The Strictly Come Dancing line-up is finally here and it won't be long until we have ' da dada da da da daaaa' ringing in our ears every weekend. The BBC One dance contest is set to return to our screens in a matter of weeks with the launch show being filmed during the first week of September.
The dancing and sparkly juggernaut will return with a bunch of new famous faces ready to learn the difference between the cha-cha-cha and the Charleston. Meanwhile, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back to host the show and keep the Strictly ship running as smoothly as possible on a Saturday night.
And the show wouldn't be complete without the judges as Anton Du Beke will once again take his place on the panel alongside Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas.
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While there's no exact return date yet, what we do know is the launch show is being recorded on Wednesday September 7. And what every Strictly fan has been waiting for, the line-up is slowly being revealed.
Here are the celebrities who will be donning their dancing shoes this autumn in the hopes of winning the Strictly Glitterball trophy. The list will be updated as each contestant is announced:
Will Mellor
Will Mellor was the first famous faces to be announced for Strictly 2022. The actor is known for starring as Gaz in cult Noughties sitcom Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps as well as for his roles in Hollyoaks and more recently Coronation Street where he play Weatherfield baddie Harvey Gaskell.
The 46-year-old said Strictly is his mother Shirley's favourite show and that following the death of his father in 2020 from cancer he wanted to create new memories.
He said: “The training side of it is one of the reasons why I’m doing it. My mindset completely changed a while back and I just thought I’ve got to start doing things that frighten me a little bit and step out of your comfort zone, and that’s what life is about. And when I got the phone call for this I just said: ‘Yes, I’m going to do it.’
"Also I lost my dad in 2020 and I just thought from then I’ve just got to grab life and I’ve got to do things and I’ve got to create new memories and my mindset changed, and that’s sort of one of the reasons why." He added: "It’s my mum’s favourite show so she’s had it really tough over the last few years so I thought, we’ll do this…"
Will also said in a statement: "I'm honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year! Not going to lie, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about. This is also my Mum's favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!"
Kym Marsh
After years of consideration Kym Marsh will finally be taking to the ballroom. The former Hear'Say singer and Coronation Street actress has said her previous experience in dance would be unlikely to help her on the show.
During an appearance on BBC Breakfast as she was announced as the second contestant for the 20th series, the 46-year-old was asked what style of dance she was most excited for, she said: "I am just very keen to learn. Watching it, I have done dancing before when I was a little girl and in Hear’Say but it was a very different style of dance."
She said her husband, army major Scott Ratcliff, was "extremely excited" about her being about to teach him how to dance properly so they can dance together at mess balls.
Marsh was also joined on screen by her parents Dave and Pauline, who she was on holiday with, with her mother saying she was a long-standing fan of the show. The soap star, who spent 13 years playing Michelle Connor in ITV's Corrie, added in a statement: "I've considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have!
"I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!"
Richie Anderson
Richie Anderson was the third contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. He is an award-winning presenter, best known for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, presenting the travel bulletins as well as hosting a wide variety of his own shows.
In May Richie travelled to Turin to cover the Eurovision Song Contest for the station. A regular presenter on The One Show, he is often seen on BBC One and was proud to be part of the channel’s recent Platinum Jubilee coverage.
Revealing the news on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Richie said: “This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.
"I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand. It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”
Kaye Adams
Loose Woman Kaye Adams will be getting her groove on for the twentieth series of Strictly Come Dancing. Kaye is a broadcaster and as well as being a Loose Women panellist, she's known for hosting the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland.
Having started her career as a news journalist she has presented programming for various TV channels including STV, the BBC and Channel 5. She started her popular podcast, How To Be 60 with Kaye Adams, in 2022.
Making the announcement on ITV's Loose Women, Kaye said: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!”
Jayde Adams
Comedian Jayde Adams is among the celebrities battling it out to become dance champions this series. Jayde has won several comedy awards including a nomination for the coveted Best Newcomer with her Edinburgh Fringe debut stand-up hour.
Her Amazon Prime special, Serious Black Jumper, received global critical acclaim, was released worldwide and was longlisted for an Emmy. Also an actor, Jayde has starred in BBC Two BAFTA winning comedy Alma’s Not Normal, the upcoming Take That movie Greatest Days, Amazon Prime’s Good Omens, and BBC One’s The Outlaws, while she is co-creator and star of ITV2’s upcoming brand new series Ruby Speaking.
Jayde hosted Netflix’s Crazy Delicious, co-hosted Channel 4’s BAFTA nominated Snackmasters and has a weekly BBC Radio 4 podcast, Welcome to the Neighbourhood. Jayde Adams said: “Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly.
"I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family. I’ve always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly).
"I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!”
Ellie Simmonds
Ellie Simmonds OBE was the sixth contestant confirmed for Strictly. Ellie is best known as a gold medal-winning Paralympic swimmer and at the age of thirteen became the youngest British athlete at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, winning gold medals in the 100m and 400m freestyle events.
In 2012 she achieved gold in the 400m freestyle and the 200m Individual Medley at the Summer Paralympics in London and won a further gold in the 200m Individual Medley at Rio 2016. In addition she has won ten gold World Championship titles.
After retiring from competitive swimming in 2020, Ellie has gone on to present for BBC Sport, most recently for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, as well as making documentaries such as Ellie Simmonds: A World Without Dwarfism? for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Ellie Simmonds OBE said: “Oh my gosh! I’m literally bursting with excitement! It’s been soooo hard keeping this secret as I’ve wanted to tell everyone. I’m going on Strictly Come Dancing!! I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I’m absolutely petrified!
"To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun. I’m counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show.
"Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It’s going to be a blast. I’ve been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it’s a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it’s a genuine privilege to be part of it.”
