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Who is Jay McGuiness? Singer with The Wanted and Strictly Come Dancing 2015 winner

JAY McGuiness won over the hearts of ladies everywhere as a member of The Wanted, then charmed their mums too thanks to a winning Strictly performance back in 2015.

Now he's touring with dance show Rip It Up - here's the lowdown on him...

 Jay found fame in The Wanted before winning over hearts on Strictly Come Dancing
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Jay found fame in The Wanted before winning over hearts on Strictly Come DancingCredit: Getty Images

Who is Jay McGuiness?

Jay (James) McGuiness is a 27-year-old musician and performer from Nottingham.

The star has four siblings - three brothers including his twin brother, Tom, and a sister.

He was initially best known for his role as a singer in the five-piece pop group, The Wanted, alongside Nathan Sykes Max George, Siva Kaneswaran and Tom Parker.

The dance pop group became household names thanks to their catchy hits including Glad You Came, Chasing the Sun, Walks like Rihanna and All Time Low.

After performing together and touring for three years, the group went on a 'hiatus' in January 2014.

To date, the group have not reunited and have announced no plans for any future music.

 Jay joins Louis Smith and Natalie Lowe in new show Rip It Up
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Jay joins Louis Smith and Natalie Lowe in new show Rip It UpCredit: PA:Press Association

What happened during Jay McGuiness' Strictly stint in 2015?

Jay joined the cast of the thirteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 and was partnered with long-term professional Aliona Vilani.

During his first time on the show, he remained as one of the contestants in the top three throughout - earning the highest third week score ever for his Jive to Misirlou from Pulp Fiction for Movie Week.

However, he failed to ever score the sought after perfect 40 - with his high score being the close 39 for his rumba and his finale Paso Doble to Bon Jovi's It's My Life.

He was crowned the winner of the series after being out fellow finalists Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice, and Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton.

After their win, Aliona announced she was quitting the show.

 Jay won Strictly Come Dancing in 2015
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Jay won Strictly Come Dancing in 2015Credit: PA:Press Association

What is Rip It Up?

Rip It Up is a live 50s themed dance show starring Jay along with Natalie Lowe, Louis Smith.

The show sees the trio swing, bop, jitterbug, lindy hop, jive and ballroom to the sounds of the 50s along with a cast of dancers.

It has been created by the producers and director of last year’s smash tour Remembering Fred, which stars Strictly pros Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec.

Rip It Up also features Radio 2’s Leo Green and his 1950s band, playing hits including La Bamba, Reet Petite, Unchained Melody, Mambo Italiano, Hound Dog, Shout and Magic Moments.

It started in September, but there are still tickets available for October dates across the UK from .

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