'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Strictly Come Dancing is gearing up for its 22nd series, marking an impressive milestone for the long-running dance show. The series returns amidst some controversies involving the show's professional dancers, with discussions around the treatment of celebrity participants coming into focus.
The 2024 series, starting on September 21, will see Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman continue their roles as hosts, supported by the returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse. The roster of celebrity contestants, announced by the BBC, includes actors, athletes, reality TV stars, and more.
Meet the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2024
1. Jamie Borthwick
Jamie Borthwick is known for his long-standing role as Jay Brown/Mitchell in the BBC soap EastEnders, where he has been a fixture since 2006. His notoriety for being one of the soap's longest-serving actors adds to his credentials. Previously, Borthwick participated in the Strictly Christmas special in 2023, where he demonstrated his dance skills by winning the trophy.
Trending
2. Tom Dean
Tom Dean is an accomplished athlete and a three-time Olympic champion. He made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as the first British man to win a gold medal in the men's 200m freestyle in over 100 years. Dean continued his success by securing additional gold medals, becoming England's most decorated athlete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
3. Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward rose to fame after winning the second series of The X Factor in 2005, with his debut single and album topping the UK charts. He is also known for his role as Aidan Connor in the ITV soap Coronation Street and has appeared in various musicals, including the West End's Rock of Ages.
4. Sarah Hadland
Sarah Hadland is best recognized for her role as Stevie in the BBC comedy Miranda, in addition to her work on the children's series Horrible Histories and the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
5. Tasha Ghouri
Tasha Ghouri, a former contestant on Love Island, made an impact as the first deaf contestant on the show. She has a background in dance, having trained at the Creative Academy and competed in major dance events, besides appearing in music videos. Ghouri also hosts the podcast Superpowers with Tasha and published a book titled Hits Different.
6. Pete Wicks
Pete Wicks gained fame on The Only Way is Essex with his engaging storylines involving his relationships. He has since appeared on several reality shows, including Celebrity MasterChef, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and The Real Full Monty.
7. Wynne Evans
Wynne Evans is well-known for his role in the Go Compare adverts as an opera singer. He has achieved two number-one classical albums and boasts more than 200 performances at the Royal Albert Hall. Evans also hosts a regular BBC Radio Wales show and is working on a series about the Welsh coastline with Joanna Page.
8. Toyah Willcox
Toyah Willcox is a singer and actor with several top 40 singles, such as It's a Mystery, Thunder in the Mountains, and I Want to Be Free. She fronted the band Toyah before becoming a solo artist in 1983 and has appeared in films including The Corn is Green and The Tempest.
9. Dr. Punam Krishan
Dr. Punam Krishan, a resident GP on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland, frequently covers health topics for various media outlets. She is also the author of the children’s book How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs.
10. Chris McCausland
Chris McCausland is a comedian known for his appearances on flagship comedy shows like Have I Got News for You and Would I Lie to You? He also played Rudi in the CBeebies show Me Too!
11. JB Gill
JB Gill rose to fame with JLS, a band formed on The X Factor. The group released several hits, including Everybody in Love and She Makes Me Wanna, before disbanding in 2013.
12. Montell Douglas (Fire from Gladiators)
Montell Douglas is known for her participation as Fire in the rebooted Gladiators series. She made history as the first female UK athlete to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
13. Paul Merson
Paul Merson, a former professional footballer who debuted for Arsenal at age 17, had a prolific career playing 424 times for the Gunners and scoring 99 goals. He works as a commentator and sports television pundit for Sky Sports.
14. Sam Quek
Sam Quek, a former England and Team GB hockey player, has won 125 international caps, including a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2021, Quek came up to be the eam captain on the BBC One sports panel show, Question of Sport.
15. Nick Knowles
Nick Knowles is a British television presenter, writer and musician. Best known for hosting BBC’s DIY SOS, will be bringing his hands-on experience to the ballroom, swapping his overalls for sparkly jackets.
The diverse lineup for the show promises an exciting and engaging season as viewers watch these celebrities set aside their familiar roles and embrace the world of dance. The blend of experienced performers and fresh faces ensures that this year's series will be another memorable chapter in the show's illustrious history.
See the couples take to the floor for the first time in Strictly Come Dancing's first live show, on iPlayer and BBC One from 7 pm on Saturday 21 September 2024.
