After a difficult summer of scandal, the BBC juggernaut is back for a 22nd series. Here are all the confirmed contestants thus far
: BBC
Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked over the past few months by allegations of bullying and a toxic atmosphere on set fostered by some of the show’s professional dancers.
Long-term fans of the dance competition have voiced concerns that the summer of scandal could spell the end of Strictly, but this morning’s announcement of the first two contestants seemed to suggest that it’s business as usual in the ballroom.
Comedian Chris McCausland and former boyband singer JB Gill have been announced as the first of this year’s contestants.
Here are the confirmed 2024 contestants
Chris McCausland
The 47-year-old blind comedian, who hails from Liverpool, was the first confirmed contestant for the 2024 competition. Known for fronting his own ITV chat show, The Chris McCausland Show, as well as his frequent appearances on the likes of Have I Got News For You and QI, he was announced as the first 2024 celebrity to take on the dancefloor on This Morning.
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…!”
JB Gill
: BBC
Parents of millennial children will perhaps recognise Gill – who was previously a member of hit boyband JLS, runners-up on The X Factor in 2008 – from posters adorning their teenage daughters’ bedroom walls. Other Strictly fans may be less familiar with his music, but Gill has also had success as a farmer and presenter; he worked on CBeebies’ Bafta-nominated series Down on the Farm, and has contributed to Springwatch, Countryfile and Songs of Praise.
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!”.
Wynne Evans
: BBC
The Welsh presenter and opera singer – known for his role as Gio Compario in the Gopare insurance adverts, as well as decades of classical success and hundreds of live shows at the Royal Albert Hall and elsewhere – is the third celebrity to join the line-up. Evans announced he would be taking part on Vernon Kay’s flagship Radio 2 show.
Evans 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”.
Toyah Willcox
: BBC
Also revealed to be joining the lineup on Vernon Kay’s Radio 2 show was I’m A Mystery singer and actress Toyah Willcox. After revving up crowds at this year’s Glastonbury Festival with her performance with her husband, Robert Fripp, Willcox should bring some extra glamour to the ballroom.
Willcox 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.”
Dr Punam Krishan
: BBC
Best known for being BBC Morning Live’s resident GP, as well as presenting on BBC Radio Scotland, Dr Punam Krishan became the fifth contestant to be confirmed for this year’s competition. As well as being a practicing NHS doctor, Krishan has also written a successful children’s book, How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs.
Krishan 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.”
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