Strictly Come Dancing Returns for Its 20th Series
Strictly Come Dancing is returning for its 20th series, filling autumnal weekend nights with excitement and anticipation amidst a flurry of sequins, Spandex, and fake tan, according to show details. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have returned to hosting duties, while Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke have reprised their roles as judges. Last year’s competition concluded with former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and her dance partner Vito Coppola finishing in first place.
Official 2024 Contestant Line-Up
The official line-up of glitterball contenders taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024 features a variety of familiar faces from comedy, music, broadcasting, and television:
- Chris McCausland: Age 47, comedian known for Have I Got News for You, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and The Chris McCausland Show. McCausland became completely blind aged 22 as a result of the hereditary condition retinitis pigmentosa.
- JB Gill: Age 37, JLS band member and singer who previously won Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special in 2012 with Ola Jordan, scoring 39 out of 40 for his jive to “Rockin’ Robin”.
- Wynne Evans: Age 52, broadcaster, presenter, opera singer, and winner of Celebrity MasterChef last year. Judge Shirley Ballas welcomed him to the show referencing his role as the GoCompare man.
- Toyah Willcox: Age 66, actress and singer described by fans as an 80s icon.
- Dr Punam Krishan: Age 41, media medic, broadcaster, and resident GP on BBC Morning Live.
- Tasha Ghouri: Age 25, model and former Love Island star.
- Pete Wicks: Age 35, podcast host and former TOWIE star.
Contestants React to Joining the Hit BBC Show
The newly announced celebrities shared their initial reactions to joining the milestone 20th series. Comedian Chris McCausland joked about the challenges ahead due to his blindness, stating, “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…!”
JLS singer JB Gill expressed enthusiasm about returning to the ballroom after his prior Christmas special experience, noting, 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.
Opera singer Wynne Evans admitted he was still pinching himself over joining the cast, while Toyah Willcox called the opportunity a wild and wonderful ride.
Dr Punam Krishan and Tasha Ghouri both described the news as feeling unreal, with Ghouri noting that the show has been a firm family favourite since she was little.
Recent Changes and Professional Dancer Departures
Alongside the excitement of the upcoming series and its celebrity announcements, the programme has faced changes behind the scenes. In related news published by BBC News, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima is leaving Strictly Come Dancing, with the dancer stating in a released statement that he “deeply regrets” the events leading up to his exit from the show.
