The final three celebrity contestants that will compete on the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing were confirmed on Monday.
DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, former footballer Paul Merson and GB hockey sensation Sam Quek are set for new series, it has been revealed.
It comes after a very tumultuous few months for the BBC show after several abuse and bullying allegations were made about professional dancers including Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
Nick, 61, Sam, 35, and Paul, 56, appeared on Monday night’s The One Show as the announcement was made.
Presenter Nick said: ‘I danced in Rio last year doing an Argentine Tango and I thought this is great. My elder sister was a ballroom dancer so I am the least talented person in the family!
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The final three celebrity contestants that will compete on the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing were announced on Monday – including DIY SOS star Nick Knowles (pictured)
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Former footballer Paul Merson will also be taking part in the upcoming show which has been hit by scandal in recent months
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Sam Quek, MBE, is a television personality and former field hockey player. She was also a team captain on A Question of Sport
‘I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!’
Nick is a television presenter, writer and musician. He is best known for his presenting roles on the BBC, including game shows Who Dares Wins, Break the Safe and 5-Star Family Reunion.
Meanwhile Paul is an former professional footballer, manager, commentator and sports television pundit for Sky Sports.
Originally a forward, Merson found success as an attacking midfielder and playmaker later in his career.
He said on The One Show: ‘I won’t worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous – I have only danced three times in my life. But I will have a go – I play to win and it won’t be through lack of trying.’
Sam, MBE, is a television personality and former field hockey player. She was also a team captain on A Question of Sport.
She played as a defender for both the England and Great Britain teams, wearing squad number 13, and won gold as part of the British team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
She said on the show: ‘I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all. I hope to get to Blackpool!’
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Presenter Nick said: ‘I danced in Rio last year doing an Argentine Tango and I thought this is great. My elder sister was a ballroom dancer so I am the least talented person in the family!’
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Nick is a television presenter, writer and musician. He is best known for his presenting roles on the BBC, including game shows Who Dares Wins, Break the Safe and 5-Star Family Reunion
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He added: ‘I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!’
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Paul is an former professional footballer, manager, commentator and sports television pundit for Sky Sports
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He said on The One Show: ‘I won’t worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous – I have only danced three times in my life’
Blind comedian Chris McCausland was the first celeb contestant of the 2024 series, to be unveiled, 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.’
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Sam, MBE, is a television personality and former field hockey player. She was also a team captain on A Question of Sport
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She said on the show: ‘I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie!’
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Nick was later seen in the studio
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As was Paul
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They were on The One Show for the announcement
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Blind comedian Chris McCausland was the first celeb contestant of the 2024 series, to be unveiled, appearing on This Morning on Monday to announce the news
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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.
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Punam Krishnan has also signed up and is an NHS GP and is one of the resident doctors on the BBC’s Morning Live
Punam Krishnan has also signed up and 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.’
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.’
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Wynne Evans was next announced. Wynne is best known for his operatic skills. Throughout his 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums
Wynne Evans was next announced.
He 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 involve 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!’
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Toyah Wilcox was the next star to be announced. She has amassed thirteen top 40 singles
Toyah Wilcox was the next star to be announced. She 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.’
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Tasha Ghouri was next up. She 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
Tasha Ghouri was next up to be confirmed for the show. She 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 model is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community.
She appeared on ITV’s Love Island in 2022, and since then has amassed a following of over 2.2 million across her social media network.
Tasha has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart. She is a published author with her debut novel ‘Hits Different’ and has her own podcast, ‘Superpowers with Tasha’.
Announcing the news on the KISS FM Breakfast Show, Tasha gushed: ‘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 dancefloor.’
Strictly face being embroiled in a new fix row following the signing of Tasha, who is a trained dancer.
MailOnline revealed the reality star 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.
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.’
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Pete Wicks will also be taking part in the show. He soared to fame when he joined The Only Way Is The Essex in 2015
Pete Wicks will also be taking part in the show. He soared to fame when he joined The Only Way Is The Essex in 2015, with his storylines often revolving around his romantic relationships – namely Megan McKenna and Chloe Sims.
Previously Pete has appeared on shows such as Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Celebrity MasterChef and The Real Full Monty.
The reality TV veteran called into Kiss FM to confirm his signing.
He told the show: ‘its a mixture of excited and petrified, generally petrified. I’ve been telling people, can you really imagine me really doing this and their like, yeah your right you wouldn’t.’
‘I’m going to have to switch my phone off now I’ll have a load of messages.’
He revealed that he had already spilled the news to his best friend Sam Thompson, who ‘cried.’
‘I’m not joking he screamed jumped up and down and cried. He has already planned that he is coming every Saturday and he’s making T-shirts and he is my number one fan in life, he is already making T-shirts. He’s a bit like Martha in Baby Reindeer.’
Pete is close friends with best pal Sam’s girlfriend Zara McDermott, who starred on the 2023 series of Strictly, with Pete often in the audience at the live shows.
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.’
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Sarah Hadland is also doing the show. She made her name as Miranda’s sidekick Stevie in the celebrated BBC sitcom
Sarah Hadland is also doing the show. She made her name as Miranda’s sidekick Stevie in the celebrated BBC sitcom, as well as being one of the original cast members of the multi award winning series Horrible Histories.
