmas show last year, which I absolutely loved. And when I was asked, it was a bit of a no-brainer for me to come back and be a part of the fantastic team and the fantastic journey.”
Find out more about Jamie – and the advice his EastEnders’ co-stars have given him – here.
Tom Dean MBE
I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!
Tom Dean MBE is a three-time Olympic swimming champion who’s going for gold in the ballroom.
“I’m actually most looking forward to the training because I think it’s going to be physically tough, but in a different way.”
Find out more about Tom – and the lessons he learned from Adam Peaty’s Strictly journey – here.
Montell Douglas aka Fire
Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!
Montell Douglas is a Gladiator and Olympian who was never going to say no to Strictly.
“I’m super excited to show the real me. ‘Fire’ is an amped-up, more fun version of myself – sassy, playful, and over-the-top. But I’m also sarcastic by nature, and I think I can bring a lot of that humour to the show.”
Find out more about Montell – and how her fellow Gladiators took her Strictly news – here.
Nick Knowles
I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure. I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything… and try not to embarrass my kids of course
Nick Knowles is a Bafta-winning TV presenter who’s got a few Strictly tricks up his sleeve.
“There’s the elbow dance and the Devon dumpling, which I picked up from Devon builders I’ve worked with over the past 35 years. The Devon dumpling is a pretty ugly dance. I showed both the elbow dance and the Devon dumpling to Anton last year, and he was amazed. He said he’d never seen anything like it, which I took as a great compliment.’
Find out more about Nick – and how he’s feeling about trading DIY SOS for Strictly – here
Paul Merson
Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on. I’m ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!
Paul Merson is a former footballer and broadcaster who’s ready to line out for Strictly 2024.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet because I try not to worry about things beyond my control. People ask if I’ll be nervous, but I won’t know until it happens. I prefer to take life one step at a time.”
Sam Quek MBE
As a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting! I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.
Sam Quek is an Olympic and European Gold medallist, former England and Team GB hockey player and now a TV and Radio Presenter, who says Strictly is “out of this world”.
“Also 20 years of a show doesn’t happen by accident. It goes to show how successful it is and how it still maintains a top spot in UK entertainment and across the world. To be part of that 20th series and have my name on the board is pretty cool.”
Find out more about Sam – and her favourite dances – here.
Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment Production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Sarah James, the Series Editors are Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill and the Series Producers are Ciara Murray and Joe Turner. The Senior Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace.