Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this weekend following months of scandal surrounding its pro dancers.
Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with a set of allegations against Giovanni Pernice, has claimed there are “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by her former dance partner’s alleged behaviour.
Pernice has denied all claims and, on 29 July, learnt the result of the BBC’s investigation into the accusations. The findings are yet to be made public.
Graziano di Prima has also been at the centre of controversy because of alleged behaviour in his rehearsals with Zara McDermott. Both di Prima and Pernice have left the show.
This year marks Strictly’s 20th anniversary, and the new contestants will be hoping their fancy footwork can make headlines for the right reasons. The famous faces taking to the dancefloor are Jamie Borthwick, Tom Dean, Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, Dr Punam Krishan, Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Montell Douglas, Paul Merson, Sam Quek and Nick Knowles.
Their professional dance partners will be revealed in Saturday’s opening episode, with Amy Dowden, who was too ill to compete in last season’s show as she underwent treatment for stage three breast cancer, returning for the new season.
Follow for live updates below…
All about the contestants, starting with Jamie Borthwick, The Strictly 2024 contestant who won last year’s Christmas special
Soap star finds himself in a somewhat advantageous position over his fellow contestants
Inga Parkel14 September 2024 01:30
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up might just be secretly brilliant
Strictly Come Dancing is traditionally the sparkliest show on television – but it’s never been more necessary for its line-up to shine brighter than a sequin factory in the midsummer sun.
After weeks of scandal, there was a lot riding on the 2024 ‘Strictly’ line-up, but the initial reaction from fans has been lacklustre. However, it’s too early to write off this year’s contestants, argues Rachel McGrath – and they might just surprise us
Inga Parkel13 September 2024 23:30
What dancing experience do the contestants have?
Strictly Come Dancing is almost back on our screens and fans are once again putting on their detective hats to find out which celebrities have an “advantage” due to past dance training.
This year’s lineup includes a professionally trained commercial dancer, a JLS member and a musician with West End performance experience. Find out who they are, and what they’ve said about their training, below.
Featuring a professionally-trained commercial dancer and theatre school graduate
Inga Parkel13 September 2024 21:30
Strictly’s first blind contestant Chris McCausland says he and pro partner are ‘winging it’
Comedian, who lost his sight aged 22, said he is ‘figuring it out’ as he goes along
Inga Parkel13 September 2024 19:30