The comedy star, 53, has also had roles in Waterloo Road and That Mitchell and Webb Look as well as 2008 Bond movie Quantum Of Solace.
Revealing she was joining the Strictly line up during Lorraine on Thursday, Sarah gushed: ‘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!’
However, Sarah’s participation in the show has sparked controversy as she is also a trained dancer with West End experience.
The star started her dance journey with training from the age of three, and went to the Laine Theatre Arts College in Epsom – where she was a contemporary of Victoria Beckham who also learned how to dance and sing there.
Sarah danced in West End productions of Cats and Grease before she became famous as an actress and it can be revealed that the BBC have been asking her for a decade to take part in the show.
She has admitted she is a ‘super fan’ of the show and can understand why contestants who are dance trained, like her, come in for criticism.
Speaking in 2015 she said: ‘I enjoy watching people make a journey, but equally it is nice to see people who have had training and are good.
‘I know people get very irate about it, but you do want them to be a certain level of ability cos it’s nice to watch people who are really good. ‘
She added: ‘I think the dream is what they’ve got, which is some celebrities who obviously have done a bit of training but so what, they’re fabulous to watch, and equally there are people like Jeremy Vine who I will vote for every week because for me he epitomises what dance is, which is someone going out there regardless of their ability and loving it, which he clearly is.’
‘So how can I not enjoy it and be enthused to dance myself cos I just think ‘that’s fantastic!’
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Shayne Ward was next to be announced. The star, 39, shot to fame in 2005 when he won the second ever series of The X Factor
Shayne Ward was next to be announced. The star, 39, shot to fame in 2005 when he won the second ever series of The X Factor. He will join fellow X Factor star JB Gill, from the band JLS, on Strictly.
Although his first and second album charted at number one and number two respectively, his third album received a lukewarm reception and disappointing sales.
Moving into the world of acting, the star joined the cast of Coronation Street as Aidan Connor from 2015 to 2018, a decade after he won the singing competition.
Shayne made his last appearance as Aidan Connor on 7 May 2018.
And the star has already had some dance practice as he also competed on Dancing On Ice back in 2013.
He most recently appeared in a Channel 5 drama called The Good Ship Murder, alongside his former Corrie co-star Catherine.
‘I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life,’ Shayne said. ‘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!’
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Jamie Borthwick was next up to be announced. He rose to fame for his portrayal as Jay Brown/Mitchell in EastEnders
Jamie Borthwick was next up to be announced. He rose to fame for his portrayal as Jay Brown/Mitchell in EastEnders, which he has starred in since 2006, and is now one of the longest serving actors on the show.
In 2008 his role in EastEnders earned him a British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor, he then went on to win Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards in 2023.
His stint will mark a return to Strictly Come Dancing after he competed in the Christmas Special last year, being crowned champion alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu.
He said: ‘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 dancefloor!
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Swimmer Tom Dean was next up to be confirmed. He is a three-time Olympic champion
Swimmer Tom Dean was next up to be confirmed. He is a three-time Olympic champion, making history as the first British man to win a gold medal for the men’s 200m swim freestyle in over 100 years, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
He went onto win a further gold medal in Tokyo and become England’s most decorated athlete at the subsequent 2022 Commonwealth Games, winning a total of seven medals.
Most recently, Tom brought home his third gold medal for Team GB from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the team 4 x 200m freestyle relay.
Speaking about taking part, he 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!’
Brimming with excitement after Team GB’s big win last week, Tom accidentally announced he was set to appear on Strictly, breaking strict rules from bosses.
The BBC go to great lengths to keep the celebrities taking part in each series top secret and stars usually don’t comment on speculation until it’s officially confirmed.
But Tom confirmed he is getting ready to take to the dancefloor while speaking after the men’s 200 metres individual medley at the Olympics in Paris on Thursday.
He said: ‘Naturally you want to take a break after you’ve had a full Olympic cycle and the opportunity arose. I thought it would be really exciting to try something a bit different. I’ll be doing that and straight back into training after it.
Tom also confirmed he’ll be seeking advise from his teammate Adam Peaty who danced with Katya Jones on the 2021 series.
He said: ‘It’s something to look forward to. I’ve not seen [Adam] yet. He did brilliantly on it so I’ll be getting a few tips from him, for sure.
‘I don’t do too well out of water in gravity sports. I’m throwing myself into it and I know what a hard day’s training is like so I’m looking forward to it.
‘I guess we’ll find out. It’s something to look forward to and once I finish this, back home, relax a bit with the family and then we crack on end of August time. It’s exciting.’
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Montell Douglas was announced last week for the show. She is best known as Fire from the BBC One series of Gladiators
Montell Douglas was announced last week for the show. She is best known as Fire from the BBC One series of Gladiators, however prior to her TV fame she competed as an Olympic Bobsledder and Team GB Sprinter.
Back in 2010 the sports star won a Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race and she also held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint.
Her appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics in the Bobsledding team etched her name into sporting history as she became the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Speaking about her excitement to star in the series she exclaimed: ‘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.’
Hoping her Gladiator persona will come in handy she added: ‘Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”
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Source: New York Post
