The search for the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2019 is already over - and the first confirmed names have started being announced.
Stacey Dooley is the most recent celeb to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy after winning the 2018 series alongside her professional partner-turned-lover Kevin Clifton.
The win meant just as much to him , with the dancer finally claiming victory on his fifth time in the BBC One show's live final.
And, as a new judge was finally announced on July 22 - Oti Mabuse's big sister Motsi - it is only the celebrities who are left to be unveiled.
So who have the show bosses signed up for the new series hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman?
Here's the latest stars confirmed plus those rumoured to be joining them...
CONFIRMED
Anneka Rice
Anneka Rice was the final star confirmed as the final Strictly Come Dancing 2019.
The TV legend was heavily rumoured to be taking part before it was officially confirmed on the Steve Wright in the Afternoon radio show.
She said: "Oh, the stress of being the last person. Oh my goodness. I haven't told anyone. Not even my family.
Anneka admitted she was "terrified" and insisted she was the "Anne Widdecombe" figure of this series.
James Cracknell
James Cracknell has been confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line-up a year after being barred from the show by his estranged wife.
On Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway announced he would be taking part amid the rumours.
Speaking about doing the series, James said his biggest challenge would be to let go and allow himself to "look silly".
He explained: "The biggest challenge for me is gonna be to give myself permission to look stupid, fail, let myself off the leash."
On training, he teased "I think it starts kicking off very soon, I've started to stretch a bit."
He also had no problem with the famous Strictly outfits, claiming he was used to the Lycra.
Dev Griffin
Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin will be swapping the decks for the dancefloor as he becomes the thirteenth confirmed Strictly celeb.
The 34-year-old, who was a 2017 Celebrity Masterchef finalist, said: "One thing that people don't know is that I'm actually really good at dancing!"
He will soon get to show off his moves to the nation.
Alex Scott
Former England footballer Alex Scott was the twelfth celebrity confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing.
Match of the Day presenter Alex said: "I'm so happy I can finally talk about this. I'm just so happy. I feel like it's a kid at Christmas!"
Asked if she was the favourite due to her previous experience, the Lioness said: "No, it was totally different, this is the show I've always wanted to be a part of... you're only dancing for a short amount of time.
"I did a week's rehearsal with Pasha who isn't on the show any more, and after I did that I wanted to be on the main one, so I'm glad they've finally come to me."
Jamie Laing
Jamie Laing was the eleventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Jamie said: "I am beyond thrilled to be asked to be on Strictly, the only person potentially more thrilled is my mother. I have finally become the son she hoped for!”
Jamie hosts the podcast ‘Private Parts’ alongside actor-comedian Francis Boulle. Jamie has also appeared on Celebrity Hunted, The Great British Bakeoff and Famous and Fighting Crime. Jamie has appeared in the award-winning television series ‘Made in Chelsea’ since 2011.
Will Bayley
In January 2017 Will was awarded an MBE for services for Table Tennis and is currently training to defend his Paralympic title at the Tokyo 2020 games. He recently won Gold at the Japan Open 2019.
Will said: “I’m so proud to be on the show, it’s my family’s favourite show. I have no dance experience at all, but I hope I can do well. I want to inspire people with a disability- that would mean a lot to me. I want to prove to people I can do this.”
Michelle Visage
Michelle Visage was the ninth celebrity to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2019.
The Drag Race star, 50, made the announcement on ITV's Lorraine on Monday morning.
She said she was excited to represent "women of a certain age" in a line-up full of younger celebrities.
Michelle also revealed her hope that she would be partnered up with Giovanni Pernice, 28, because of their shared Italian background.
Viscountess Weymouth Emma Thynn
Emma Thynn has been unveiled as the eighth celebrity to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line-up.
Emma - who has the aristocratic title of Viscountess Weymouth - is a chef, model and philanthropist who is married to Caewlin Thynn, also known as Viscount Weymouth.
Speaking about her decision to sign up for Strictly, 33-year-old Emma told Gaby Roslin on BBC London: "I am so excited, just hearing the theme tune then has set my heart racing. It's unbelievable, I'm so excited."
Emma added: "I honestly wasn't allowed to tell anyone, I told my husband and asked him to please keep it a secret and that was it. I told my family and sons last night, it's the most amazing news."
Karim Zeroual
CBBC presenter Karim was the seventh celebrity to be officially unveiled.
Karim, who first found fame as a child star in West End productions of The Lion King and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, said he couldn't believe he'd got the call up.
"To be offered the chance to take part in Strictly is dumbfounding, I’m pinching myself…!" he gushed.
"I'm so excited to be Strictlified. I want THE LOT. The skimpiest of clothes, the widest of flares, the brightest of colours and the tallest Cuban heel a guy can find! The more flamboyant the better… sequins galore please!!"
