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Ruth Lawes, Meghna Amin and Sabrina BarrPublished Aug 7, 2024, 7:48am|Updated Aug 7, 2024, 11:24pm
It’s nearing the end of summer and that can only mean one thing – Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is around the corner.
The BBC has started announcing the celebrity line-up and today so far Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and Zara McDermott’s friend Pete Wicks have been announced.
Comedian Chris McCausland, who is making history as the first blind contestant; JLS singer JB Gill, who was a runner-up on The X Factor, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans; 80s music icon Toyah Willcox and BBC Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan were previously confirmed.
But rumours have also been swirling over who else could be dancing the Foxtrot or taking on the Cha Cha Cha with several big names including Hannah Waddingham and Nick Knowles tipped for the show as it enters its 20th year.
Yesterday, a line-up ‘leaked’ online – and it suggests a Love Island star and an Olympian could be trying to impress judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood,Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
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It has been a tough few months for Strictly after allegations emerged about the teaching methods of dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. They are not competing this year.
Giovanni has denied the claims by Amanda Abbington, while Graziano said that he ‘regretted’ the actions that led to his departure after he was partnered with Zara McDermott.
Professional dancers confirmed this year include Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell.
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Let’s find out who they could be paired with!
We’re signing off for the night!
Laura Harman
We’re now signing this blog off for the night, but stay tuned tomorrow for more updates as the official announcements continue!
With just seven contestants officially confirmed, we are still waiting to hear who the other eight contestants will be!
Wynne Evans defended as Strictly fans say he’s ‘not exactly a celebrity’
Laura Harman
The opera singer, better known for his appearances in the Go Compare adverts has been slammed by fans with leaving negative comments on the post announcing he’d be in the show that read: ‘Not exactly a celebrity is he?’
Rushing to his defence fans were quick to slam the negative comments and remind commenters that he recently won Celebrity Masterchef. He was additionally supported by the cast of Strictly who expressed their excitement that he’d be joining the team.
Shirley Ballas commented on the social media post: ‘Ahh fabulous. Go Comparreeee. Welcome@wynneevans❤️’
Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Dianne Buswell, Motsi Mabuse, Gorka Marquez and Nikita Kuzmin, added to the Strictly love as they echoed Shirley’s sentiment and also welcomed the singer to the family with sweet comments.
Maura Higgins makes hilarious innuendo supporting Pete Wicks
Laura Harman
TV presenter Maura Higgins left a dirty joke on Pete Wicks’s post announcing his participation in the latest series of the show.
After the pair were allegedly seen looking cosy and kissing over the weekend, she joked on Pete’s post revealing he’s taking part in the show: ‘I know what those hips can do 😂🕺🏻 PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!❤️’
Pete responded that he was ‘dead’ as he laughed at the former Love Island star’s cheeky comment.
Zara McDermott gives Tasha Ghouri Strictly advice
Laura Harman
Former Strictly contestant Zara gave some advice to Tasha who is set to take part in the competition later this year.
In a comment on a recent Instagram post from Tasha, the former Love Island star said: ‘This is going to be epic ❤️❤️❤️ have the most amazing journey ✨ p.s. start stocking up on the compeed now 😂😂😂 xxx’
The handy tip suggested that Zara may have found herself with quite a few blisters during her 2023 stint on the show as she passed on the hack to the next former Love Island cast member to appear on the show.
Chris McCausland brushes off concern about his participation in the series
Laura Harman
Chris McCausland is the first blind contestant to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
While his inclusion in the show has been praised, some fans are concerned about the logistics and how he will be able to take part in the intense competition.
‘Having done a couple of years of dance classes I can’t fathom how @chrismccausland is going to cope on Strictly with such limited time to learn dances etc. Absolutely brilliant that he is; it would almost make me watch it!’ tweeted Vicgoddard.
Replying to the message from the fan the comedian joked: ‘Neither can I 😟😏.’
Neither can I ðð
— Chris McCausland – New tour on sale now! ð« (@chrismccausland) August 6, 2024
Tasha Ghouri reveals Strictly is her ‘dream’ in emotional post
Laura Harman
Tasha Ghouri has revealed that participating in the dance competition has been her dream for some time as she reflected on learning to love dancing because she could feel the vibrations of the music.
‘My passion for dance started when I could feel the bass and vibrations through my body by the huge floor standing speakers in our family home.
