Amy Dowden has had to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing for the rest of the series following an injury.
The pro dancer, 34, didnāt perform on Saturdayās show (November 2). It came after she fell ill the previous weekend and was treated in hospital.
Now, Strictly has issued a new statement. They revealed that Amy has suffered a foot injury.
In an emotional message, Amy has said her āheart is breakingā over the news.
Pro Amy has had to pull out of Strictly for the rest of the series (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)
Amy Dowden pulls out of Strictly
The statement read: āSadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow Professional Dancer, Lauren Oakley, will step in as JBās dance partner.
āThe health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.ā
On her Instagram, Amy said: āMy heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up.
āIt was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again. My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor. Itās been such a challenge to get back on, one I devoted 2024 to.
āThere was no feeling like dancing with my Strictly family. Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB.
Amyās statement
āEvery day our training room was chilled, hardworking, and full of big smiles.ā
Amy said she feels āso sad, so upset and asking why meā. She added: āWhy now that our journey has been cut short? My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury.
āI know only too well āthis too shall passā and Iāll be soon better and back dancing. Something Iāve had to get used to in my life. Iām sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family, thank you.
āJB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. Iāll forever be your biggest cheerleader.ā
Lauren stood in for Amy on Saturdayās show (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)
Strictly latest
The previous Saturday (October 26), Amy was taken to hospital after she became unwell following the live show.
After the ordeal, a Strictly spokesperson said: āAmy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook pageĀ here.
āShe is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturdayās show for JB Gillās Coupleās Choice dance.ā
Amy became ill after her Halloween performance with JB (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)
Meanwhile, a rep for Amy said at the time: āAmy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution.ā
This past Saturday (November 2), Amy still appeared on the show. She watched her celeb partner JB Gill dance with Lauren Oakley.
JB and Lauren bagged an incredible 39 points out of 40 for their Coupleās Choice routine. Following the routine, Amy gushed on Instagram: āSo proud thank you all for voting! But mostly so proud of you both and forever grateful! @jbgill @laurenmayoakley week 8 woooooohooooooo!!!ā
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has returned to social media following a week-long absence after her backstage collapse last weekend (October 26).
ā@jbgill it says everything how youāve been able to adapt to a new professional, produce such a great number (so excited for everyone to see) whilst supporting me! Iām so lucky! Youāre a STAR! I know what tonight means to you! Thank you!
ā@laurenmayoakley thank you, I knew Jay would be in safe hands and have a fabulous time with you! You know Iāve always adored your dancing since I ran up to you in Blackpool tower at 8 years old to tell you! Thank you darling!ā
She then paid tribute to the woman who has choreographed tonightās Coupleās Choice routine. ā@lizzie.gough you for choreographing such a brilliant routine! LOVE IT! Thank you!ā
Amy said the support of her followers has āhelpedā her recovery (Credit: BBC)
āSo gratefulā
Finally, Amy gave a shout out to all her loyal fans following the outpouring of support following her hospitalisation.
āAlso a big thank you for all the love and support Iāve received this past week. So grateful and certainly helped!ā She ended the post by saying: āNow tune into the first-ever ICONS week on Strictly.ā
JB was quick to comment on the post. He told Amy: āYou are the best. Your belief in me is so uplifting and your fighting spirit is second to none! Thank you for being my biggest champion and I know thatĀ @laurenmayoakley and I will do you PROUD.ā
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.
āBig hugs Amy, I know only too well. Once our brains think weāre fit to conquer the world again, our bodies will tell us different after cancer treatment. So rest up, and enjoy the well-earned rest, although I know itās frustrating. Once again big hugs to you.ā
Another echoed the same sentiment and said: āHope you are doing okay. I am a year behind you in my breast cancer journey. Finished chemo two weeks ago. Energy but not yet hair returning. Thanks for telling your story. Wishing you well.ā
Meanwhile, another shared: āBig hugs and love Amy. Please look after yourself.ā āIāll be voting for these guys tonight in honour of you Amy. Hope you are feeling better. Please rest as much as you need donāt worry about the show, you are more important,ā said another.
āNobody will ever be able to replace you for your dedication and love for Strictly,ā another declared, āBut Iām sure @laurenmayoakley will do you proud.ā
āI love watching you in Strictly but your health comes first,ā said another. āStrictly is gonna feel so weird without you being there tonight,ā another told the dancer.
Amy Dowden is set to give her first live performance on Saturday evening since returning to Strictly Come Dancing for the latest series.Ā
The 34-year-old will perform the waltz with her celebrity partner, JLS singer JB Gill, 37, following her departure from the show in 2023 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.Ā
The Welsh dancer told PA that her return to the show with JB is the “perfect comeback”.Ā
She said: “I think itās going to be just really lovely (today), because itās going to be beautiful for my family, because they struggled just as much as I did having to watch me go through it.”
Amy also revealed that watching the show was tough for her family last year. “It was a reminder of exactly what we were going through,” she said.
“Itās going to be one big celebration, this whole series for me.”