Mike Bushell
Mike was rumoured for the cast just weeks ago, and on Friday morning the sports presenter was confirmed by his co-stars to be taking part.
The show's hosts Ben Thompson and Steph McGovern announced the news, having teased this would be the case throughout the morning show on BBC One.
Mike, who said he was "nervous excited" and not worried about embarrassing himself, added: "I am so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing . I’ve heard so many wonderful things from colleagues over the years so thrilled I’m now getting the chance.
"I know I will completely throw myself into the whole experience and I’m sure will love it from start to finish.
"I may have tried and profiled over 500 sports over the years in my Saturday morning BBC Breakfast slot but think the Strictly challenge could be the greatest. Bring on the glitter!"
Catherine Tyldesley
The Coronation Street star was announced as the fifth name in the Strictly line-up live on This Morning.
Catherine, who plays Eva Price on the ITV soap, revealed her code name bestowed on her by BBC bosses is Jasmine.
Asked who she told about her Strictly place, Catherine laughed: "My husband, obvious, and he's thrilled to bits.
"When I told my best friend he started laughing! The history is, I can't dance."
Saffron Barker
Saffron Barker was the fourth star to be confirmed for the 2019 line-up.
Former Strictly contestant Ashley Roberts announced the news on Heart FM breakfast with JK and Kelly Brook.
She said: "I am really excited to go on the Strictly journey and am feeling very grateful for the opportunity!
"I’m looking forward to learning all of the dances, finding out who my partner is, getting to wear the costumes and to just experience this once in a lifetime opportunity."
The 19-year-old social media star has an average of 15 million views a month on her YouTube channels and has over four million followers on her social media channels.
Chris Ramsey
Comedian Chris was the third star to be confirmed .
The TV star, who regularly appears on Celebrity Juice, Live At The Apollo and 8 Out of Ten Cats, said he's "terrified" to begin training.
"I'm both excited and absolutely terrified to be doing the show. You will not find me on the dance floor at parties, you will find me at the buffet table. All night," he quipped.
"At my wedding I danced with my wife; that one song took about 6 months' practice, and I definitely stood on her feet a couple of times.
"So I'm looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people… there better be a buffet after the live shows."
Emma Barton
The EastEnders star was the second name confirmed on The One Show .
Emma, who plays Honey Mitchell in EastEnders, said she's thrilled to be involved in the line-up.
"As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can't believe this is happening," she said.
"I'm very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I've been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business.
"So, I'm whipping off Honey's Minute Mart tabard and diving right in to all the glitter and sparkle. From Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor - I just can't wait!"
David James
The 48-year-old England goalkeeper was the first confirmed name for the Strictly line-up 2019.
David, who played for clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and West Ham, was the first person to be announced on The One Show on July 31.
"I'm really excited to be on Strictly this year," he said.
"Not just competing against this year’s stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons. I have some big shoes to fill."
LEAKED
Anneka Rice
Popular TV and radio presenter Anneka Rice is believed to have signed up for the forthcoming series - and was among three names 'leaked' by Iain Lee on Good Morning Britain on July 31.
The 60-year-old became a household name in the 80's when her jumpsuited 'skyrunner' made Channel 4's Treasure Hunt essential viewing.
By the end of that decade, Anneka had moved to the BBC for the hugely popular Challenge Anneka series and a spot on Strictly would mark her 30th anniversary of that series on the Beeb.
Sam Allardyce
Big Sam has been tipped for Strictly success by the bookies after losing the England management job in 2016.
There's odds of 33/1 that he'll lift the Glitterball trophy in December.
"The thought of Sam Allardyce gliding across the Strictly dancefloor will have both sports and dancing fans grinning from ear to ear," said Betway.
"He was one of three names unexpectedly confirmed on Good Morning Britain and we can't see him waltzing his way to the Glitterball Trophy at 33/1."
RUMOURED
Peter Crouch
Following in the footsteps of his wife Abbey Clancy, Peter Crouch is the latest celebrity rumoured to be shimmying his way on to the ballroom floor.
The former footballer might try to replicate his wife's Strictly win as she lifted the trophy in 2013.
Peter, 38, could show off his sporting competitiveness with his slick footwork on the dancefloor rather than the pitch.
Andy Murray
While it would be lovely to see the Scottish tennis pro samba on a Saturday night, it looks like this might be a long shot in the end given how well his men's doubles went at Wimbledon - he was taken out by the top seeds in the second round.
So it is probably more likely that he will be on the court than in the ballroom.
Una Healy
The Saturdays singer is also tipped to put on her dancing shoes and is currently on favourable odds of 10/1.
