Strictly Come Dancing is now just days away, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of sparkling Saturday nights.
After months of drama and disturbing behind the scenes allegations many wondered if the much-loved BBC show could ever return. However, the series has been confirmed to return on Saturday 14 September with a new look line-up of professionals, contestants and a change to the rules.
Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima have been axed following allegations surrounding training room misconduct with former dancer Aljaž Škorjanec returning to the ballroom after years away as a last minute replacement.
The BBC has also introduced some strict new rules for rehearsals - including chaperones to monitor each couples' every move. This follows Director General Tim Davie issuing a pubic apology to any ex celebs who had been negatively impacted during their time on the show.
The chaos has not put off this year's celebrities from taking part. Amongst the star-studded line-up this year includes an EastEnders favourite, a singer and actress, more than one Olympian and a famous DIY show host.
There's also a football legend, a Gladiator, a comedian and two The X Factor favourites. As well as some familiar faces from reality TV, there's even one star from a very famous advert. All that is left is for the viewers to learn who the professional dancers will be paired up with, which will be announced later tonight.
First-look images were released of the trailer, which saw the professional dancers encouraging people to get on board the Strictly bus. The show will welcome Amy Dowden back onto our screens after she stepped away to focus on her health following her cancer diagnosis. So, with the launch just over a week away - here are the stars they will be meeting...
Sam Quek
Sam Quek MBE was the final name confirmed for the line-up, while she has been rumoured for some time. She was announced on The One Show, and shared her relief at finally being able to reveal she was taking part.
She explained during the segment filmed at her home in Wirral: "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."
Paul Merson
Football legend Paul Merson was one of the final three contestants to be announced on The One Show. Speaking about doing the series, he admitted he was "excited" but would take each day as it comes.
He said: "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!"
He is also set to be away from his Soccer Saturday duties for up to three months while he competes in the BBC dance competition.
Nick Knowles
Nick had been spotted taking part in rehearsals before he was announced, before being confirmed for the show days later. Speaking about doing the series, he said: "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!"
Speaking about his surprising family background in dancing, he said: "My elder sister was a ballroom dancer and my middle sister has a school of 500 pupils... ballet. My younger sister was a professional dancer around the world. My brother is an amazing musician, a writer of music and so on and so forth. I'm literally the least talented person in the family."
Host Alex Jones immediately interrupted to say, "Nah, that's not true" when he claimed he was the least talented in his family. Nick added: "They literally think it's hilarious that I'm doing this."
Montell Douglas
Most Read
Strictly Come Dancing announced the twelfth person for the new series as Gladiator's Fire star Montell Douglas.
The Olympian and Gladiator star, 38, said of joining the show: "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!"
Jamie Borthwick
Strictly Come Dancing announced the eleventh person for the new series as Jamie Borthwick.
Jamie, who has played Jay Brown on the BBC One soap since 2006, said of joining the show: "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!"
Shayne Ward
Strictly Come Dancing announced the tenth person for the new series as Shayne Ward.
Shayne, 39, who soared to fame when winning The X Factor in 2005 and played Aidan Connor on Coronation Street until 2018, said of joining the show: "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!"
Sarah Hadland
Strictly Come Dancing announced the ninth person for the new series as Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
Sarah, 53, who is best known for playing Stevie Sutton in Miranda, said: "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!"
Pete Wicks
Don’t miss
Strictly Come Dancing announced the eighth person for the new series as TOWIE star Pete Wicks.
The reality star, 36, who counts last year's contestant Zara McDermott's boyfriend Sam Thompson as his best friend, said of joining the show: "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."
Tasha Ghouri
Strictly Come Dancing announced the seventh person for the new series as Love Island star and Giovanni Pernice's ex Tasha Ghouri.
The former Islander, 25, who was the first-ever deaf contestant to appear on Love Island in 2022, is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community. Talking about joining Strictly, Tasha said: "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."
Dr Punam Krishan
Strictly Come Dancing announced the sixth person for the new series as Morning Live doctor Dr Punam Krishan.
Speaking about joining the show, she said: "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."
Toyah Willcox
Strictly Come Dancing announced the fifth person set to dust off their dance shoes for the new series as Toyah Willcox.
Speaking about joining the show, singer and actress Toyah, 66, said: "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 is hoping she can make it all the way to Blackpool as she has a special family connection to the iconic Tower Ballroom. Explaining how her mother was a child actress and a dancer, she said she was keen to perform there.
Wynne Evans
Strictly Come Dancing revealed the fourth star to have signed up for the new series and it's Wynne Evans. Best known for being the voice of the Go Compare adverts and Celebrity MasterChef winner, Wynne, 52, said: "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!"
JB Gill
Strictly Come Dancing announced the third star to take to the dancefloor.
Today, a new name was announced for the new series - with JB Gill being confirmed to join the show. Speaking about signing up for the new series, he said: "I did the Christmas special - it was great fun! It was the most similar dance to what I've done in JLS. A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me - I didn't do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer."
JB knows many people who have been on the show - including his bandmate Aston Merrygold. Assuring him he would be fine, Aston gave him some tips but the pair have yet to have a full-on catch-up about doing the show.
Chris McCausland
Comedian Chris McCausland is the second name to confirm he will be taking to the Strictly dancefloor.
Announcing the news on This Morning today, he said: "I'm apprehensive, massively apprehensive. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into, I’ve never watched it, obviously. It’s just some music.
"Ask me when I get into week two and get the hang of it. I kept it a secret so good and now at least I can say."
He told hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle that he has never danced, admitting: "I don’t dance, I have never danced. I grew up with headbanging and mosh pits." Chris has become the first-ever blind contestant.
Tom Dean
Olympic swimmer Tom Dean self-confirmed that he would be swapping the pool for the ballroom before it was officially announced on Thursday (8 August).
Tom, 24, said: "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!"
It comes as during an interview, Tom seemingly confirmed he would be heading to Strictly in the coming weeks. Speaking about Strictly Tom said: "Naturally you want to take a break after you've had a full Olympic cycle and the opportunity arose. I thought it would be really exciting to try something a bit different."
He will become the ninth swimmer to take part and admits he'll be turning to his Team GB teammate, Adam Peaty, who competed on the show in 2021. "I've not seen [Adam] yet. He did brilliantly on it so I'll be getting a few tips from him, for sure," he told the PA News Agency.
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.