In an exclusive interview with HELLO! in May 2023, Amy revealed that she had breast cancer. She said: “I’ve been through quite a lot in my life and this is another hurdle. But if I’m positive and strong, I’ve got a really good chance of getting back out on the dance floor as soon as possible.”Ā
In February this year, theĀ Strictly pro announced she would be returning to the ITV show for series 22, revealing that there was “no evidence of disease” following a mastectomy and chemotherapy.Ā
Amy made her emotional return to Strictly last week for the opening episode, where she dazzled in a pink one-shoulder ballgown with a stunning feather trim. The colour held a special significance being the colour of the pink ribbon worn to raise awareness for breast cancer.Ā
The star performed a celebratory welcome dance with her fellow professionals, including a number with new dad AljazĢ SĢkorjanec, who also returned to the series after a two-year absence.
Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nationās favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.
Tonightās episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.
Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.
That said, Lauren still admitted it feels āreally specialā to be a part of Strictlyās 20th anniversary. āIāve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I canāt believe Iām now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. Itās the best show on telly, so Iām not surprised itās lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. Itās amazing,ā she said.
Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last yearās finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.
For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatlesā iconic Twist and Shout.
Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: āShe is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. Youāve got a holiday booked, havenāt you?!ā
Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkasā first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
After winning last yearās Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.
After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. āItās a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. Iām so happy!ā she said.
During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Booneās recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.
Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: āThatās what swung me hook, line and sinker. I donāt quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I donāt think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.ā
Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and sheās partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.
The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. āIām delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JBĀ to have the best time and fall in love with dancing,ā Amy said.
Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayerās When I Need You.
Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)
For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washingtonās Is You Is or Is You Aināt My Baby.
āIt feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody thatās ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that itās still going. Itās just amazing,ā he said about the upcoming series.
Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: āHow can you not be, I donāt think there is a person on this earth who doesnāt want to be partnered with JoJo, Iām over the moon!ā
They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!
Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.
Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: āYes, absolutely. I wanted someone whoād be patient. Sheās a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, itās a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builderās van to raceā¦. Weāll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though ā a spray paint, literally!ā
Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starshipās We Built This City.
Strictlyās longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. āI just want him to enjoy himself,ā said Karen. āI want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences ā weāre going to have the most fun!ā
Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Lesā anthem Vindaloo.
Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. Theyāve already sparked romance rumours!
Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: ā100%. The little pocket rocket? Iāve got this in the bag now, Iāve changed my mind ā Iām going to win it.ā
However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigyās Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: āWhatās a Paso Doble?ā
Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)
Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez
Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.
As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed itās a āprivilegeā to be a part of the 20th anniversary.
āItās the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesnāt happen very often. Itās incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. Iām very excited to celebrate it,ā he said.
Dr Punam said: āIām absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because youāve got so many years of experience.ā
Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogueās Love At First Sight.
Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but sheās about to learn a whole lot more now that sheās partnered with returning pro Aljaž Å korjanec.
The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenterās Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.
Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: āI am absolutely ecstatic! Heās so fun ā chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and Iām so excited. Heās already teaching me little moves, and Iām trying to keep up, but Iāve got a very good one here.ā
Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)
āIām super happy, heās not just a swimmer..heās a winner!ā Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.
For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Stylesā Golden.
Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neilās first celebrity pairing since 2021.
āIāve been around the show for about 10 years so itās incredible to be a part of this for that long,ā he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: āI met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!ā
Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonnaās Ray of Light.
Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)
The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?
Sam and Nikitaās first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.
Olympian Sam told Tess: āIām so nervous. Iāve never felt nerves like it. Itās the unknown. Look at me, this isnāt me. I didnāt recognise myself in the mirror!ā
Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.
Asked if he thinks heāll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: āHonestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!āĀ
For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Partonās 9 to 5.
Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.
āI think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that sheās with me on this journey,ā said Shayne.
Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.
āI didnāt have a clue who I was going to get,ā Wynne said.āObviously, Iām older so I didnāt know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!ā
Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: āI think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!ā
For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jonesā Help Yourself.
Strictly 2024 is just around the corner with the line-up fully announced and a start date rumoured.
The likes of Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek are among those taking part this year. Meanwhile, actor Shayne Ward, actress Sarah Hadland and Gladiator Montell Douglas were confirmed as contestants recently.
Strictly will reportedly begin in September (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024 start date
But when does Strictly begin? According to reports, the launch show could begin on September 14 while the first live show begins on September 21.
Fans of Strictly are already able to apply for tickets, reports claim. Itās reported that they can buy tickets for show dates at Elstree Studios including September 21 and 28 and other dates in October, November and December.
ED! has contacted the BBC for comment.
With a rumoured start date, whoās taking part in the series?
Read the full line-up belowā¦
Comedian and actor Chris McCausland announced as first Strictly 2024 contestant (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024 contestants: Chris McCausland
After much speculation on who has signed up this year, This Morning hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle revealed on August 5 that actor and comedian Chris would the first celeb hitting the dancefloor next month.
He joked that his reveal was the āworst kept secret in British TVā.
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.
āIf anybody out there is thinking ā how the hell is he going to do that? ā then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing. I donāt dance, I havenāt danced, I canāt dance, I canāt see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Okay donāt answer thatā¦!ā he shared in a statement.
