Strictly Come Dancing is officially back on our television screens and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably over the moon (or should we have said glitterball?).
After the glitz and glamour of the launch show on Friday night (September 23) your brain might be a little frazzled – but fear not because we’ve got the lowdown.
If you’re wondering who is paired with who – look no further.
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Keep reading to discover who the likes of Kym Marsh, James Bye and Helen Skelton are all paired with.
Oh, and be prepared to get introduced to some new sizzling professional dancers.
(Image: PA)
Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin
Eleanor May Simmonds, OBE – or as we know her Ellie Simmonds – is a British former Paralympian swimmer.
It was announced on Friday that Ellie is paired with Nikita who was previously paired with Tilly Ramsay last season.
Ellie opened up about the pair working out how to dance together, explaining: “The disability representation and dwarfism and it’s so out of my comfort zone and it’s about adapting.
“Nikita and I were saying, ‘How are we going to work it,’ and we’re both in the unknown. He’s never danced with anyone with dwarfism before, I’ve never danced before, so how’s it going to work out. I’ve seen Rose do it last year, JJ, Lauren and Johnny.”
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
X Factor runner up and Sax singer Fleur already has an already glowing career spanning almost a decade.
With esteemed TV credits already, where aside from The X Factor she has competed in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and now Strictly – Fleur continues to host a breakfast show on Hits Radio.
Fleur has been paired with professional partner Vito Coppola, who said on Friday night’s show: “Behind this smile I’m very tough but I’m sure that she’s going to be alright because she’s a hard worker too!”
Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
Ellie is a beloved comedian and TV personality who has starred on a slew of great programmes like 8 Out of 10 Cats, Fake Reaction, Mock the Week and Plebs.
The hilarious 38-year-old brunette beauty is paired up with pro Johannes who joined Strictly in 2018.
Esteemed in his profession, Johannes choreographed the West End-themed Rusical on RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World.
Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Much-loved former Blue Peter turned Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton has been paired with Gorka Marquez.
Prior to finding out who she was paired with, Helen said: “They need to be fun, patient, they probably need to be good with dogs and kids and understand a Northern accent.”
Taking to Twitter, one fan said: “As soon as she said someone who likes kids, dogs and understands a northern accent I knew it would be Gorka!”
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Wildlife expert and presenter, Hamza Yassin, became a fan favourite within minutes of first appearing on Strictly.
His goal is to get a 10 from stern judge Craig, and this could become reality after being paired up with Jowita Przystal.
Speaking about Hamza, Jowita said: “He is just fearless, I can see that, which is very helpful for me! He’s strong and he’s also patient, that’s really important. So, I just cannot wait to go and start rehearsals!”
James Bye and Amy Dowden
(Image: PA)
EastEnders actor, James Bye who plays the role of Martin Fowler – or the ‘hunky fruit and veg man’ as he described himself – has been paired with blonde bombshell Amy Dowden.
Speaking about his nerves before being paired up with Amy, James said: “For me, coming into the unknown is what’s scary, I’ve got zero dance experience… and then I met my dance partner, and he/she was amazing and completely made me feel at ease.”
After being paired with Amy he added: “I’m so relieved and I couldn’t be happier, I feel like the winner already!”
Kaye Adams and Kai Widdrington
BBC broadcaster Kaye Adams has been paired with pro dancer Kai Widdrington.
Speaking of her lack of dancing experience, Kaye said: “This is like walking to the North Pole in flip-flops for me.”
After being paired with Kai, Kaye said: “Can I just say to Mrs Widdrington, you have done an amazing job with this guy, he’s such a lovely man, he really is, I’m so happy to be with Kai!”
Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Hear’Say and Coronation Street legend Kym Marsh has been paired up with pro dancer Graziano Di Prima – and fans are so excited for this duo to take to the dancefloor.
Clearly over the moon with the pairing, Kym was also a tad nervous.
Speaking about the moment she found out who she would be dancing with, she said: “my stomach was churning, but I was delighted!”
One fan took to Twitter to say: “Graziano is a brilliant pro and he stands a chance of going all the way this year with Kym. She’s amazing!!!! Good luck guys.”
Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova
Matt Goss was the lead singer of 1980s pop group Bros, and now he is gearing up to take to the dancefloor.
The singer said: “I want to be rolled in sequins and glitter,” before being paired with blonde beauty Nadiya.
Speaking of the pairing, the pretty professional said: “I can’t wait to start teaching him and I can’t wait to start dancing with him.”
To which Matt added: “I’m ready to put my heart and soul into this!”
Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Comedian Jayde Adams is a total Strictly super fan and was thrilled to be paired with Karen Hauer.
Asked if the show is living up to her expectations, she said: “I feel like it’s not real, I feel like someone made a Strictly themed birthday party and I’m in the middle of it.”
Speaking about her new partner, Jayde said: Karen IS Strictly,” while Karen said: “I’m absolutely excited, I have so many ideas, too many ideas, this is going to be a golden moment for me.”
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
CBBC star Molly is paired with Carlos Gu, and she seems simply delighted about it.
Speaking about joining the 2022 cast, Molly said: “I can’t wait to get dancing and get learning some stuff, I feel like it’s going to be electric!”
When she spoke to Claudia during the launch show, she revealed that she’s not sure if her dad will vote for her.
She said: “Obviously he’s going to have to vote for me but if it was his choice, he’s a football fan, Tony Adams might get his vote.”
Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Radio 2 host Richie Anderson admitted he had specific requirements for his partner.
Prior to getting paired up he said: “As the great 80s philosopher Sinitta said, ‘he’s got to be big and strong and enough to… whirl me around the dance floor!”
Richie was then paired with reigning champion Giovanni Pernice, who lifted the glitterball last year with Rose Ayling-Ellis.
When Richie found out who his pro would be he said: “Could you get anyone better than Mr Giovanni? I feel like I’m the envy of the British public right now.”
Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Former England and Arsenal legend Tony Adams is starring on Strictly this year, and upon being paired with a pro he said: “I want someone that’s talented, that’s a winner.”
And his wishes came true because he was paired with professional dancer Katya Jones.
Upon being coupled up, Katya told him: “We’re going to tackle some dancing, we’re a team now, we’ll work together.”
Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Next up was KISS FM DJ, Tyler West. When asked about whether his Mum, a huge Strictly fan, was
pleased with who he’d be partnered with, he answered, “Oh absolutely! I don’t actually think she’s
come here tonight to see me; she’s come to see her!” We then saw him paired with his partner,
Dianne Buswell, who quickly suggested the team moniker, ‘Team TyeDie’.
Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
Esteemed actor Will Mellor has been paired with Nancy Xu – but before the pairing was announced, Will revealed his secret link to the programme.
He revealed that he had an unexpected connection to Anton Du Beke when he said: “I’ve seen Anton about because he lives near the same village as me, I saw him at the tip!”
After finding out Nancy was his pro dancing partner, will said: “We match well… I’m like an excitable puppy and so’s she!”
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 6.45pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
