Strictly Come Dancing has just dropped some star-studded names for its 2024 lineup, with DIY SOS hero Nick Knowles, Olympic champ Sam Quek and footballing legend Paul Merson set to shimmy across the dance floor this autumn. They’ll be joining an already glittering cast including Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Toyah Willcox, and JB Gill – just to drop a few heavy hints.
Despite the big reveal happening on The One Show, eagle-eyed fans had already caught a glimpse of two of the celebs sneaking into rehearsals ahead of the official announcement.
Nick, ever the self-deprecator, claimed he’s the “least talented” in his family tree because his siblings have industry chops while he fashions himself as more of a hands-on, rough-around-the-edges type. Asked about his chances to make it to Blackpool, the telly builder replied with a cheeky grin that he’s “going to go for it,” while tossing in a wisecrack about hoping not to ” roll another ankle.”
(Image: BBC)
Chatting about strapping on his dancing shoes, Knowles gushed: “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.”
Paul was also buzzing to be the second celeb dropped on The One Show, expressing relief that he could finally spill the beans as he’s not one for lying – having even confessed to his mum days earlier. He excitedly spoke about donning his sequins, saying: “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.”, reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, Sam emerged as the last star to be announced when one of the show’s hosts popped over to her home in the Wirral for a grand reveal. Chipping in her fears and thrills, Sam said: “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.”
Stoked for her stint on the iconic telly dance-off, Sam added: “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.”
Behind-the-scenes snaps showed Nick and Paul sneaking into rehearsals with top names like Chris McCausland, Sarah Hadland, and Love Island’s own Tasha. The duo were ushered through a side entrance, keeping it hush-hush about their identity.
The BBC also let slip other big guns joining the fray, including EastEnders ‘ Jamie Borthwick, TOWIE favourite Pete Wicks, and singer Shayne Ward, known for his performances in Corrie and The X Factor fame.
(Image: BBC)
The glittering line-up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing just keeps getting more star-studded too, with Morning Live’s very own Dr Punam Krishan set to slip on her dancing shoes, alongside rock legend Toyah Willcox. In addition, Go Compare advert icon Wynne Evans, Olympian swimmer Tom Dean and JLS heartthrob JB Gill are also in the mix.
Throw in Gladiator and Olympian powerhouse Montell Douglas, AKA Fire, and you’ve got TV gold!
But if that wasn’t enough to get your sequins in a twist, last week’s Lorraine show revealed that Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland are getting set to salsa. Shayne, 39, who captured hearts by winning The X Factor back in 2005 and later graced Weatherfield as the troubled Aidan Connor, gushed about his new gig: “I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life!”
Equally thrilled, Sarah, 53, famed for her role as Stevie Sutton in Miranda, exclaimed: “I cannot believe I am part of Strictly!”
This season’s casting has gone full reality-tv-mode, boasting more reality stars than any other year in its two decades on air.
Love Island favourite Tasha, 25, snagged a spot after finishing fourth in the villa two years ago. She makes history as the second Love Island grad to cha-cha on Strictly, hot on the heels of last year’s sensation, Zara, 27.
(Image: BBC)
Essex has never looked shinier with TOWIE’s own Pete, 36, also joining the jive. A close friend of 2023’s sparkler Zara, he’s stepping onto the dance floor as the first TOWIE personality since Mark Wright twirled back in 2014.
Despite the drama that’s been shaking up the dance floor, with pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima getting the boot over misconduct allegations – which Giovanni has flatly denied – a star-studded roster has been locked in for Strictly’s 2024 autumn series.
Graziano found himself in hot water after claims surfaced that he gave his partner Zara McDermott a kick during practice, but he’s also crying foul over these accusations. In the meantime, the grapevine is buzzing with whispers that “new evidence” has emerged concerning the buzz around Giovanni Pernice and his alleged treatment of dance partner Amanda Abbington.
An unnamed source previously told The Sun that they believe this evidence includes some “sexual comments” from Giovanni’s end which he’s vehemently denied. The source dished out to the tabloid: “Giovanni maintains he’s done nothing wrong, and Amanda insists everything she has told the BBC is true. So whatever decision the BBC comes to, it is unlikely to be the end of the matter.”
A pal close to Amanda has voiced fears that the investigation and its outcomes will be quietly ignored by the show’s bigwigs. They suggested: “They didn’t want two catastrophes in one week. ”
Commenting discreetly, they spilled the beans on the inquiry, and even suggested it had been delayed due to the Huw Edwards scandal, adding: “They delayed it because of Edwards.”
However the BBC shot down the rumours, insisting: “The Strictly report and the Huw Edwards case are entirely unrelated.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
