It’s September which only means one thing - Strictly Come Dancing is almost back. There’s long been speculation about what this series is going to look like, what with coronavirus precautions, but we’ll soon find out as the 2020 celebrities are being announced.
Yesterday it was revealed that the show will - finally - have it’s first same-sex couple, as ex-Olympic boxer Nicola Adams puts on her dancing shoes. And it's a stellar line-up - as joining Nicola will be Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, former The Wanted singer Max George, Jonathan Creek actress Caroline Quentin, former NFL player Jason Bell and Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo. Comedian Bill Bailey has also announced he would be joining the show, as has singer HRVY, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, Invictus Games star JJ Chalmers and Jamie Laing of Made In Chelsea fame.
However, that still leaves a few names to be announced, and one hotly tipped participant is ex-Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
Nicola's involvement has, by far, caused the biggest stir so far. ‘I’m a huge fan of the show and am thrilled to be part of something that holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts,' the boxer said earlier this week. 'People might know me from work in the ring, but I’ll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dance floor too. I also wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing; and it’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.’
The news was announced on BBC Breakfast, where the athlete appeared via video call from Greece. ’They wanted to know if I wanted to be on the show but I said “Yeah, I will do it but I want to dance with another female dance partner”,’ she added. ‘I know it’s going to be tough, I know the training is going to be hard and I can’t dance at all so this is going to be a totally new challenge for me.’
The show - which would normally start at the end of September - will be shorter this year because of Covid-19. Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood are expected to judge the series, with Bruno Tonioli expected to appear remotely from LA.
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