‘Hearing the lyrics was down to lip reading the videos on the TV or going on Google and learning them which I still do now and still get them wrong! 😂 I’ve never learned or been taught any of the styles on Strictly so I’m buzzed to push myself past my knowledge and limits 💫’
She then added: I am dancing to represent and offer confidence to anyone, with a disability or not, that struggles to believe in themselves or the opportunities they could take 💘
‘As well as this being my dream, it’s also my family’s and Andrew’s. Every dance I do is for you all. I can’t wait to make you all proud on the ballroom floor.’
Strictly pro Karen Hauer is fitness goals
Sabrina Barr
While the celebrities continue to be announced for Strictly 2024 – with eight more to go – the professional dancers in the line-up are currently in the middle of rehearsals as they get ready for the BBC programme to return.
Karen Hauer has revealed her fitness routine that she did in preparation for the day on Wednesday, including a spin on her exercise bike, as well as using an exercise band while balancing on one foot.
Serious fitness goals!
‘What a way to prepare! Good for you Karen,’ a fan called Alison wrote, while Kathryn added: ‘Just brilliant and always motivating.’
Who’s most likely to win the Glitterball Trophy so far?
Sabrina Barr
Of the celebrities who’ve been confirmed for Strictly 2024, there are already predictions about how well they’re going to fare in the competition.
According to bookmaker Ladbrokes, Love Island star and dancer Tasha Ghouri has a strong chance, with 6/1 odds.
However, JLS singer JB Gill is believed to have the strongest likelihood, with 5/1 chances.
‘Tasha could well be the one to watch, if the latest odds are anything to go by… and punters are already backing her for the Glitterball Trophy,’ said Alex Apati at Ladbrokes.
Here are how the odds are shaping up at the moment:
- JB Gill – 5/1
- Tasha Ghouri – 6/1
- Tom Dean – 8/1
- Pete Wicks – 10/1
- Punam Krishan – 16/1
- Toyah Wilcox – 16/1
- Chris McCausland -20/1
- Wynne Evans – 25/1
Do you agree? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Tasha and Pete are welcomed to the Strictly gang
Sabrina Barr
After it was revealed that Tasha Ghouri and Pete Wicks had joined the cast of Strictly on Jordan Banjo and Perri Keily’s Kiss FM Breakfast show, the pair posed with the radio co-hosts for a happy snap.
We have a feeling Tasha and Pete’s friendship will soon turn to rivalry when they find out who they’re dancing with on the series!
Strictly fans slam ‘worst line-up ever’
Ruth Lawes
So far, the Strictly 2024 line-up is Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and Zara McDermott’s friend Pete Wicks, Comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans, 80s music icon Toyah Willcox and BBC Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan.
However, some fans have been grumbling the BBC show is currently lacking a ‘big’ name, with others branding the star offering this year as ‘underwhelming’ and ‘disappointing.’
On social media, LewisPringle fumed: Nah sorry that Strictly lineup is terrible, no matter what people say. It really is scraping the barrel.’
Echoing their sentiment, BenAdnrews moaned: ‘Shouldn’t they be pulling out all the stars for the big 20th anniversary? Something has gone on.’
Among the complaints, viewers have also said they have never heard of BBC Morning Live contributor Punam and questioned why there are two reality stars when usually the programme avoids having multiple in the lineup.
Love Island stars support Tasha Ghouri ‘for the win’
Ruth Lawes
Tasha has been inundated with support from her fellow Love Islanders after she was announced for Strictly.
She is the second Islander to have made the jump to the BBC show after Zara McDermott last year.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was among the first to comment on her Instagram post, writing: ‘Tasha for the win!!’
Dami Hope penned: ‘Gwannn Tasha dancing queen fr.’
Chloe Burrows said: ‘GO ON THE GIIIIRRRLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!’
Leah Taylor added: ‘Stop! So happy for you angel.’
Her boyfriend Andrew Le Page, who she met in the villa, also congratulated her and said: ‘Woohoo!!! So proud of you! This is your dream.’
Strictly fans complain after BBC series casts ‘professional dancer’ celebrity
Ruth Lawes
Some Strictly Come Dancing fans have taken issue with Tasha’s professional experience in dance.
Prior to finding fame on Love Island, she performed as a dancer in music video More Than Words by Sleepwalkers featuring MNEK and also worked as a model.
On X, @EvertonHel declared: ‘She’s a trained dancer I won’t be voting for her!’
However, others pointed out Tasha’s dancing background was limited – and very different to ballroom.
@BAB00SHKA_1 explained: ‘Going to be defending Tasha with my life because the evil Facebook Mums are going to think dancing in the background of a music video is the same as being a fully trained ballroom dancer #LoveIsland #Strictly.’
Zara McDermott throws support behind Pete Wicks
Ruth Lawes
Zara has congratulated her friend Pete for signing up to Strictly 2024 – and declared she was ‘so happy’ for him.
It comes weeks after Zara’s former partner Graziano Di Prima admitted he kicked the Love Island star during rehearsals.
His rep said he knew it was a ‘mistake’ and apologised at the time. Di Prima left the show earlier this summer following allegations about his behaviour.
After Pete was announced as a contestant on Strictly, Zara wrote on Instagram: ‘This makes me so happy. You’re going to have the best time. I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to see you in some sparkles and maybe even some hot pants.’
Pete’s best friend and Zara’s boyfriend Sam Thompson also wrote: ‘I…might….cry. You’re going to be a sparkling sequin starrrrr! Love you brother.’
The seventh celebrity is Towie legend Pete Wicks
Ruth Lawes
One of Zara McDermott’s close friends, Pete Wicks, will compete in this year’s Strictly after being heavily rumoured as a contestant.
Pete got to know Zara through his best pal and I’m A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson – who ‘cried and screamed’ over the Towie star’s new role.
Speaking on Kiss, Pete told Jordan and Perri: ‘Sam already knows, I did tell Sam and Sam cried.
‘I am not even joking – he screamed and jumped up and down and cried and planned that every Saturday he will be at the show.
‘He is making T-shirts – the guy really needs to get a life.
‘He’s my number one fan in life, he is kind of like Martha from Baby Reindeer, that is our relationship.’
The sixth celebrity is Love Island star Tasha Ghouri
Ruth Lawes
The sixth celebrity announced for Strictly Come Dancing is Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, 25.
She will be following in the footsteps of Zara McDermott, who became the first-ever former Islander to compete on the BBC show.
Tasha said: ‘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 a trained dancer – but insisted Strictly would be a new kind of experience.
She said: ‘I’ve not danced in quite a few years now, since Love Island my career has changed so much.
‘I might not be good at it, like ballet, I’m not good at ballet, I’m trained in commercial, so I’m excited to learn these new styles.’
Good morning and welcome back to the Strictly live blog
Ruth Lawes
It’s another beautiful sunny day – and we’re sure the Strictly celebrities will shine just as brightly.
Yesterday, the BBC confirmed five stars on the line-up, including comedian Chris McCausland, who is making history as the first blind contestant.
It won’t be long until we have the next two names – they will be announced on Jordan and Perri’s Kiss Breakfast Show.
We’re signing off this blog for the night!
Meghna Amin
We’re now signing this blog off for the night, but stay tuned tomorrow for more updates as the official announcements continue!
Despite the Strictly line-up reportedly being revealed, we’re expecting at least two official announcements, starting on Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely’s Kiss FM radio show.
Strictly fans baffled over ‘clues’ about next contestants to be announced tomorrow
Meghna Amin
Earlier today, Perri Kiely dropped hints over the two contestants to be announced on his Kiss FM radio show with Jordan Banjo.
But following the line-up being reportedly revealed, fans are baffled over who the clues are about.
Emma wrote on X: ‘Whos the one who likes lasagne and does backflips? Sporty spice? A member of diversity or garfield?’
Meanwhile fan account @StrictlySparks wondered whether Pete Wicks can do a backflip, having possibly met Perri on Celebs Go Dating.
Two Strictly winners included in ‘revealed’ line-up
Meghna Amin
If the rumours are true, it looks like two Strictly Christmas special winners will be taking part this year.
JB Gill won the festive edition in 2012, while EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick won just last year.
A source told The Sun: ‘Although an EastEnders actor is onStrictlyevery year, this is the first time a performer on the festive special has gone directly into the competition.
‘Producers and viewers wereblown awayby Jamie’s dancing.
‘It’s not clear yet whether he will take a break from the soap or if he’ll juggle dance rehearsals with doing scenes for the soap.’
BBC addresses full line-up being ‘revealed’
Meghna Amin
Following reports that the full line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has been revealed, the BBC has not confirmed nor denied any stars taking part.
A spokesperson said: ‘The class of Strictly 2024 will be officially confirmed in due course by following @bbcstrictly on Instagram.’
So far, only five celebrities have been officially confirmed by the BBC.
MORE : Strictly fans slam ‘worst line-up ever’ as they speculate why there are no ‘big stars’
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