Strictly Come Dancing
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Closure of this blog
We understand that a community has built up over the years and some of you will find this disappointing, however, in line with changing audience behaviours a decision has been made to direct users to our social channels where there are active communities discussing the show on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
The Strictly blog and its comment section will soon be closing in line with other blogs across the BBC, with content no longer being published or updated. This blog will remain open for 24 hours before closing to comments permanently.
Thank you for your contributions over the years, and we hope that you join us on our social channels.
Paul Merson joins our Strictly squad for 2024!
Paul Merson is a former footballer and broadcaster.
Paul Merson made his debut playing for Arsenal Football Club when he was 17 years old and went on to win the PFA Young Player of the Year. Paul played for the club for over a decade, playing 424 times, scoring 99 goals and winning all domestic trophies, as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Paul played 21 times for England, scoring three times and went on to play for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and becoming player manager at Walsall Football Club. Paul is now a football pundit and commentator and has written numerous books that cover his football career and personal life.
Paul Merson says: “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!”
The news was revealed this evening (Monday 12th August) on…
Sam Quek MBE is the fifteenth and final celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2024!
Sam Quek is an Olympic and European Gold medallist, former England and Team GB hockey player and now a TV and Radio Presenter.
Sam Quek won 125 international caps for the England and Great Britain women’s hockey teams, including a Gold Medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2017, Sam Quek was awarded an MBE for ‘Services to Hockey’.
She is now a broadcaster and has presented on BBC ‘Morning Live’ and was a Team Captain on ‘Question of Sport’. Sam Quek presents for a range of sports including Football, American football, Rugby and Cricket. She co-anchored the BBC’s Tokyo Olympic Games Breakfast programme and regularly appears on programmes across the BBC’s radio channels.
Sam Quek says: “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…
Nick Knowles is our thirteenth celebrity for Strictly 2024!
Nick Knowles is a BAFTA-winning TV presenter.
For the last 24 years, Nick Knowles has been the face of the BBC’s BAFTA-winning ‘DIY SOS’. Alongside this, Nick Knowles has always been passionate about travelling and most recently, worked with Channel 5 on various travel programmes including ‘Into the Grand Canyon’, ‘The Mighty Mississippi’ and ‘Nick Knowles in South America’.
Over the past two…
Montell Douglas is the twelfth celebrity confirmed for Strictly 2024!
Montell Douglas or ‘Fire’ is a Gladiator and an Olympian.
In 2023 Montell Douglas was unveiled as ‘Fire’ in the BBC One series of Gladiators. She is a multi-talented sports star who has competed as an Olympic Bobsledder and Team GB Sprinter. In 2010, Montell Douglas won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race. She also held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint.
Her…
Tom Dean MBE is the eleventh celebrity contestant confirmed for 2024!
Tom Dean is a three-time Olympic swimming champion.
Swimmer Tom Dean is a three-time Olympic champion. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Tom Dean made history as the first British man to win a gold medal for the men’s 200m swim freestyle in over 100 years, going on to win a further gold medal in Tokyo and become England’s most decorated athlete at the subsequent 2022 Commonwealth Games, winning a total…
Jamie Borthwick is our tenth celebrity for 2024!
Jamie Borthwick is an actor.
Jamie Borthwick rose to fame for his portrayal as Jay Brown/Mitchell in the BBC continuing drama ‘EastEnders’ which he has starred in since 2006. He is now one of the longest serving actors on the show. In 2008 his role in ‘EastEnders’ earned him a British Soap Award for ‘Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor’, he then went on to win ‘Best Actor’ at the Inside…
Sarah Hadland for Strictly 2024!
Sarah Hadland is an actress.
Sarah Hadland has an extensive background in film, television and theatre. She is best known for her role as Stevie in the BAFTA nominated sitcom ‘Miranda’ as well as being one of the original cast members of the multi award winning series ‘Horrible Histories’, both for the BBC. Sarah was nominated for an RTS Award for ‘Best Comedy Performance’ for her leading role in…
Shayne Ward joins our line-up!
Shayne Ward is an actor and singer.
Shayne Ward’s debut single and album topped the UK charts, with his single, ‘That's My Goal’ making it to Christmas number one after he won the second series of ‘The X Factor’ in 2005. As well as being an accomplished music artist, Shayne is a multi-award-winning actor with his character, Aidan Connor in ITV’s ‘Coronation Street’, earning him ‘Best Newcomer’ at…
Pete Wicks is the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2024
Pete Wicks is a TV personality, author, radio and podcast host.
Pete Wicks is best known for his television appearances and presenting including from the red carpet at the BRIT Awards, Pride of Britain Awards and National Television Awards. Pete Wicks first appeared on our screens on the BAFTA award-winning ITV show ‘TOWIE’ in 2015. Alongside this Pete Wicks co-hosts the award nominated podcast…
