The Strictly Come Dancing pros were pictured arriving at rehearsals at a studio in London as the first of their celebrity partners were announced.
JLS star JB Gill and blind comedian Chris McCausland have been named as the first two famous faces who will appear on the 20th anniversary series.
The announcement comes as Strictly as been swathed in controversy after a series of former celeb contestants spoke out about the ‘toxic’ nature of the show.
The scandal erupted when Amanda Abbington quit the show in 2023 before claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive – later leaving the show.
Soon after it emerged that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked for ‘kicking’ his partner Love Island star Zara McDermott.
The Strictly Come Dancing pros were pictured arriving at rehearsals at a studio in London as the first of their celebrity partners were announced (pictured Nadiya Bychkova)
Meanwhile, Dianne, 35, was rocking a short-sleeved crochet shirt with a pair of denim shorts and knee-high tan boots
Despite the flurry of allegations, Strictly is ploughing ahead with its 2024 series, with the full lineup announcements kicking off this week.
After it was revealed JB and Chris were set to take part in this year’s series, the pro dancers on the show were spotted heading to group rehearsals.
Nadiya Bychkova and Dianne Buswell were seen putting their best foot forward as they flashed their toned legs in mini shorts.
Nadiya, 34, who recently split from her boyfriend Kadi Widdrington, was sporting a pair of light rinse denim shorts with a white top and grey blazer.
She added a pair of trainers to her casual look and wore a small white quilted Chanel bag across her body, while also carrying a tote bag.
Meanwhile, Dianne, 35, was rocking a short-sleeved crochet shirt with a pair of denim shorts and knee-high tan boots.
Dianne’s signature red locks were loose while she also added a slick of lipstick in the same shade and carried a selection of leather bags.
Elsewhere, Nikita Kuzmin was pictured also sporting a cream crochet shirt, with a pair of blue Nike shorts and trainers
Nancy Xu flashed a double thumbs up and pulled tongues at the camera as she made her way to the studio
Also spotted making their arrival was fellow pro performers Katya Jones (pictured), Johannes Radebe and Gorka Marquez
Elsewhere, Nikita Kuzmin was pictured also sporting a cream crochet shirt, with a pair of blue Nike shorts and trainers.
Nancy Xu flashed a double thumbs up and pulled tongues at the camera as she made her way to the studio.
Also spotted making their arrival was fellow pro performers Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe and Gorka Marquez.
Confirmed contestant 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 danc
The announcement comes as Strictly as been swathed in controversy after a series of former celeb contestants spoke out about the ‘toxic’ nature of the show
Gorka sipped on a takeaway drink while outside the studio
JB rose to fame as a member of one of the UK’s biggest boybands – JLS, they have accumulated five number one singles, over 10 million record sales worldwide and have won a multitude of awards after competing on X Factor in 2008.
JB is also an avid and award-winning farmer and was the lead presenter on CBeebies’ BAFTA-nominated television series, Down On The Farm, Channel 5’s On The farm series, plus contributions to the BBC‘s Countryfile and Springwatch.
He has been a part of the presenting team for BBC Songs of Praise since 2017 and has his own TV show Cooking With The Gills on Channel 5.
He is married to wife Chloe and the couple share two children – son Ace, nine and daughter Chiara, five.
He gushed of his latest venture: ‘I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me.’
JB Gill is the second celebrity confirmed for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, revealing the news live on This Morning on Monday
Earlier in the show blind comedian Chris McCausland was confirmed as the first signing
Tom Dean has broken Strictly Come Dancing rules by revealing he has signed up to compete on the upcoming series before the official announcement
‘I’m raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys.’
‘From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!’.
Earlier this month it was revealed TOWIE star Pete Wicks has signed up, despite the news his close pal Zara McDermott was physically and verbally abused by her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima last year.
Meanwhile ex Arsenal player Paul Merson and DIY SOS star Nick Knowles have also reportedly put on their dancing shoes.
Tom Dean has broken Strictly rules by revealing he has signed up to compete on the upcoming series before the official announcement.
The swimmer, 24, will follow in the footsteps of his teammate Adam Peaty as he confirmed recent reports he will be taking part.