The 37-year-old mum-of-two brought out a solo single last year, 'Never See Me Cry' and launched her own shoe range 'Una Healy Original'.
Michelle Visage
Former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Michelle is also rumoured to be on the next Strictly as the reality judge will be the in the UK for the British version of RuPaul's Drag Race.
She currently has 16/1 odds with Ladbrokes and Coral, and has said on a recent podcast with RuPaul that she will be in the UK later this year, and it might not just be for Drag Race promos.
Adrian Dunbar
Fresh from his success on Line Of Duty, hunky actor Adrian Dunbar has been tipped by bookies for Strictly success.
The 60-year-old star, who appears as Ted Hastings in the hit BBC drama, is now 4-1 to be on the 2019 line-up.
"Line Of Duty's latest series has had everybody glued to their screens and despite the finale coming this weekend, Ted could well be gracing them a little more this year," said a spokesman for Coral.
"We make Adrian 4-1 to take to the Strictly dancefloor, where he would be an exceptionally popular contestant."
Lucy Worsley
Dr Lucy Worsley has ruled out a stint on Strictly - because of her husband Mark Hines's fears about the so-called Curse.
"I love Strictly Come Dancing , but my husband made me sign a 'pre-nup' to say I would never take part," the 45-year-old TV historian admitted.
"Partly because they always run off with their professional dance partner and partly because he thought it would be really bad for me – I love sequins and showing off a bit too much already. He hasn't specified anything about Dancing On Ice, however."
Mrs Hinch
Essex based social media sensation, whose real name is Sophie Hinchliffe, has apparently caught the attention of BBC bosses after they noticed her huge online following – known as the 'Hinch Army'.
According to heat magazine , BBC bosses believe the 29-year-old Instagram influencer, who blew up after a stint on This Morning, could be a "perfect fit" for the dazzling ballroom show.
"The country is obsessed with Mrs Hinch... she has a great personality and is super-glamorous, too, so [she] would be perfect in all the glitzy costumes," a TV source told the publication.
Their bid to back Sophie comes after YouTuber Joe Sugg was flooded with support in 2018, when he appeared on the show alongside his now-girlfriend Dianne Buswell.
"[The producers] are keen to keep the show current, and loved the influx of extra fans they got with vlogger Joe," the insider added.
Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp is being hotly tipped by bookies to join Strictly after his I'm A Celebrity success.
The former football manager stormed to victory on the ITV critter-filled show after the nation fell for his fond stories of wife Sandra and love of Jam Roly Polys.
Now, he looks like he could be swapping the jungle for sequins and fake tan.
However, his son Jamie may not be too pleased about it, as he encouraged him to decline the show last year.
"I told Jamie I was thinking of doing Strictly and I don't think he was pleased about it," he once said.
"And so I was offered the Jungle at the same time and chose to do that."
Keith Duffy
Sources at the dancing show revealed exclusively to the Mirror that singer Keith is on a long list of celebrities they are desperate to sign for this year's series.
Keith, 44, who once starred in Coronation Street has recently been touring with his Boyzone bandmates.
He has hinted in the past that he would be keen to strut his stuff on the Strictly dancefloor, saying he'd much rather appear on the BBC 1 version than Ireland's Dancing With The Stars.
He said: "To be honest, we have some great fans here in Ireland who I love dearly. To do a show like that, you want to get maximum exposure, that's why you do it.
"If you do a show in the UK, it's shown in Ireland as well so you get the Irish audience and the UK audience. If I had the choice I would do the one in the UK because it goes out in the UK and in Ireland. It keeps all the territories happy."
Natasha Hamilton
It seems BBC bosses could be seeking out more 90s nostalgia as Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton is also rumoured to in talks for the show.
It's said producers feel that adding Natasha, 36, to the line-up could be a 'ratings hit'.
The mum is currently training for a new career as a beauty therapist so a spot on the show could be a perfect opportunity for her to return to the limelight.
Natasha is no stranger to reality TV having starred in Celebrity Big Brother and Just the Two of Us.
While her on stage performance could also give her hand up in the competition. Natasha previously starred as Ms Johnstone in the West End production of Blood Brothers and appeared as the title character in Cinderella in Southport theatre.
Radzi Chinyanganya
Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya is said to be in 'advance talks' with Strictly bosses to appear in the latest series.
The rumours come after Chinyanganya plans to quit the long-running childrens' TV show were confirmed, meaning he's got a lot of free time on his hands and is possibly looking for a career change.
Chinyananya also has a lot of young fans which could open up Strictly to a whole new audience.
Chris Evans
Chris Evans has confirmed that he will be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2019 - becoming the first name to throw his hat in the ring.
This comes just after Alan Carr was revealed to be in talks with the BBC dancing programme's bosses.
