Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is now officially underway. Once again we are being treated to unforgettable group routines, world-class music acts performing in the Strictly Ballroom, theme weeks, and this weekend will see the return of Movie Week!
There was some worry that we might not have a series this year after serious complaints of abusive behaviour have been made by past contestants of the show. The BBC's director general, Tim Davie, has apologised saying: "There will be a degree of competitiveness and will to do well, but there are limits and the line should never be crossed. We never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind. We are very sorry that anyone has had an experience that hasn’t been wholly positive. That is something we need to reflect on and I’m sorry about that."
For the first time, Strictly will be more accessible than ever for viewers with live signing available on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button.
After the huge success of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 that saw Coronation Street star Ellie Leech joining the Strictly Come Dancing winners list after lifting the glitterball trophy with dance partner Vito Coppola, who could be following in her fox-trotting footsteps for 2024?
Here is everything we know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024, including who has left the show so far...
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 release date and next episode
Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, September 14 with the launch show. The third live show will air on Saturday, October 5 at 6.25 pm.
The second Sunday night results show will air on Sunday, October 6 at 7.15 pm on BBC One.
You can also catch up on all the Strictly 2024 gossip on Strictly: It Takes Two which airs every weekday evening at 6.30 pm on BBC Two.
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 celebrity line up
Chris McCausland
The first official announcement saw comedian Chris McCausland confirmed for the brand-new series. Chris, who suffers from the hereditary condition retinitis pigmentosa, lost his sight completely at 22 years old, making him the first blind contestant to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. The star has been a comedian for over two decades and is a regular face on flagship comedy shows like Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You?, QI, The Last Leg, and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Speaking of his new adventure, Chris says: "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 McCausland is paired with Dianne Buswell, who reached the final last year. Claudia said that the pairing was dreamy to which Chris said: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!”
JB Gill
JLS singer, TV presenter and author JB Gill will be swapping mud and wellies for lycra and glitter as he joins Chris on the dance floor.
Most viewers will know that JB rose to fame as a member of one of the UK’s biggest boybands – JLS, who have accumulated five number-one singles, over 10 million record sales worldwide and have won a multitude of awards.
But JB is also an avid and award-winning farmer and was the lead presenter on CBeebies’ BAFTA-nominated television series, Down On The Farm, Channel 5’s On The Farm series, plus contributions to the BBC’s Countryfile and Springwatch. JB Gill has also been a part of the presenting team for BBC Songs of Praise since 2017 and has his own TV show Cooking With The Gills on Channel 5.
This isn't the first time JB has shown off his fancy footwork on the Strictly dancefloor. Speaking of his time on the Christmas special, 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 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!”
JB is paired with Amy Dowden MBE. Claudia asked Amy what it was like being back in the Strictly Ballroom, Amy said: “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing.”
Wynne Evans
Wynne Evans, best known for his operatic skills, was the third celebrity to be revealed for the 2024 series. Throughout his 25-year career Wynne has had two number-one classical music albums, has been a principal at most of the major opera houses around the world and has given over 200 performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Wynne currently has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales and has previously had radio shows on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
Speaking of joining Strictly Wynne says: “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. 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 Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!”
Wynne Evans is dancing with Katya Jones and when asked by Claudia how he was feeling about finding out who is Professional Dancer is Wynne said “I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get. Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!”
Toyah Willcox
Singer and actress Toyah Willcox was the fourth celebrity to be revealed. Toyah has been performing across stage and screen for over 50 years. She is an award-winning rock legend with hit singles like ‘It's A Mystery’, ‘I Want to Be Free’ and ‘Brave New World’ and played at this year’s Glastonbury Festival with her husband, Robert Fripp. She has amassed thirteen top 40 singles, recorded twenty-five albums, written two books, appeared in over forty stage plays, acted in over twenty feature films and presented many television programmes. In 2018 Paul McCartney awarded Toyah a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Companionship for Outstanding Achievement in music, drama, performance and media.
Toyah Willcox 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!”
Toyah is partnered with Neil Jones and she said: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
Punam Krishan
Punam Krishan, a resident GP on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland, is the fifth celebrity to be announced for the show. Alongside being a practicing NHS GP, Punam regularly reports on health news as a broadcaster on TV, radio and national newspapers and has also written her own children’s book with additional books in the pipeline.
Speaking of joining Strictly, 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.”
Dr Punam is dancing with Gorka Márquez, who has scored more tens than any other Professional Dancer currently on the show. On her pairing, Punam said: “Oh I'm absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you've got so many years of experience. I can't wait to take you up north to bonnie Scotland.”
Tasha Ghouri
The sixth celebrity announced for this year's lineup is Tasha Ghouri and the news was announced on the Kiss FM Breakfast Show. Tasha is a model and TV personality who is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community. She appeared on Love Island 2022, and since then has amassed a following of over 2.2 million across her social media network. Tasha has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart. She is a published author with her debut novel 'Hits Different' and has her own podcast, 'Superpowers with Tasha'.
