Our autumnal weekend nights are filled with excitement and anticipation as Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 20th series amid a flurry of sequins, Spandex and fake tan. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are back on hosting duties, with Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke reprising their roles as judges.
Last year saw former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and her dance partner Vito Coppola finish in first place, but who are this year's Strictly Come Dancing glitterball contenders?
Here is your official Strictly Come Dancing line-up 2024.
Who is taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024?
Chris McCausland
Age: 47
Occupation: Comedian (Have I Got News for You, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, The Chris McCausland Show)
'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…!' Chris says.
Chris became completely blind aged 22 as a result of the hereditary condition retinitis pigmentosa, which his mother and grandmother suffered from.
'Basically I’d been going blind very slowly since I was born and so didn’t even really notice it happening. Like the frog in the pan of boiling water,' he previously said.
JB Gill
Age: 37
Occupation: JLS band member
Singer JB says, '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!'
In 2012, JB won Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special, scoring an impressive 39 out 40 for his jive to Rockin' Robin with Ola Jordan.
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Occupation: Broadcaster, presenter, and opera singer
'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,' Wynne says. '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 ppera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!'
Referencing his role of Geo Compario, the GoCompare man from the famous advert, judge Shirley Ballas wrote, 'Ahh fabulous. Go Comparreeee. Welcome @wynneevans [sic]'.
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Occupation: Actress and singer
Toyah says, '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!'
One fan enthused, 'An 80’s icon…my 80’s icon!!! Can I get a whoop whoop??'
Dr Punam Krishan
Age: 41
Occupation: Media medic and broadcaster
Punam says, '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.'
You may recognise Punam as BBC Morning Live's resident GP.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Occupation: Model and former Love Island star
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.'
Tasha's boyfriend Andrew Le Page - who she met on Love Island in 2022 - was also thrilled about the news, writing on his Instagram Story, 'This is a dream come true and I'm so proud of you! You fully deserve this more than anyone. You've worked so hard to get here.'
Pete Wicks
Age: 35
Occupation: Podcast host and former TOWIE star
Petesays, '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.'
His best friend Sam Thompson wrote, 'No words. So proud of you. The content we are going to make that you don't even know about yet!'
Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Occupation: Singer and actor
He 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!'
The news was welcome to Strictly fans, with one writing, 'Hooray, another goodie. It's getting better every day. Can't wait for it to start.'
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Occupation: Actress
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!'
One quick-witted fan was quick to reference Heather Small's Proud - the song that Sarah's character sings with Miranda Hart in the latter's eponymous BBC sitcom. 'If we don’t get a dance to Proud by Heather Small I’m going to be having strong words with Mr Strictly,' they wrote.
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Occupation: Actor
Jamie says, '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!'
Jamie took the Strictly Christmas special crown last year, after he and Nancy Xu impressed the judges with their quickstep to Merry Christmas Everyone.
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Occupation: Three-time Olympic swimming champion
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!'
Tom revealed he was taking part in Strictly before the official line-up was announced. After reaching the final of the men’s 200 metres individual medley at the Olympics last week, 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. It’s something to look forward to.”
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.'
Montell Douglas
Age: 38
Occupation: Gladiator and an Olympian
Montell says, '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 pasodoble!'
One fan wrote, 'Congratulations! Can’t wait to see you compete. Let’s go Fire.'
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Occupation: TV presenter
After being rumoured to be on this year's line-up, the DIY SOS host was finally confirmed as the 13th celebrity on The One Show. 'I'm so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure,' he says.
'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 this,' he revealed.
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Occupation: Football pundit and commentator
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. His announcement was made on The One Show, where he also admitted he is not light-footed, having only danced three times in his life - all of them at his wedding.
'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!'
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Occupation: Former England and Team GB hockey player
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.
'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.'
While she has a competitive streak, she reckons her lack of experience will count against her. 'It's difficult because with hockey I knew I had the ability, I knew what I was looking forward to and what I needed to do,' she said. 'But with Strictly, I can dance on the dancefloor with the girls on a night out, that's as far as my dance experience goes.'
Who are the pros for Strictly Come Dancing 2024?
Giovanni Pernice will not be returning for Strictly Come Dancing this year amid allegations of misconduct during rehearsals, which he has strenuously denied. Graziano Di Prima was initially scheduled to return in 2024, but he was dropped over claims of 'gross misconduct' earlier this year.
The dancer said in a statement: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.'
Aljaz Skorjanec will be returning to the ballroom after departing in 2021, while fans will be thrilled to see Amy Dowden back now she has completed her chemotherapy for breast cancer. Gorka Marquez, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, Neil Jones, Kai Widdrington, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas form the remainder of the professional line-up.
Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for Grazia. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.