The nation's competitive dancing show is back, and the celebrity line-up has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.
Scottish journalist and Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams will battle against the other 14 contestants with the hopes of lifting the Glitterball - but they'll all have to impress the judging panel and audience to do so. The contestants will dust off their dancing shoes and perform alongside a host of professional partners, all of which will be chosen in the coming weeks.
So, what is there to know about the new season of Strictly Come Dancing 2022? Read on for everything we know so far, from new judges to start dates and much more.
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When does Strictly Come Dancing 2022 begin?
Although no start date has been confirmed for this years Strictly, estimations can be made based on previous series of the show. The 2021 series began on BBC One on Saturday, September 18 2021.
So, we could expect the 20th season of Strictly to air around the same time in September, with speculation on Saturday, September 17 2022 being the start date. Updates on the official start date will be posted here, as soon as we have them.
Who is appearing on Strictly Come Dancing 2022?
The official celebrity line-up has been confirmed for Strictly 2022, with 15 stars prepared to fight to get their hands on the Glitterball this year. Scottish star Kaye Adams has been announced in the line-up, and she will fight against the likes of actor Will Mellor and Countryfile star Helen Skelton on the show.
So, here is the full list of Strictly celebrities on the show in 2022:
Will Mellor
English actor Will Mellor was confirmed as the first star to appear on Strictly Come Dancing 2022. He is known for his roles as Jambo Bolton in Hollyoaks, Gaz Wilkinson in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, and Steve Connolly in Broadchurch.
Most recently, he played villain Harvey Gaskell in Coronation Street. Speaking of joining this year's Strictly cast, Will said: "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."
Kym Marsh
Kym is an actress, singer and television presenter, known for her part in Coronation Street as Michelle Connor. The star rose to fame in 2001 when she joined band Hear'Say after competing on Popstars.
As a huge fan of the show, Kym can't wait to get her dancing shoes on, saying: "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
Radio DJ Richie Anderson was third in line to be announced for the show. He is best known for his role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, where he presents the travel bulletins and also hosts a variety of his own shows.
When talking about joining the Strictly line-up, Anderson 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."
Kaye Adams
Scottish TV presenter Kaye Adams was next up for her spotlight in the Strictly line-up. Her most-known roles include anchoring ITV's Loose Women, and was a regular panellist on Channel 5's The Wright Stuff.
Adams said of joining the show: "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
Jayde Adams became the fifth contestant to join the Strictly line-up. Adams is best known for her work as a stand-up comedian, which has earned her a host of awards including Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Jayde was buzzing to join the line-up, saying: "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
Gold-medal Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds joined the cast next, bringing some sporting royalty to the show. Simmonds made history as the youngest British athlete at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, where she won gold in the 100m and 400m freestyle events.
When asked about joining the show, Simmonds was ecstatic, saying: "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
DJ Tyler West was the seventh star to join the Strictly line-up, taking to the dancefloor alongside his fellow celebs. The DJ began his entertainment career on CBBC, presenting the likes of MOTD KickAbout and Blue Peter, and currently hosts weekday afternoons on KISS.
Speaking of joining the Strictly line-up, Tyler said: "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
Frontman Matt Goss joined this years line-up a couple weeks ago, as the singer/songwriter was also announced on Monday, August 8 2022. He is best known for being the frontman of the band Bros alongside his twin brother Luke.
Speaking of joining the Strictly line-up, Matt said: “I’m extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down.”
Ellie Taylor
Comedian Ellie Taylor was next up on the announcement list for Strictly. 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 specials since.
Speaking about joining the Strictly 2022 line-up, Ellie said: “Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!"
She added: "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!"
Molly Rainford
Britain's Got Talent and CBBC star Molly Rainford became the tenth celeb to join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2022. Rainford shot to fame in 2012 when she was 11 years old as she became Britain's Got Talent's youngest ever finalist, performing Ave Maria and finishing sixth in the competition overall.
She currently stars as the title character, an intergalactic pop superstar, in CBBC series Nova Jones. Rainford said: "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!"
Tony Adams
English football manager and former professional football player Tony Adams MBE has joined the main celebrity line-up for Strictly 2022. Tony Adams's football career has spanned across three decades, having played for both Arsenal and the England national team.
The footballing legend said: "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.
"I 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."
Hamza Yassin
Countryfile presenter Hamza Yassin joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing on Thursday, August 11 2022. Viewers will recognise Hamza as one of the hosts of BBC’s Animal Park and a guest presenter on BBC’s Countryfile, where he shares his knowledge about wildlife with viewers.
When asked his thoughts on joining the line-up, 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 ‘1970s 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!”
James Bye
Eastenders star James Bye was the second-last contestant to be announced for Strictly 2022. Bye's other projects include drama series The Great Train Robbery and comedy film The Hooligan Factory, while he also has a background in the theatre.
James wrote an excited post on social media when his casting was announced, saying: "This has been so hard to keep a secret but it’s such a relief to be able to finally reveal that I will be smashing around the ballroom in this years Strictly.
"I feel so honoured to be part of such an amazing show and incredible group of people and I can’t wait to get started! Some big shoes to fill but hopefully I can do my family back in Walford proud. Wish me luck!"
Helen Skelton
Countryfile presenter and former Blue Peter co-host Helen Skelton was the final contestant to be announced for Strictly 2022. The TV hosts best known moments included presenting the 2012 Olympic Games, Countryfile and Newsround back in 2007.
Speaking about joining the show, Skelton said: “I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.”
Who are on the professionals list for Strictly Come Dancing 2022?
The list of Strictly professional dancers are as follows:
- Amy Dowden
- Aljaž Škorjanec
- Giovanni Pernice
- Dianne Buswell
- Gorka Marquez
- Graziano Di Prima
- Oti Mabuse
- Johannes Radebe
- Karen Hauer
- Katya Jones
- Luba Mushtuk
- Nadiya Bychkova
- Nancy Xu
- Neil Jones
- Kai Widdrington
- Cameron Lombard
- Nikita Kuzmin
- Jowita Przystal
- Vito Coppola
- Carlos Gu
- Lauren Oakle
- Michelle Tsiakkas.
Plenty to choose from, that's for sure.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 hosts and judging panel
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return to the series to present the show. They have co-hosted the programme since 2014.
There have been some changes to the judging panel in the last two series due to the Covid pandemic. However, this year's judging panel includes Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, head judge Shirley Ballas and newcomer Anton Du Beke.
Bruno Tonioli announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Strictly, allowing Anton Du Beke to step in as a permanent replacement.
For more information on Strictly Come Dancing 2022, visit the BBC programme information website here. You can also check out Strictly's official social media accounts as well.
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