JLS star JB is the second contestant announced (Credit: BBC)
JB Gill
After competing and winning the Strictly Christmas special in 2012, JLS star JB Gill has signed up to become one of the contestants for Strictly 2024.
The music chart-topper also presents Songs of Praise.
āI danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me,ā the Beat Again hitmaker shared in a statement.
āIām raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs ā Iām here to embrace it all!ā
Former X Factor star JB being announced as the second contestant for Strictly 2024 has gone a treat with fans.
āWOW! That one caught me off guard. The 2nd member of JLS to take part in the show following Aston Merrygold in 2017. Heāll do really well!ā one user wrote.
Wynne will get his dancing shoes on! (Credit: BBC)
Strictly line-up: Wynne Evans
The third star taking part in Strictly 2024 is Wynne Evans. The star is best known for his operatic skills and his appearance in the Go.compare insurance adverts.
He said: āI am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! Iām not entirely sure how Iāll get along, if all else fails Iāll 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. Iām definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judgesā hearts will be through their stomachs!ā
Toyah will take part in Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Toyah Willcox
Singer and actress Toyah Willcox will get her dancing shoes on. She has been performing across stage and screen for over 50 years.
In a statement Toyah said: āWow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and Iām here for every sparkly second. Iām used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, itās a mysteryā¦ I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!ā
Dr Punam Krishan will join the BBC show: āThis is so out of my comfort zoneā (Credit: BBC)
Dr Punam Krishan
Meanwhile, Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan became the fifth Strictly 2024 star.
She appears on Morning Live as its resident GP. In a statement, Dr Punam said: āThis still doesnāt feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this yearās show.
āI have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that itās the 20th year, I canāt believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now,ā she then said.
āThis is so out of my comfort zone, but Iām up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.ā
Tasha is reported to have dated Giovanni Pernice (Credit: BBC)
Strictly contestants 2024: Tasha Ghouri
Rumoured to have enjoyed a fling with Giovanni Pernice, Tasha became the sixth celeb to join the line-up on August 7.
Tasha, who was born deaf, appeared on ITVās Love Island in 2022. Since then has amassed a following of over 2.2 million across her social media network.
Tasha has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and also MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart. She is also a published author with her debut novel Hits Different and has her own podcast, Superpowers with Tasha.
She said: āPinch me, I canāt believe Iām going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! Iāve been watching the show since I was little ā itās a firm Ghouri family favourite. So this is a total dream come true.
āI know itās going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor,ā she then added.
Pete Wicks was announced as one of the contestants for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Pete Wicks
After much speculation, Pete Wicks became the seventh person to sign up. A controversial signing given that heās best friends with Zara McDermottās boyfriend Sam Thompson.
Peteās best known for his appearances on TOWIE, and has a podcast with Sam.
He said: āDancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.ā
Zara gushed over Pete doing Strictly (Credit: Instagram)
Pete then added: āBut anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so Iām genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.ā
Zara spoke out on her Instagram, writing: āIāve never been so excited. Love you.ā
Shayne will get his dancing shoes on! (Credit: BBC)
Shayne Ward
On August 8, during ITVās Lorraine, Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland were announced as the latest stars.
Former Coronation Street star Shayne said in a statement: āIām buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. Iām 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!ā
Sarah will swap acting for dancing! (Credit: BBC)
Sarah Hadland
Miranda favourite Sarah also said: āI cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. Iām so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!ā
Jamie is swapping Albert Square for the Strictly ballroom (Credit: BBC)
Jamie Borthwick
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has said in a statement: āI had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. Iām hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and Iāll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!ā
Heās known for playing Jay Brown/Mitchell in the BBC soap.
Swimmer Tom Dean is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)
Tom DeanĀ
Olympian Tom Dean MBE will also join the line-up. Swimmer Tom is a three-time Olympic champion.
He said in a statement: āI am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside firstā¦ 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!ā
Montell Douglas is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)
Montell Douglas
On August 9, āFireā from Gladiators and Olympian Montell Douglas was announced for Strictly 2024.
Montell said in a statement: āStrictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. 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 canāt wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!ā
DIY SOS fave Nick is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS star Nick Knowles has been announced as the next Strictly star on The One Show on August 12.
He said in a statement: āIām 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. Iāve spent my whole life learning new skills and Iāve never been afraid of a challenge ā thereās life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one ā being taught how to dance! Iāll give it my everything ā¦. and try not to embarrass my kids of course!ā
Paul Merson has joined the line-up! (Credit: BBC)
Paul Merson
Former football star Paul Merson will get his dancing shoes on. The news was announced on The One Show on August 12.
He said in a statement: āJoining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but Iām going to tackle this challenge head on. Iām ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so hereās hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe Iāll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!ā
Sam Quek will take to the dance floor (Credit: BBC)
Sam Quek
TV star Sam Quek is the final 2024 contestant. Sheās known for being a hockey player and a TV star, having a hosting role on BBCās Morning Live. She also appeared on Iām A Celebrity in 2016.
She said in a statement: āAs a former hockey player Iām 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! Iām chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but Iām ready for every bit of the adventure.ā
