WALTZING ON
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 full line up: All the contestants on the hit BBC competition
The line-up includes Strictly's first ever blind contestant
EVERY year fans are on the edge of their seats to see who will be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The full list of celebrities who make up the 2024 line up has been released, and they will all be showing off their fancy footwork this autumn.
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It's that time of year again when the sequins and glitter are unleashed for Strictly Come Dancing.
A new batch of 15 celebrities will be waltzing across the famous dance floor in a bid to win the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
But they will need to impress the tough judging panel, which is made up of Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Here we take a look at the full celebrity line-up for the 20th season.
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Toyah Willcox
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Kicking the 2024 line-up is the legendary Toyah Willcox
After hitting the spotlight in the 80s, the punk star is now taking on her next big challenge on Strictly.
Toyah gave her thoughts on joining the famous show and told the BBC: “Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it!
"This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I'm here for every sparkly second.
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"I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery!
"I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!”
Strictly is just another string to Toyah's bow because as well as being a singer, she is an actress.
The talented star appeared in the 1979 hit mod film Quadrophenia alongside the likes of Phil Daniels, Sting, Ray Winstone, and Leslie Ash.
Chris McCausland
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Making history on Strictly is Chris McCausland, who is the show's very first blind contestant.
The comedian's rise to fame saw him appear on CBeebies, before moving onto a successful stand-up career.
Chris lost his sight when he was 22 due to hereditary condition retinitis pigmentosa.
Speaking about signing up to Strictly, the joker said: "If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.
"I don't dance, I haven't danced, I can't dance, I can't see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Ok don't answer that...!”
Chris follows in the footsteps of Strictly's first ever deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis.
She wowed fans so much, that she went on to lift the Glitterball Trophy in 2021.
Jamie Borthwick
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Jamie Borthwick impressed BBC bosses so much when he won the Strictly Christmas Special in 2023, that he was immediately snapped up for the main show.
Best known for playing Jay Brown on EastEnders, the soap star is now hoping he'll take home the trophy for a second time.
Speaking about having another shot at the show, Jamie told the BBC: “I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes!
"This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say.
"I’m hoping to be salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom.
"See you on the dance floor!”
Jamie has also denied that he would be switching up his lifestyle to accommodate the hectic training schedule.
He said: "'No booze ban for me.
"I've never drunk ever in my life and no one loves me, so I can't do a sex ban!
"No bans for me, just loads of food."
Nick Knowles
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TV presenter Nick Knowles is also part of the Strictly line-up after being in talks for months about doing the show.
The much-loved star is best known for his heartwarming programme DIY SOS.
He said: “I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year.
"People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure.
"I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge - there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance!
"I’ll give it my everything and try not to embarrass my kids of course!”
This is the second time Nick has competed on TV, as he also took part in I'm A Celebrity in 2018.
Pete Wicks
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After shooting to fame on Towie in 2015, Pete Wicks is now getting a shot at primetime telly by appearing on Strictly.
Speaking about such a big opportunity, he said: “Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.
"But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Since hitting the spotlight, Pete has become well known on the reality TV block.
The pint-sized star is known for Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and The Real Full Monty
Tom Dean
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Tom Dean is always up for challenge, and Strictly is his next feat.
The Team GB star is a competitive freestyle swimmer, and an Olympic gold medallist.
He put his mechanical engineering degree on hold in his quest to reach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he won two gold medals.
He bagged Olympic gold again in the men's 4x200 metre freestyle at Paris 2024.
However, he broke a huge rule by letting slip he had signed up for Strictly while competing in the French capital.
After the official announcement was made Tom said: “I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024!
"You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!"
Paul Merson
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Footie favourite Paul Merson will be showing off his fancy footwork after signing for Strictly.
After quitting football, the Arsenal legend now works as a Sky Sports pundit
Paul said: “Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on.
"I’m ready to swap the pitch for the ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!”
Tasha Ghouri
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After shooting to fame on Love Island, Tasha Ghouri has been snapped up for Strictly.
She is the show's second deaf contestant, after Rose.
Tasha was born deaf, and at the age of five had a cochlear implant fitted that allows her to process sound and speech.
The reality star and model said she is "thrilled" to be part of the Strictly line-up.
She told the BBC: “Pinch me, I can't believe I'm going to be on Strictly Come Dancing!
"I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true.
"I know it's going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dance floor.”
Sam Quek
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Sam Quek shot to fame when she won a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics for Team GB's hockey team.
Speaking about Strictly, she 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!
"I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and quickstep into the shoes of a performer.
"It feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure."
Sam is no stranger to being on TV shows, having appeared on I'm A Celebrity in 2016 and Celebrity MasterChef in 2020.
Shayne Ward
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Shayne Ward is hoping to emulate the success he had when he won The X Factor in 2005, and scoop the Glitterball Trophy.
The singer said: “I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life.
"I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.
"No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!”
Shayne is also known for his acting skills having played Corrie factory boss Aidan Connor from 2015 to 2018.
After this he appeared on Channel 5 crime drama The Good Ship Murder.
JB Gill
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Just like Shayne, singer JB Gill shot to fame on The X Factor.
Alongside his band JLS, he was runner-up on the show in 2008, narrowly losing out to Alexandra Burke.
Now a TV presenter, JB said: “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.
"I’m raring to go 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!”
Wynne Evans
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Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans shot to fame as the "Go Compare man", on the famous insurance ads.
He will now be strutting his stuff on Strictly.
He said: "I love the glitz, the glamour and all of that so I'm well up for it.
"I can't believe it [is happening] because it's all cloak and daggers.
"You go for an audition, then you're given a code name - which is my favourite part of the whole thing."
Wynne revealed how he was looking forward to doing the waltz on Strictly, but that he was dreading one particular dance.
He said: "The stuff I'm more nervous about is doing something like the jive because I represent every portly middle-aged father who jumps and could set a minor tsunami off in North London.
"I'm kind of a bit nervous about that, but I'm taking inspiration from Bill Bailey."
Wynne is no stranger to winning TV shows.
In 2023 he was crowned champ of Celebrity MasterChef.
Dr Punam Krishan
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TV doctor Punam Krishan is swapping the surgery for the dance floor to take part in Strictly.
She said: “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.”
Alongside being a practising NHS GP, Punam regularly reports on health news on BBC's Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland.
Montell Douglas AKA Fire
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Montell Douglas shot to fame on the Gladiators reboot.
Known for her alter ego of Fire, she said she was "honoured" to be taking part in Strictly,
Speaking to the BBC, Montell said: “Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the ballroom.
"Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started.
"Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”
Before finding TV fame, Montell competed at the Olympic Games.
The former Team GB star was the first female UK athlete to compete at both the summer and winter Olympics.
Sarah Hadland
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Miranda star Sarah Hadland is best known for her adorable character Stevie Sutton on the beloved BBC sitcom.
However, some fans may not know that she also appeared in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum Of Solace.
Strictly is her next big challenge, and she is excited to be part of the show.
Sarah told the BBC: “I cannot believe I am part of Strictly!
"I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.
"I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!”
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 start date
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will kick off with a launch show on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 7.20pm on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.
This special episode will reveal which pro dancers the celebrity contestants have been partnered with.
The first live show will then take place the following Saturday on September 21.
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After this, Strictly will continue every weekend, with a results show airing on Sunday nights.
Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly return to preside over the show.
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