Has the full lineup for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing finally been revealed?
From a trained dancer, TOWIE star, Olympian and a Love Island star, the celebrities are raring to go.
The primetime family favourite is currently embroiled in controversy over how the professional dancers teach the celebs, with multiple accusations emerging of bullying and abusive behaviour.
Five stars were officially confirmed this week by the BBC, while the rest of the contestants are yet to be officially announced.
But new reports have worked out who is in this year’s lineup ahead of the full official announcement.
Already Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Toyah Wilcox, Punam Krishnan and Wynne Evans have been confirmed.
As Strictly prepares to make its return, MailOnline looks at the celebrities who could potentially be starring in the show’s 20th series.
Chris McCausland
Blind comedian Chris McCausland w as the first celeb contestant of the 2024 series, to be uveiled, appearing on This Morning on Monday to announce the news
Blind comedian Chris McCausland was the first celeb contestant of the 2024 series, to be uveiled, appearing on This Morning on Monday to announce the news.
The signing is a first for the dance competition which previously featured deaf EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who won the glitterball trophy alongside Giovanni Pearce in 2021.
Comedian and CBeebies actor Chris, 46, lost his sight aged 22 due to a hereditary condition, Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Chris has previously spoken about blind representation in the media, telling The Observer: ‘I think the best way to represent a disability is to make people forget about it whenever possible. It’s always part of you.
‘People are interested, you let them in and laugh about it. But if you can do a show, where, say, 80% of it isn’t about being blind, that makes it more impactful and funnier when you do talk about it. I believe in representation within the mainstream.’
JB Gill
Later on This Morning JLS star JB Gill was the second celeb confirmed
Later on This Morning JLS star JB Gill was the second celeb confirmed.
The singer first found fame on the fifth series of The X Factor where he finished as runner-up with the other members of JLS.
The group released for albums before they went their separate ways in 2013, with each member thought to be worth £6million at the time.
JB follows in the footsteps of his bandmate Aston Merrygold who was eliminated in 10th place during the 2017 series.
The star also has history with Strictly, winning the Christmas Special of the BBC One dancing show back in 2012, performing the Jive with Ola Jordan.
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.’
Away from his music career, JB is married to dancer Chloe Tangney and is father to son Ace and daughter Chiara.
Dr. Punam Krishan
Punam Krishnan is an NHS GP and is one of the resident doctors on the BBC’s Morning Live
Punam Krishnan is an NHS GP and is one of the resident doctors on the BBC’s Morning Live.
Based in Scotland, she regularly covers health topics for TV shows and newspapers and has also written a children’s book.
Punam told Vernon about joining Strictly: ‘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.’
‘This is surreal, me and the kids sit down and watch it and now I’m jumping off the sofa and onto the TV. I don’t know what the kids will think but I’m sure they’ll be watching and I don’t know how this is happening to someone like me.’
Punam told Vernon Kay about joining Strictly: ‘This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show’
She is looking forward to geting advice from her Morning Live colleagues Helen Skelton and Kym Marsh who have both competed on Strictly before.
‘The Morning Live gang don’t know until now but I’m so blessed and Helen Skelton and Kim Marsh have all done it and they’re working mums and I want to know how they did it and showed up and sparkled with everything else.’
She said she is most looking forward to the Pasodoble, saying: ‘it’s drama, it’s sexy and I’m like yes I think it will be challenging but it is the one I look forward to watching each year.’
‘Its a pinch me moment for the 20th year and being a fan I’m so grateful for the opportunity.’
Wynne Evans
Wynne is best known for his operatic skills. Throughout his 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums
Wynne is best known for his operatic skills. Throughout his 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums, has been a principal at most of the major opera houses around the world and has given over 200 performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Wynne told Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2: ‘I couldn’t believe it because its like cloak and daggers. You’re given a code name and you audition and meet the celebs and it is my favourite thing.’
‘The waltz, the classic ballroom I’m looking forward to. I did a lot of opera and I think that would suit me.’
‘The stuff I’m nervous about is the ones that involce jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I’m kind of a bit nervous about that but I’m taking inspiration from Bill Bailey. I’m going to throw myself into it.’
‘I’m moving around the house lighter footed, I’ve bought dance shoes, ballet shoes new gym kit, bag, pencil case and note pad to make notes. I love the glitz and glamour.’
‘I’ve been in these adverts which has been in everyone’s head and now the Strictly tune is in my head.’
Wynne is currently has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales and has previously had radio shows on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
He told Strictly: ‘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!’