Talking about joining Strictly 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 is paired with Aljaž Škorjanec - who is back after a two-year hiatus. She said: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.”
Pete Wicks
Pete Wicks is celebrity number 7. Pete is best known for his television appearances and presenting including on the red carpet at the BRIT Awards, Pride of Britain Awards and National Television Awards. Pete first appeared on our screens on the BAFTA award-winning ITV show TOWIE in 2015. Alongside this Pete Wicks co-hosts the award-nominated podcast ‘Staying Relevant’ which has had over 5 million downloads to date and has been number one in the comedy charts numerous times.
Pete says: “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.”
Pete Wicks is dancing with Jowita Przystał. When asked if having Jowita by his side makes it all worthwhile, Pete enthusiastically responded, “Oh, 100%! The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”
Shayne Ward
Coronation Street favourite Shayne Ward is the eighth contestant confirmed.
Soap fans will remember Shayne as factory boss Aidan Connor, who had a heartbreaking exit from the show back in 2018 when the character took his own life. Talking of his Strictly adventure, 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!"
Shayne Ward is paired with Nancy Xu and when asked by Claudia how happy he was about the pairing, Shayne said: “I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey."
Sarah Hadland
Sarah Hadland, who is best known as Stevie Sutton in beloved BBC sitcom Miranda, is the ninth contestant announced. Sarah is about to star in BBC Three sitcom Daddy Issues and has starred in countless other shows including The Job Lot, Waterloo Road, and That Mitchell & Webb Look.
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!"
Sarah is paired with reigning Strictly champion, Vito Coppola. She said: “I am a [Strictly] superfan, I’d be taking it very seriously if I was at home! Depending on which WhatsApp group I was with, you wouldn’t be able to talk during the dances, that’s a very strict rule. You just have to be making lots of mental notes, lots of predictions!”
Jamie Borthwick
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, who plays the popular character Jay Brown in the soap, is the 10th star announced.
Jamie is no stranger to the Strictly dancefloor, having won the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Christmas Special when he was partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu and danced a very impressive Quickstep. Judges were blown away by his performance.
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 is partnered with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. Jamie said about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year that: “that’s what swung me hook, line and sinker - I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole thirteen weeks.”
Tom Dean - first to leave
Tom Dean reportedly let slip that he will be in this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up at the Paris Olympics after helping Team GB retain their men’s 4x200m freestyle title. According to PA news, Tom 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."
Swimming legend Tom has now been confirmed as the 11th star on the show. He follows in the footsteps of his fellow Team GB teammate Adam Peaty, who finished ninth on Strictly Come Dancing 2021, alongside his professional partner Katya Jones.
Tom is dancing with Nadiya Bychkova. Claudia asked Tom about his concerns regarding his delicate feet. Tom explained, “We don’t do any land stuff, no running or jumping, so I’ve never really gone against gravity in my sporting career. Running, jumping, and twisting are all totally new to me, so I’m slowly trying to build up strength in these delicate feet of mine!”
Montell Douglas
Montell Douglas, who is better known as Fire in the BBC hit show Gladiators, is the twelfth celebrity contestant confirmed.
Montell has an impressive CV before joining the Saturday night family show. The star made sporting history by becoming the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympics as part of Team GB as both a sprinter and a bobsledder.
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 Paso Doble!"
Montell is paired with Johannes Radebe. Claudia asked Montell how happy she was with her pairing, to which Montell said: “How can you not be, I don't think there is a person on this earth who doesn't want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!”
Nick Knowles
Nick Knowles has been officially confirmed as the 13th star taking part after weeks of stories he was in the new series. He's best known for fronting DIY SOS but will his dancing skills need a dramatic makeover?
Nick says: "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. 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 is dancing with Luba Mushtuk. When asked if he thought they would be a good match, Nick said, “Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race....we’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of bodywork done, though – a spray paint, literally.”
Paul Merson
Former Arsenal player and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is the 14th star confirmed. Paul says: "Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I'm going to tackle this challenge head on. 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!"
Paul is dancing with Karen Hauer. When asked about his pairing, Paul responded, “Yeah, I’m well happy. So pleased. You’ve put the two oldest together… and I’m one of them!”
Sam Quek
Sam Quek, the final star confirmed, rose to fame as part of Team GB's hockey team when she won a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Since then she has appeared on I'm a Celebrity, Celebrity MasterChef and was a captain on BBC quiz show Question of Sport. Sam says: "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! 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."
Sam is dancing with Nikita Kuzmin. Tess asked her what viewers can expect from her as a dancer, Sam said: “I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!” Nikita said: “Everybody spoke of Sam so well. She’s so lovely and she’s so caring, I cannot wait to start.”
