Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Which celebs are taking part in the new series?

Strictly Come Dancing returns in autumn 2024 for the show's 20th anniversary with a brand new line-up of celebrity contestants.

The show will come back with some changes following a number of complaints from some celebrities on how they were treated.

All fifteen celebs taking part this year have now been revealed.

Find out all about them below!

Who do you think will win the Glitterball trophy this year? Who's your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

Sam Quek

Sam Quek MBE is the fifteenth and final celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

She is a former England and Team GB hockey player and now is a presenter on TV and radio.

Sam won 125 international caps for the England and Great Britain women’s hockey teams, including a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

She 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!

"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 explained.

Paul Merson

If you're an Arsenal fan then you might have heard of Paul Merson.

The former footballer is a Gunners legend, who made his debut for the club when he was just 17 years old.

Paul played 424 times for the North London side, scoring 99 goals and winning all domestic trophies, as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

He also won 21 caps for England, scoring three times and also played for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth.

He is now a football pundit and commentator and says he's looking forward to appearing on the programme.

Paul explained: “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!”

Nick Knowles

TV presenter Nick Knowles is more known for sanding floors rather than dancing on them!

He has hosted the BBC's DIY SOS programme, which transforms homes and buildings to help families and communities across the UK, for more than twenty years.

Last year, DIY SOS teamed up with Strictly Come Dancing and some of its stars to work on a special project to help a Performing Arts school in Newcastle.

Nick said: “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. I’ll give it my everything...and try not to embarrass my kids of course!” he added.

Montell Douglas

Montell Douglas - who you might recognise as Fire from the TV series Gladiators - is the twelfth celebrity to be announced to be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

Montell is super sporty, and over her career has competed as an Olympic Bobsledder and Team GB Sprinter, becoming the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

She's won a Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race in 2010, and also held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint.

“Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom." said Montell.

"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!” she said.

Tom Dean

Tom Dean MBE is the eleventh celebrity contestant confirmed to be taking part though perhaps the least surprising one.

The three-time Olympic champion swimmer let slip he was taking part in the series after winning gold in the 4x200m freestyle at the Paris Olympics, something celebrities are usually required to keep a secret.

At Tokyo 2020, Tom made history as the first British man to win a gold medal for the men’s 200m swim freestyle in over 100 years.

Tom said: “I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!"

Jamie Borthwick

The tenth announcement is actor Jamie Borthwick.

Jamie is known for the role of Jay Brown/Mitchell in EastEnders.

He is one of the longest serving actors on the show having been a part of it since 2006.

He is no stranger to Strictly having won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2023.

Jamie said taking part in the series will be a "fresh challenge".

"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," Jamie said, adding that he will ask other EastEnders actors who've taken part in Strictly for advice.

Sarah Hadland

The ninth celebrity announced is Sarah Hadland.

Sarah is one of the original cast members of the multi award winning CBBC series Horrible Histories.

As well as starring in a number of TV comedies and dramas she has also voiced characters in Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam.

Her films include the Bond epic, Quantum of Solace.

Sarah Hadland said: “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!”

Shayne Ward

Shayne Ward is the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed for the news series of Strictly Come Dancing.

After winning the second series of X Factor way back in 2005, Shayne Ward's first single and album topped the UK charts.

Shayne plays Aidan Connor in ITV’s Coronation Street and has performed in a number of musicals and films, including Rock of Ages on the West End stage.

Speaking about joining Strictly he said: “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!”

Pete Wicks

The seventh celebrity announced to be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing is TV personality Pete Wicks.

Since appearing on a reality TV show, Pete has gone on to present from the red carpet of lots of award shows and now co-hosts a podcast.

He does lots of work to support charities and animal rights.

Speaking about Strictly, Pete said: “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.”

Tasha Ghouri

The sixth celebrity contestant to be announced is Tasha Ghouri, a model and TV personality.

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

Tasha does lots of work to raise awareness for the deaf community and she said taking part in the show will be a "dream come true".

She continued: “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.”

Dr Punam Krishan

Doctor and broadcaster Dr Punam Krishan is the fifth celebrity contestant to be announced.

Punam Krishan is an NHS doctor who also works on BBC programme Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland as a medical adviser.

She regularly reports on health news on TV, radio and national newspapers and has also written her own children’s book.

“This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show." she said.

"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.” she said.

Toyah Willcox

Toyah Willcox is the fourth celebrity contestant to be revealed and is a singer and actress who has been performing across stage and screen for more than 50 years.

She has had 13 top 40 singles, recorded 25 albums, written two books, appeared in more than 40 stage plays, acted in more than 20 feature films and presented many television programmes.

She played at this year’s Glastonbury Festival with her husband, Robert Fripp.

Speaking about being on the show she said: “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!” she said.

Wynne Evans

Wynne Evans is the third celebrity contestant to be announced.

Wynne is a broadcaster, presenter, and a professionally trained opera singer.

He has been a principal singer at most of the major opera houses around the world, has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales, and won Celebrity MasterChef last year.

Wynne said that he was pinching himself that it was real, he said: "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."

JB Gill

Singer and TV presenter JB Gill is the second celebrity contestant to be announced. He was in boyband JLS which came second on ITV talent show The X Factor in 2008.

They had five number one singles, including Beat Again and Everybody In Love and over 10 million record sales worldwide.

JB presented a CBeebies show called Down On The Farm and Channel 5’s On The Farm series.

He also has his own show with his two children Ace and Chiara called Cooking with the Gills on Channel 5.

The singer said he loved his time dancing in the Strictly Christmas special in 2012.

Speaking on ITV's This Morning, he said some of the routines like ballroom dancing were "quite alien" to him.

"So it's going to be a learning curve for me," he said.

Chris McCausland

Comedian Chris McCausland is the first celebrity contestant officially confirmed for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

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

The Liverpudlian hosts his own chat show on ITV called the Chris McCausland Show.

Chris has also appeared on shows like Would I Lie to You? and QI. He has appeared on Live at the Apollo three times, hosting in 2021.

Chris told ITV programme This Morning that his participation in Strictly was the "worst kept secret" following weeks of reports in newspapers.

He added: "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...!”