Toyah Wilcox
Toyah has amassed thirteen top 40 singles, recorded twenty-five albums, written two books and appeared in over forty stage plays
Toyah has amassed thirteen top 40 singles, recorded twenty-five albums, written two books, appeared in over forty stage plays, acted in over twenty feature films and presented many television programmes.
She fronted the eponymous band Toyah before branching out as a solo artist in the mid-1980s.
In 2018 Paul McCartney awarded Toyah a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Companionship for Outstanding Achievement in music, drama, performance and media.
Toyah appeared in the Radio 2 studio with Vernon and admitted she has been bursting to let the news slip, especially after performing at Glastonbury in June, saying the show will top off what has been an incredible year for her.
‘I’ve done so many festivals and Glastonbury and I wanted to be like ‘guess what?!’.’
I played the Avalon stage and I kept denying I was doing Strictly. I wanted to say to people ‘do you like my moves”.
‘I’m super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.’
And Toyah is equally excited to work with Wynne who she told Vernon she has known for over 30 years.
As for what dances she is looking forward to she confessed that ‘the ones I am most looking forward to are a bit ambitious for me but Salsa Cha Cha Cha.’
Jamie Borthwick
Jamie, who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, has reportedly joined the lineup after scoring the highest possible mark in the Christmas show last year
The soap star, 30, was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu and scored a perfect 40 in one of their dances
Jamie, who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, has reportedly joined the lineup after scoring the highest possible mark in the Christmas show last year.
The soap star, 30, was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu and scored a perfect 40 in one of their dances.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘Although an EastEnders actor is on Strictly every year, this is the first time a performer on the festive special has gone directly into the competition.
‘Producers and viewers were blown away by Jamie’s dancing. t’s not clear yet whether he will take a break from the soap or if he’ll juggle dance rehearsals with doing scenes for the soap.’
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS star Nick, 61, is reportedly putting on his dancing shows and appearing in the hit series this year
DIY SOS star Nick, 61, is reportedly putting on his dancing shows and appearing in the hit series this year.
After months of talks with bosses, sources claim he is ‘willing to give anything a crack’.
A source told The Sun: ‘Nick has always loved Strictly and he is so excited.
‘He’s got a great personality, is incredibly driven and competitive and is up for giving anything a crack. He’s going on the show to entertain and to win. He’ll give it his best shot.’
Nick previously showed off his dance skills while attending a rugby match with pal Ben Shephard, in an Instagram post in March, leading one fan to ask whether a Strictly stint was on the horizon.
Pete Wicks
The former TOWIE star, who is close friends with best pal Sam Thompson’s girlfriend Zara McDermott, was announced to star in Strictly
Pete ‘has landed a spot on the Strictly line-up’ amid shocking reports Zara performed on the show with a ‘fractured’ leg following an injury in training and needed painkillers to get through ten-hour rehearsals
The former TOWIE star, who is close friends with best pal Sam Thompson’s girlfriend Zara McDermott, was announced to star in Strictly.
Pete ‘has landed a spot on the Strictly line-up’ amid shocking reports Zara performed on the show with a ‘fractured’ leg following an injury in training and needed painkillers to get through ten-hour rehearsals.
The latest revelation comes after professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, admitted to kicking Zara during their sessions, causing him to be sacked from the BBC series.
It follows claims his abusive behaviour was caught on video, in clips Zara stated were ‘incredibly distressing to watch.’
A source told MailOnline: ‘Zara is so happy for Pete landing the Strictly gig. Her experience on the show was so individual – she hopes no one will go through the same again.
‘She knows that Pete will have an amazing time and could even impress the judges, he’s incredibly hardworking and a good person, and will thrive in the environment, which can be intense, but he performs best when he’s challenged and under pressure.
‘Zara doesn’t want anything that happened to her to taint his Strictly journey and backs Pete even if it is a bit close to home.’
Tom Dean
Tom Dean looked mortified as he was pressed on his upcoming appearance on Strictly Come Dancing after he let slip that he was set to take part in the new series
The Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer, 24, appeared on Tuesday’s Capital Breakfast after his team came first in the freestyle relay in the Summer Olympics (pictured July 2024)
Tom looked mortified as he was pressed on his upcoming appearance on Strictly Come Dancing after he let slip that he was set to take part in the new series.
The Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer, 24, appeared on Tuesday’s Capital Breakfast after his team came first in the freestyle relay in the Summer Olympics.
Brimming with excitement after Team GB’s big win, Tom accidentally announced he was set to appear on the upcoming series of the BBC dance show.
However, he remained far more tight-lipped about the announcement during a radio appearance with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby.
Attempting to remain tight-lipped on the rumours, Tom seemingly ‘gave away’ the news while pressed by friend and Capital Breakfast co-host Chris.