Tyler West
Tyler West was the next celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.The TV presenter, radio host and DJ is best known for hosting weekday afternoons on KISS, for which he was nominated for a prestigious ARIA for Best New Presenter in 2020.
Having begun his broadcasting career in children’s television, presenting various programming across CBBC, he has hosted MTV News, HQ Trivia and the 2020 EE BAFTA Awards Red Carpet Live Show. Last year he launched his first BBC Three series, co-hosting Flat out Fabulous as well as becoming the host of The MTV Movie Show.
Tyler said of his latest gig: "I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp. It’s going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone. It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins."
Matt Goss
Matt Goss was the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed for the upcoming season of Strictly. The singer-songwriter, musician and actor had his big reveal on This Morning with hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle quizzing him on his upcoming gig.
Eighties music legend Matt has enjoyed mega success as the front man of BROS, with their debut album Push going platinum seven times. It remained on the UK top ten music charts for an astonishing 54 weeks. And with continued success as a solo artist, Matt is about to release his solo album, The Beautiful Unknown.
But he's also set to be busy as he puts on his dancing shoes for a stint in the Strictly ballroom. He said in a statement: "I’m extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down.”
Over the last decade, Matt has had a record-breaking residency on the Las Vegas strip. He has received the revered 'Icon Award' and has even been given his own 'Matt Goss Day' on August 8, which amazingly is his late mother’s birthday and now the day he was announced for Strictly.
Ellie Taylor
Ellie Taylor's Strictly secret was revealed by Ranvir Singh on ITV's Lorraine. She was the ninth contestant confirmed for the brand new series due to begin in September
Comedian, broadcaster, writer and actor Ellie said about signing up for the BBC show: "Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022! I've watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan!
"At the moment I'm focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!"
Ellie began her career as a stand-up comedian after appearing on ITV’s Show Me The Funny and has gone on to write and perform five stand-up comedy shows, one of which, Cravings, streamed on Netflix as part of Comedians of the World. Ellie is known as a regular on the BBC’s Mock The Week, The Mash Report and Live at the Apollo, Late Night Mash on Dave and, most recently, as a co-host on Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down. She also stars in Apple TV’s multi-award winning comedy series Ted Lasso.
Her forthcoming projects include two brand-new formats as she presents You Won’t Believe This for Channel 4 and co-hosts Cheat alongside Danny Dyer, which is coming soon to Netflix.
Molly Rainford
Singer and actress Molly Rainford was the 10th contestant to be confirmed for the BBC one show. She appeared in series six of Britain’s Got Talent when she was 11-year-s-ol which saw Ashley and Pudsey take the crown, and finished in sixth place.
Speaking to the BBC in a statement, the star said of beginning her Strictly journey: "I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!"
Molly is best-known for becoming the youngest ever finalist of Britain's Got Talent at the age of 11 back in 2012. She is currently starring as intergalactic pop superstar Nova Jones in the hit CBBC show Nova Jones.
Tony Adams
Tony Adams MBE has also been confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing ahead of its return to screens. He is a former English football player and manager. The formidable centre-back’s football career spanned over 22 years, playing for both Arsenal and England.
Having captained both, he is regarded as one of Arsenal’s greatest ever players and one of the all-time greats of English football. Tony Adams MBE won 66 caps for England, appeared at four major tournaments and had 10 major trophy wins whilst is still the only player in English football history to captain a team to three top-flight titles over three different decades. As captain of England, he famously led the national team to the Euro 96 final. Whilst he was playing he founded Sporting Chance, a charity to help sportspeople with mental health and addiction issues of which he remains Honorary president today.
Tony Adams MBE said of signing up to the dance show: "To say I’m excited is an understatement - the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes. Am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to meet my partner - god help her - and start the dancing."
Upon retirement from football, Tony, a father to six and husband to wife Poppy, went into coaching and management before recently launching his new venture, SIX MHS, which delivers Mental Health and Addictions services to non-sportspeople and non-sport’s organisations. He remains a patron of four other additional charities, NACOA, Forward Trust, Saving Faces, School Home Support and has started the charity, 6 Addiction, for people that can’t afford private mental health services.
Fleur East
Fleur East has also joined the line-up for this years Strictly. She was the 12th contestant to be confirmed for the upcoming series and made the announcement on her Hits Radio Breakfast show.
She said: "I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much."
Fleur also emotionally shared: "Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!"
After coming runner-up in series 11 of The X Factor, Fleur has been a regular face in the world of music and broadcasting. As a singer she has released two albums, with European chart hit single 'Sax' reaching number three in the UK singles chart. After appearing on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2018 she became host of the Hits Radio Breakfast show which she hosts every weekday.
Hamza Yassin
Hamza Yassin was the thirteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly 2022. He is a wildlife cameraman and presenter was is known for being one of the presenters of BBC’s Animal Park and a guest presenter on BBC’s Countryfile where he shares his vast knowledge and camera skills.
On signing for Strictly, Hamza said: "I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show. I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public. My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ‘til you make it!"
Hamza is also well known to younger viewers under the guise of Ranger Hamza, presenting CBeebies live-action show Let’s Go For A Walk and his new series Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest is out later this month. Hamza moved to the Scottish Highlands when he was younger to follow his dream of filming Scottish wildlife and becoming a wildlife cameraman. He has lived there ever since and recently fronted Channel 4 documentary Scotland: My Life in the Wild and Scotland: Escape to the Wilderness.
James Bye
James Bye was the fourteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The EastEnders actor is best known for playing Martin Fowler in the BBC One soap.
After being unveiled on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the 38-year-old said: "I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact, my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot. There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud."
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