Who has left Strictly Come Dancing 2025 so far?
First to leave - Tom Dean
Strictly fans were left stunned when three-time Olympic champion Tom Dean and his professional dancing partner Nadiya Bychkova became the first couple to leave the show after facing Toyah Willcox and her partner Neil Jones. Speaking of his exit Tom said: "I've had the best time [over] the last few weeks and getting to work with Nadiya has been incredible. I've had the most fun and I wish we could keep going longer and longer. We'll still go out for loads of brunches, I'm sure."
Weekly themes and dances
Week one
Chris & Dianne Cha Cha to Twist and Shout by The Beatles
Jamie & Michelle Viennese Waltz to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
JB & Amy Waltz to When I Need You by Leo Sayer
Montell & Johannes Foxtrot to Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby by Dinah Washington
Nick & Luba Jive to We Built This City by Starship
Paul & Karen American Smooth to Vindaloo by Fat Les
Pete & Jowita Paso Doble to Breathe by The Prodigy
Punam & Gorka Cha Cha to Love At First Sight by Kylie Minogue
Sam & Nikita Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes
Sarah & Vito Quickstep to 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton
Shayne & Nancy Samba to Do I Do by Stevie Wonder
Tasha & Aljaz Cha Cha to Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
Tom & Nadiya Tango to Golden by Harry Styles
Toyah & Neil Tango to Ray Of Light by Madonna
Wynne & Katya Samba to Help Yourself by Tom Jones
Week two
Montell and Johannes Samba to Fuego by Eleni Foureira
Punam and Gorka Foxtrot to Man! I Feel Like A Woman! by Shania Twain
Sam and Nikita Charleston to Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys
Sarah and Vito Paso Doble to Freed From Desire by Gala, Molella and Phil Jay
Tasha and Aljaž Viennese Waltz to Misty Blue by Dorothy Moore
Toyah and Neil Jive to Nutbush City Limits by Ike and Tina Turner
Chris and Dianne Foxtrot to Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy by The Tams
Jamie and Michell Rumba to Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers
JB and Amy Cha Cha to Closer by Ne-Yo
Nick and Luba American Smooth to Parklife by Blur
Paul and Karen Salsa to Fireball by Pitbull, John Ryan
Pete and Jowita American Smooth to I Had Some Help by Post Malone
Shayne and Nancy Tango to The Door by Teddy Swims
Tom and Nadiya Cha Cha to Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire
Wynne and Katya Viennese Waltz to The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II
Week three - movie week
Montell and Johannes Tango to One Night Only from Dreamgirls
Punam and Gorka Couples Choice to bole Chudiyan from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Sam and Nikita Paso Doble to Elevation - Tomb Raider Mix from Tomb Raider
Sarah and Vito Viennese Waltz to Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter
Tasha and Aljaž Rumba to What Was I Made For from Barbie
Toyah and Neil Samba to Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid
Chris and Dianne Jive to Bohemian Rhapsody from Wayne's World
Jamie and Michelle Quickstep to I'm Still Standing from Rocketman
JB and Amy American Smooth to Pure Imagination from Wonka
Nick and Luba Charleston to Rain on the Roof from Paddington 2
Paul and Karen Cha Cha to The Magnificent Seven from The Magnificent Seven
Pete and Jowitza Samba to George of The Jungle from George of The Jungle
Shayne and Nancy Viennese Waltz to If I Can Dream from Elvis
Wynne and Katya Cha Cha to Papa's Got A Brand New Bag from Mrs Doubtfire
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 professional dancers
The show's Professional Dancers will once again dazzle viewers with their extraordinary talent and choreography. This year we will see the return of Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
The good news for Strictly viewers is that fan favorite Aljaž Škorjanec will return to the Strictly Come Dancing Ballroom as a Professional Dancer for the brand-new series after two years away from the show.
There are a few names missing from the lineup for 2024 with Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima both leaving the show. Both professional dancers have recently faced allegations from some of their former partners about their teaching methods — which they have both rejected.
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 judges
Of course, the multi-award-winning competition is not complete without its fabulous judges.
The judging panel for 2024 remains the same as last year with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Head Judge Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all returning.
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 hosts
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been co-presenting the series since 2010 and are both back for another year.
Is there a trailer for Strictly Come Dancing 2024?
Yes! A brand new trailer has landed and it is just as fun and sparkly as we had hoped.
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2023?
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned champions of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The couple won the hearts of the nation with their infectious friendship and positive nature, and bowled the judges over with their performances each week - no mean feat considering Ellie had never danced before starting the show back in September!
Ellie and Vito reached the final where they battled it out for the glitterball trophy against Bobby and Dianne and Layton and Nikita. They danced an American Smooth to Robbie Williams’ cover of Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, a paso doble to Insomnia by 2WEI, and their show dance to a Jennifer Lopez megamix, with the public deciding they should be the very worthy 2023 winners.
