Strictly bosses last night proudly revealed the final names in their line-up of celebrities for this year’s contest.
But delays to the conclusion of their investigation into Giovanni Pernice took the shine off the glittering announcement.
TV presenter Nick Knowles – who found fame on DIY SOS – was revealed as the 13th contestant to sign up to the show. The 61-year-old said: ‘I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet.’
Former Arsenal footballer Paul Merson, 56, was the next star to be revealed. He said: ‘I’m ready to swap the pitch for the ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves.’
Completing the 15-strong line-up was Sam Quek, a former Olympian turned television presenter.
Model and tv personality Tasha Ghouri is an ex-girlfriend of former Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice
Chris McCausland (left), 46, is Strictly’s first blind contestant. Comic lost his eyesight in his 20s due to hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa. JB Gill (right), 37, former singer with JLS – boyband that found fame on the X Factor in 2008 and had five No 1 singles. Gill is now an avid farmer.
Dr Punam Krishnan (left), 41. A resident GP on BBC Morning Live. Regularly reports on health news for TV and radio and has written a children’s book. Wynne Evans (right), 52, opera star best known for Go Compare ads. Has performed at the Royal Albert Hall 200 times and hosts a show on BBC Radio Wales
Toyah Wilcox (left), 66, 80s rock star with 13 top 40 singles. She has written two books and appeared in over 40 plays. Performed at Glastonbury this year. Pete Wicks (right), 36, first appeared on our screens on The Only Way is Essex in 2015 and has become a staple of the reality television circuit
Sarah Hadland (left), 53, best known for role as Stevie in BBC sitcom Miranda and shared the screen with Daniel Craig in Bond epic Quantum of Solace. Shayne Ward (right), 39, won The X Factor in 2005 and topped the charts with That’s My Goal. Turned to acting playing Aidan Connor in Coronation Street
Jamie Borthwick (left), 30, has starred as Jay Brown in Eastenders since 2005. Won the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. Tom Dean (right), 24, three-time Olympic swimming champion. Made history at Tokyo Games as first Brit in over a century to win gold in the 200m freestyle
Montell Douglas (left), 38, before starring as Fire in 2024 Gladiators she was an Olympic bobsledder and sprinter. Once held British women’s record for 100m sprint. Nick Knowles (right), 61, has presented DIY SOS for 24 years. Last year proposed to girlfriend Katie Dadzie, 34, using a Haribo sweet ring.
Paul Merson (left), 56, former Arsenal and England footballer. Made 424 appearances for the London club. Now a pundit and commentator on Sky Sports. Sam Quek (right), 35, won 125 caps for England and GB women’s hockey teams. Now a broadcaster and has presented on Morning Live and The One Show.
The 35-year-old said: ‘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.’ She added that she was ‘chuffed’ to be a part of the ‘legendary show’, adding: ‘It feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.’
Former professional dancer Pernice, who was paired with Amanda Abbington in 2023, was due to be cleared of misconduct allegations this week until the Sherlock star, 50, reportedly revealed previously unseen text messages. The new material is expected to delay the results of the investigation until next week. Ms Abbington had accused her dance partner of being ‘abusive, cruel and mean’.
It is a fresh blow to the BBC‘s flagship television show, as bosses have been keen to move on from numerous bullying scandals which have tarnished its reputation.
Earlier this month, Ms Abbington was interviewed by her fellow Strictly contestant Krishnan Guru-Murthy for Channel 4 News and the newsreader put to her that Pernice had made her endure ‘humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature’.
Former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who was paired with Amanda Abbington in 2023, was due to be cleared of misconduct allegations this week until the Sherlock star, 50, reportedly revealed previously unseen text messages
A tearful Ms Abbington said: ‘Yeah. I mean, you know, one of the many things.’ This was the first time abuse of a sexual nature had been alleged towards the dancer.
Pernice, 33, who quit the prime-time BBC show in May after nine years, has denied any wrongdoing.
A spokesman for Pernice said: ‘We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes.
‘Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.’
The BBC said: ‘We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.’
Last week, Strictly faced further allegations of mistreatment from a number of former and current crew members of the show.