Chris then also himself accidentally gave away that there will be a surprise party waiting for Tom when he arrives back in the UK later today.
When pushed for an answer on the claims, Tom remained tight-lipped as he appeared on the show via video call from the French capital.
Jordan quipped: ‘It’s gone a bit quiet in Paris!’
While Chris added: ‘Are we talking about this or not?’
Encouraging the others to look at Tom’s facial expression, Kemi Rodgers said: ‘Look at his lips.’
Tom eventually said: ‘I’m just focussed on enjoying the Olympic moment right now and spending a lot of time with my teammates, and I’ll see what the summer holds.’
Chris replied: ‘Yeah, exactly. As I say, Tom just says it how it is. And I think what’s hilarious is I never think you’re meant to blab these things too early. You can get in loads of trouble for it, so I think he’s just being super professional by not giving anything away on that.’
Tom concluded: ‘Of course. Absolutely. All about the Olympics.’
Paul Merson
The Arsenal legend, 56, is hanging up his footballing skills to swap for the dance floor after signing for Strictly
The Arsenal legend, 56, is hanging up his footballing skills to swap for the dance floor after signing for Strictly.
The Sky Sports pundit is reportedly joining the new series after overcoming drink, drug and gambling addictions.
A source on the BBC show told The Sun: ‘Paul will be a popular addition.’
However, insiders warned the show risks a backlash as Paul was once cautioned by police for assaulting his wife.
A source told the publication: ‘Footballers always do well with fans, whether they can dance or not. But he also has a past, having had to battle addictions to drugs, booze and gambling.’
Tasha Ghouri
Strictly Come Dancing faced being embroiled in a new fix row following the potential signing of Tasha, who is a trained dancer
MailOnline revealed the former Love Island star, 25, has competed in a number of major dance events and featured in music videos, sparking concern she will have an unfair advantage over her celebrity co-stars
Strictly Come Dancing faced being embroiled in a new fix row following the potential signing of Tasha, who is a trained dancer.
MailOnline revealed the former Love Island star, 25, has competed in a number of major dance events and featured in music videos, sparking concern she will have an unfair advantage over her celebrity co-stars.
Last year’s series was tainted by accusations that actor Layton Williams, an experienced West End performer, had the upper hand over his opponents due to his extensive dance background.
And Tasha’s participation on the BBC One show could be equally controversial, given she’s been dancing since the age of five and taken part in competitions.
A show insider said: ‘Tasha’s signing has certainly raised a few eyebrows. She’s a dancer by trade as well as a reality star and model, so it feels like she’s too qualified to appear on the show.
‘Tasha is certainly no novice and will always be so far ahead of her co-stars before training has kicked in.
‘There is a feeling her being on Strictly is a touch unfair on everybody else competing, especially those totally new to dance.’
Tasha became the first Love Island star to appear on the show with a cochlear implant, which is an electronic device she had fitted aged five.
The star’s parents learned she was deaf when she was 12 months and growing up Tasha underwent years of speech therapy.
She says the disability has become her ‘superpower’ and before going on Love Island vowed to become an inspiration to the deaf community, like her idol, former Strictly champion Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Tasha told MailOnline in June 2022: ‘I love Strictly and being a dancer, Rose is such an amazing role model it was so powerful what she did. She represented me, as well as the deaf community and I just thought it was awesome. It was a beautiful message.’
Sam Quek
The Sun reports Sam, who rose to fame on Team GB’s hockey team, is also a potential signing to Strictly
The Sun reports Sam, who rose to fame on Team GB’s hockey team, is also a potential Strictly signing.
The Olympic medallist has previously appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016 and Celebrity Masterchef in 2020.
Shayne Ward
The X Factor winner Shayne, 39, is potentially starring in this year’s competition
Shayne starred on Coronation Street as Aiden Connor in 2015 but left the soap three years later
X Factor winner Shayne, 39, is potentially starring in this year’s competition.
A source told The Sun: ‘Shayne is a previous winner of an audience-voted talent show so will have high hopes of doing it again. He is excited to begin training.
‘He has some dancing experience so could be a contender for the glitterball trophy. He also has a whopping fan base from his years as a Coronation Street hunk.’
Shayne starred on Coronation Street as Aiden Connor in 2015 but left the soap three years later.
Montell Douglas AKA Fire
Montell, who starred on the BBC reboot of Gladiators, is also set to appear in the lineup
Montell, who starred on the BBC reboot of Gladiators, is also set to appear in the lineup.
The 37-year-old has competed in the Olympics and made history as the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter competition.
She is a former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, and held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds.