Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Who's dancing with who?

Strictly Come Dancing returned to TV screens on Saturday night for the first episode of the latest series.

The famous dancing show celebrates its 20th birthday this year, since it first appeared in 2004.

Strictly fans also got to finally find out which famous face had been paired with which professional dancer.

So, who's with who? Keep reading to find out!

Are you excited that Strictly's back? Who's your favourite couple? Let us know in the comments below!

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired up with dancer Dianne Buswell, who reached last year's final.

He is the very first blind contestant to compete in the UK series.

Chris joked that they were "going to make mistakes and have a laugh about them.

"Then we’re going to turn up here and show you all of the mistakes that we’ve learnt!” he added.

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones

Broadcaster and opera singer Wynne Evans is teaming up with Katya Jones for this series.

When Katya was asked what her plans for Wynne were, she said: “I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!”

They then revealed that their first dance is going to be the Samba to Help Yourself by Tom Jones.

Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu

Singer and Corrie actor Shane Ward will be dancing with professional Nancy Xu.

Shayne said he was happy about the pairing.

“I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey," he explained.

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas

This isn't the first time that Jamie Borthwick will be dust off his dancing shoes.

The Eastenders star took part in last year's Strictly Christmas Special, where he was crowned the winner!

Jamie said: "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.”

He will be gracing the stage with Strictly dancer Michelle Tsiakkas, who has been partnered with a celebrity for the first time.

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał

TV personality Pete Wicks will be trying to impress the judges with his top moves alongside professional Jowita Przystał.

When Pete found out he was dancing with the 2022 winner he said: "I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”

When Jowita revealed that their first dance is going to be the Paso Doble to the song Breathe by The Prodigy, Pete looked puzzled and asked, “What’s a Paso Doble?”

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe

Olympian Montell Douglas (who you might know better as Fire from Gladiators) made her debut on the Strictly dance floor with South African dancer Johannes Radebe.

Montell said: “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!”

The pair also revealed that their team name is MoJo - a mix of both their first names!

Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin

TV and radio presenter Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin.

Despite being a former England and Team GB hockey player, it seems that dancing is a whole new sport for Sam.

She explained: “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!”

But Nikita reassured his new celebrity partner and said: “Everybody spoke of Sam so well. She’s so lovely and she’s so caring, I cannot wait to start.”

JB Gill and Amy Dowden

Pro-dancer Amy Dowden made her return to the show after receiving treatment for cancer in May 2023.

This series she will be dancing with singer and TV presenter JB Gill.

Amy said she was "delighted" to be back in the Strictly Ballroom.

"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,” she added.

Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones

Toyah Willcox is a singer and actress who has been performing across stage and screen for more than 50 years.

She performed at this year's Glastonbury festival but said that she's so excited for her Strictly experience.

"I want to be totally glam the whole time..Glastonbury was fantastic but I have to say the atmosphere in here is better!”

Toyah has been partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones.

Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola

Actress Sarah Hadland is dancing with last year's winner Vito Coppola, but can he make it two wins in a row?

“Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present," Vito replied.

Sarah revealed that she is a Strictly "superfan" and takes the show very seriously when watching it at home!

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec

TV personality Tasha Ghouri has been paired up with dancer Aljaž Škorjanec

Tasha will be the second deaf contestant to dance on the show, following in the footsteps of glitterball trophy winner, Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Tasha revealed: "Dance is my pure joy. It’s where I found my inner confidence, and I’m doing this for all the Tashas out there.

"Disability or not, it’s about celebrating dance and putting smiles on faces. That’s what I’m here for, and I can’t wait to share that with everyone here,” she added.

Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez

Doctor and broadcaster Dr Punam Krishan is teaming up 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.

She added that she felt "honoured" because Gorka had so many years of experience dancing on the show.

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer

This year's oldest pairing will be former Arsenal legend Paul Merson and Strictly's longest-serving pro, Karen Hauer.

Paul said he was "going to have fun" on the show.

"If I’m not having fun, it’s not worth doing,” he explained.

Karen revealed that their first dance would be an American Smooth to the football song Vindaloo by Fat Les.

Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova

24-year-old triple Olympic champion Tom Dean is the youngest contestant on the show this year. He'll be dancing with Nadiya Bychkova.

The swimmer, who won gold in Paris, said that Strictly is going to be a very different challenge for him.

"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!” Tom explained.

Nadiya replied: “I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer... he’s a winner!”

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk

The final pairing of the launch show was TV presenter Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk.

Nick said that he thought that they would make a good team on Strictly.

"I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong?" he explained.

What else happened during the launch show?

Last year's glitterball champions Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola also performed during the show

With Strictly celebrating two amazing decades of dance, this year's launch show had an extra sprinkle of glitz, glamour and unforgettable performances!

There were five performances, including one to welcome back dancer Amy Dowden after she was diagnosed with cancer last year.

Reigning champions from 2023, Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, also performed a Paso Doble during the programme

Afterwards, Ellie gave this year’s contestants some top tips.

She said: "I’m so glad to be back. I feel at home when I'm here, but I think my advice is just to take every minute in it goes so so fast, so just enjoy it, guys.

"It's the best, best time ever," Ellie added.

The hard work now begins for the celebrities and their professional partners, with the first live show taking place next week.

It's been revealed that this year’s series will include all the usual theme weeks, including Halloween, Musicals and Blackpool week.

Who are your favourite pair? Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments