The glitz, the glamour, and those unforgettable sequins—Strictly Come Dancing is back for 2024, and this year’s line-up promises to be more dazzling than ever! From soap stars to sporting legends, the dance floor will be buzzing with excitement. Let’s meet the celebrities who’ll be showing off their moves in hopes of lifting that coveted glitterball trophy. Here’s everything you need to know, with a surprising fact!
Who are this years Strictly Celebrities?
Here is the full list of confirmed Celebrities in the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up.
Chris McCausland
JB Gill
Wynne Evans
Toyah Willcox
Dr Punam Krishan
Tasha Ghouri
Pete Wicks
Shayne Ward
Sarah Hadland
Tom Dean
Jamie Borthwick
Montell Douglas
Nick Knowles
Paul Merson
Sam Quek
EastEnders Actor Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Borthwick previously appeared on the Strictly Christmas special in 2023, lifting the glitterball trophy with professional partner Nancy Xu
Jamie is best known for his role in EastEnders as Jay Brown.
On joining the show Jamie 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!” he said. “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!”
Jamie has been nominated for a number of roles, including Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress, Best Soap Actor (Male) and Best Actor at various awards.
Fun fact: Jamie has been acting in *EastEnders* since he was 12, racking up nominations for Best Actor!
Former England and Team GB hockey player Sam Quek
Age: 35
After winning gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sam is hoping to lift the Glitterball Trophy. The sports presenter, who has appeared on A Question Of Sport and BBC Morning Live, is the 15th celebrity contestant in this year’s line-up. Her previous reality TV appearances include I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Celebrity MasterChef.
On joining Strictly Sam 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 says. ‘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.’
Fun fact: Sam has a competitive streak—she’s previously been on I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity MasterChef, so she’s ready to bring her A-game!
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th March 2025
Final 25 bedrooms remaining – don’t miss out!
Alton Towers Resort Hotel,
Staffordshire
⭐ Join Strictly Stars Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, Nadiya Bychkova & Kai Widdrington, Jowita Przystal, Undefeated 5 x DWTS Italian Champion Pasquale La Rocca, British Dance Champion Finalists David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Argentine Tango Stars Letitia & Andres, plus The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Big Band ⭐
TV Pundit and former footballer Paul Merson
Age: 56
Hoping to follow in the successful footsteps of Tony Adams, Alex Scott, John Barnes and Robbie Savage is former England and Arsenal footballer Paul Merson.
Paul Merson is a former footballer and manager, who played for Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa – where he was made captain – and Portsmouth.
He was also part of many tournaments such as the FA Cup, the Euros and the World Cup. Beyond his football playing days, Merson became the manager of Walsall for two years between 2004 and 2006.
Merson has an extensive media career which includes writing sports columns and being a reporter on Sky Sports.
On joining Strictly Paul said, ‘Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on,’ he says. ‘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!’
TV presenter Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Knowles is well known for presenting BBC series DIY SOS, which has broadcast over 32 seasons. He has been presenting the series since its launch in 1999.
On joining Strictly Nick said, ‘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!’
Nick comes from a dancing family – his sister was a ballroom dancer and his youngest sister was also a professional. But he confessed that he is the ‘least talented person in the family’. ‘They think it is hilarious that I am doing Strictly,’ he revealed.
Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas
Age: 38
Montell Douglas has been a massive breakout star from BBC hit revival Gladiators and will now bring that fiery energy to Strictly Come Dancing 2024.
Speaking about joining Strictly, Montell Douglas 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!”
Fun fact: Montell was the first British woman to compete in both Summer and Winter Olympics, making history with her bobsleigh run in Beijing 2022!
Three-time Olympic Swimming Champion Tom Dean
Age: 24
On joining Strictly Tom says, ‘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!’
He continued: ‘I’ve not seen [Adam Peaty] yet. He did brilliantly on it so I’ll be getting a few tips from him, for sure. I thought it would be really exciting to try something a bit different.”
Fun fact: Tom accidentally revealed his Strictly participation poolside before it was officially announced!
TV Actress Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Sarah is best known for her role as Stevie Sutton in the BBC sitcom Miranda from 2009 to 2015, as well as Trish in The Job Lot from 2013 to 2015.
Her other acting roles in both TV and film include Horrible Histories, James Bond: Quantum of Solace and in Leap Year.
On joining the show Sarah says, ‘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!’
Fun fact: She’s also appeared in a James Bond film—*Quantum of Solace*—a true testament to her versatility!
Actor and singer Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Shayne Ward rose to fame as the winner of the second series of The X Factor. Many will also recognise him for his portrayal of of Aidan Connor in Coronation Street from 2015 to 2018.
More recently, Shayne has starred alongside Catherine Tyldesley in Channel 5’s The Good Ship Murder.
On joining Strictly Shayne says, ‘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!’
Fun fact: Shayne once performed alongside *Westlife* on tour, making him no stranger to a live audience.
Podcast host and former TOWIE star Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Pete Wicks is a TV personality, best known for his time on reality series The Only Way Is Essex. Over the course of his career, Wicks has starred on a number of programmes including Ex on the Beach and Celebs Go Dating.
On joining Strictly Pete says ‘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,’ he says.
Fun fact: Pete is no stranger to overcoming challenges—he’s also appeared on *Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins*.
Model and former Love Island Star Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Tasha rose to fame on Love Island back in 2022, in which she coupled up with Andrew LePage throughout her time on the show, whom she is still in a relationship with today.
Tasha was the first deaf contestant to appear on Love Island and has been raising awareness for the deaf community ever since. Since then, 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 called Superpowers with Tasha.
On joining Strictly Tasha says, ‘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.’
BBC Morning Live’s resident GP Dr Punam Krishan
Punam Krishan is a resident GP on BBC’s Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland. Punam regularly reports on health news as a broadcaster on TV, radio and national newspapers and has also written her own children’s book and she has some additional books coming up!
On joining Strictly Punam 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-fired now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.’
Singer Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Toyah Willcox is a decorated singer, with a career across 40 years in which she has had eight top 40 singles, released over 20 albums and has appeared in over 40 stage plays.
In 2018, Paul McCartney awarded her a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Companionship for Outstanding Achievement in music, drama, performance and media.
On joining Strictly, Toyah said, ‘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. 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!’
Broadcaster, Presenter, and Opera Singer Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Best known for his role as Gio Compario in the Go Compare insurance adverts, Wynne has also dabbled in various theatre performances including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 25th anniversary special of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall.
On joining the show Wynne said ‘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!’ Wynne says.
Wynne also has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales and has previously had radio shows on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
Fun Fact: Wynne’s ready to swap his iconic “Gio Compario” persona for sequins and sambas.
JLS Boy Band Member JB Gill
Age: 37
JB Gill is a singer best known for being a member of boy band JLS, who were the runners-up on The X Factor in 2008.
While the group disbanded in 2013, they reunited in 2020 for a reunion tour and have since been filling everyone will nostalgia with their various tours.
In 2012, JB won Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special, scoring an impressive 39 out 40 for his jive to Rockin’ Robin – lifting the glitterball trophy with former Strictly pro Ola Jordan.
On joining Strictly JB Gill 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 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!’
Fun fact: Besides his music career, JB has also ventured into farming and has appeared on *Countryfile*.
TV Comedian Chris McCausland
Age: 47
Chris McCausland is a comedian, who many people will recognise from the likes of Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You?, QI, The Last Leg and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
McCausland, who became completely blind at the age of 22 as a result of the hereditary condition retinitis pigmentosa, is the first blind contestant to take part in Strictly.
Speaking about joining the Strictly line-up, McCausland 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!”
