First Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestant announced: ‘Worst kept secret in British TV’

Chris McCausland has been announced as the first contestant confirmed for Strictly 2024.

After much speculation on who has signed up this year, This Morning hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle revealed on Monday morning (August 5) that the actor and comedian will be hitting the dancefloor next month.

He joked that his reveal was the “worst kept secret in British TV.”

First confirmed Strictly contestant Chris McCausland admits he ‘can’t dance’

The 47-year-old is most known for his role as Rudi in the CBeebies show Me Too! and regularly tours the UK with his comedy career. He also currently hosts his own Saturday morning ITV chat show, The Chris McCausland Show.

Chris is blind due to a genetic disorder of the eyes called retinitis pigmentosa.

“If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.  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…!” he shared in a statement.

Reaction

Fans of the show immediately reacted to the news.

“I’m so excited for this! He’s so funny,” one user wrote.

“He’ll be great. He’s learned to live life to its fullest whilst dealing with losing his eyesight. Good luck Chris,” another person shared.

“Love this guy,” a third remarked.

“Yes Chris McCausland! So glad the rumours were true. He will be great on the show,” a fourth said.

Sam Quek for Strictly 2024?

With rumours left, right, and centre for who has signed up this year, The Sun has claimed that former hockey player Sam Quek will also be putting on her dancing shoes.

“The show is really tapping into the buzz surrounding the Olympics this year, as well as heavily leaning into BBC talent – perhaps more than ever before,” they said.

“But Sam has very much become a star in her own right in recent years, and has been carving out a niche as a presenter,” they continued.

“She’ll also bring some much-needed glamour to this year’s line-up.”

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing champion Bill Bailey makes McDonald & Dodds debut as series comes to an end