Appearing on The One Show in December 2018, the 52-year-old BBC Radio 2 host opened up to presenter Alex Jones.
Alex began by saying: "If rumours are to be believed you won't have time to do panto next year. Can you confirm or deny that you'll be on Strictly?"
"Well, I have said yes," he confirmed.
Huw Edwards
BBC News anchor Huw Edwards admitted he was in talks with Strictly bosses in January, following his cameo on the show to read out the voting rules.
"Following my stellar appearance reading out the terms and conditions in early December, where I basically set the British television world alight, I was asked if I'd consider Strictly," he joked to Radio 2's Steve Wright.
"And I think the answer is, Steve, I've come here today for some advice. Despite all appearances, I am quite shy.
"That's what scares me. I think I've just got to ponder it... just gauge public opinion."
Louis Theroux
Documentary maker Louis Theroux got his fans very excited when he suggested he could be getting his dancing shoes on in 2019.
The star, famous for taking on controversial topics for his films, joked that he was the next winner of the show as he congratulated Stacey Dooley on her victory.
Taking to Twitter , he said: "Congrats, @ StaceyDooley ! Me next! (JK)."
The official Strictly account was quick to respond, sending back a phone emoji.
Louis' fans got incredibly excited by the idea.
"PETITION FOR THIS TO BE A THING," one said.
While another told him: "I'd pay all my money in votes for you to be on strictly. No ifs, no buts."
"Please be the sort of joke where you’re joking but you kinda not at the same time," another said.
And one follower asked him: "Pls do strictly while simultaneously making a documentary series about doing strictly"
Alan Carr
Comedian Alan Carr confirmed he was in talks to take part in the show during an appearance on Loose Women.
But he admitted there's something about the contest that he really hates.
He told the panel: "Oh my, listen. Listen! I will do it but next year I’ve got a busy year, I’m going on tour!
"They cornered me and they said, 'Would you do it?' and I would do it but I hate those VTs where you know, 'We're doing Salsa so we're off to a dips factory', you know what I mean?
"They go to Chester Zoo or a museum, but I'm like, I need to be in the studio now doing the Argentine Tango. Step away from the rhino - I want to stick a rose in my mouth and do the thing!"
Jodie Comer
The stand-out Killing Eve star is rumoured to be taking a break from murdering people in any number of gruesome ways to get her spray-tan on.
Jodie plays psychopathic killer Villanelle opposite Sandra Oh’s Eve Polastri in the acclaimed BBC America thriller, which will return for a second series spring 2019.
But BBC bosses are said to be desperate to get her signed up to Strictly, believing she'll be a big pull with the voting audience.
Sadly, Jodie reckons she's not up to the standard required.
"They were like, 'Maybe next year, Jodie?' I was like, 'Mmm, no, I don’t think so!'," she joked.
"I'd embarrass myself, definitely!"
However, she was spotted in the audience of the Strictly final in December 2018, watching on as close friend Stacey lifted the Glitterball.
"I went with my mum and my nan because my nan is a Strictly superfan," she said.
"It was a once in a lifetime for her so it was really fun."
Dan Osborne
He enjoyed a successful stint on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, coming third in the Channel 5 series.
And now former TOWIE star Dan Osborne is keen to expand his horizons, gently putting it out there that he's keen to take part in Strictly Come Dancing 2019.
Asked by a fan if he'd sign up for Dancing On Ice - or any other reality show - he replied, "We will see what happens next year but I don't know about Dancing on Ice .
"I can't even dance on the floor, let alone the ice."
However, if the Beeb comes a'knocking...
"I'd like to do Strictly Come Dancing because I'd like to learn how to dance and do it, but not on ice," he admitted.
Bez
Bez - aka the maraca-shaking Mark Berry off the Happy Mondays - has begged Beeb bosses for a spot on the line-up.
The Mirror revealed how Bez is desperate for a chance to shine on the dancefloor - despite being disqualified from Celebrity Bargain Hunt last year for cheating.
"Yes, the ending of Bargain Hunt had to be re-shot but everyone took it in good humour. And Bez paid back his ill-gotten £8 winnings, so he is still in good favour," a source told us.
"The Bargain Hunt cheating scandal was talked about everywhere, even Gogglebox. If anything, it made the show. Everyone knows Bez would be a ratings hit on Strictly."
Jack P Shepherd
Coronation Street legend Jack P Shepherd has said he'd do Strictly.
He ruled out a stint on Dancing On Ice, and said he'd be too scared to do I'm A Celebrity.
Speaking to Best magazine, Jack said: "I do Strictly over any of the others. I couldn't do Dancing On Ice.
"If I did I'm A Celebrity I'd probably upset someone by saying something that's not PC and lose my job."
*Strictly Come Dancing returns in autumn 2019 to BBC One.
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