Over recent years, Autumn has become synonymous with cosying up on the sofa each weekend to watch all the glam, glitter, sequins and sparkle of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
This year sees the 20th year since the BBC first had the inspired idea to bring celebrities together with the Strictly professional ballroom dancers and let the great British public, guided by a panel of expert Strictly judges, decide on which couple would go the distance and ultimately lift the coveted glitter ball trophy. Since then we've seen celebs show off their moves on the dance floor and some have even gone on to appear in the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
If you're keen to make sure your favourite celebrity doesn't get voted off, make sure you know the different ways you can vote on Strictly each week and make your vote count.
When will Strictly Come Dancing 2024 start?
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 officially launched on BBC1 on Saturday 14th September, where the celebrities were paired up with professionals, and took to the floor for the first group dance. The show also featured a special number celebrating the return of Amy Dowden, who has taken time off the show to undergo cancer treatment. The show will run until December when the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be crowned. Read on for all the details and our week by week rundown!
(Spoilers ahead)
Strictly Come Dancing Week 1 and 2
Our celebs all took to the floor for week 1, safe in the knowledge that no-one would be eliminated. It was week 2's show where things really began to heat up.
Topping the leaderboard were Aljàz and Tasha, with their Viennese Waltz, which earned them 35 points. Sarah and Vito were in second with 32 for their Paso.
When all the scores were combined with week 1's marks, Toyah and Neil ended up bottom of the leaderboard, with Paul and Karen slightly above them.
However, you can never rely on Strictly to go the way you think it will. Toyah and Neil ended up in the dance off, but they were opposite Tom and Nadiya, who were sitting in the middle of the leaderboard. In a shock move, 3 of the 4 judges voted to save Toyah, with Tom becoming the first celebrity to be eliminated from the competition.
Strictly Come Dancing Week 3
This week was movie week, with couples dancing to songs or music from a whole host of films. Aljàz and Tasha impressed once again with a Barbie-themed Rhumba, while Sarah and Vito danced a beautiful Viennese Waltz to the theme from Harry Potter in tribute to Dame Maggie Smith.
However, it was Dr Punam Krishnan who stole the show. She danced her couple's choice with partner Gorka to Bhole Chudiye from the Bollywood drama and musical movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. She looked sensational, danced impeccably and it was a joy to see a Bollywood routine performed on British television.
Bringing up the bottom of the leaderboard were Toyah and Neil, and Paul and Karen. Both had to dance again, with the judges unanimously saving Paul, so Toyah was eliminated.
Strictly Come Dancing Week 4
Our celebs all seemed to up their game this week, with a number of them sitting in the same position with 30 points. Topping the leaderboard were Tasha and Aliàz, who scored 39 for their Charleston. Sitting at the bottom were Punam and Gorka, and Nick and Luba.
The dance-off was a shock, as Shayne and Nancy joined Nick and Luba in the bottom two, with the judges unanimously saving Shayne, so Nick Knowles left the competition.
Strictly Come Dancing week 5
Week 5 delivered some really stunning routines from our couples, with Jamie and Michelle's Paso Double a particular highlight. There was also a wonderful waltz from Chris and Dianne, which earned them their highest scores so far (8,9,9,9) from the judges.
The dance off saw JB and Amy, and Paul and Karen competing to stay in the competition, with the judges choosing to save JB and Amy, so Paul went home.
Strictly Come Dancing week 6
Halloween week saw our stars take to the floor in a series of ghoulish get-ups, and also saw Carlos dressing up as Claudia. Anton and Craig dressed up as the twins from The Shining, with predictable hilarious results.
Sarah and Vito delivered the first Argentine Tango of the series and it was incredible, putting them to the top of the leaderboard alongside Jaime and Michelle. At the bottom were Chris and Dianne, and Dr Punam and Gorka.
After dancing on Saturday, Amy Dowden became unwell and was taken to hospital for further treatment, so JB faced the results show alone. At the time of writing, it's not known if she will be back next week.
The judges scores combined with the public vote meant that Dr Punam and Gore, with Shayne and Nancy, had to dance again. The judges voted to save Shayne, with Dr Punam eliminated.
Strictly Come Dancing week 7
Icons week is new to the Strictly line-up and it'll be interesting to see if they keep it, since no-one did all that well. Topping the leader board was Aljaz and Tash with their beautiful couple's choice. At the bottom was Pete and Jowita, and Chris and Dianne.
However, it was neither of the bottom two in the dance-off and instead we were all shocked to see Sam and Nikita and Montell and Johannes battling it out to stay in the competition. Given their higher position, it was no surprise that the judges unanimously voted to save Montell, with Sam going home.
Strictly Come Dancing week 8
It's the week before Blackpool - which was mentioned at least a thousand times on the show - so no-one wanted to go home. Sarah and Vito performed a beautiful American Smooth, and Chris and Dianne delivered an emotional Couple's Choice. The leaderboard ended up with just 7 points between the joint top couples - JB and Lauren and Aljaz and Tash, and bottom placed Jamie and Michelle and Shayne and Nancy.
Shayne and Nancy were in the dance off with Wynne and Katya, with Craig and Motsi saving Shayne, and Anton and Shirley saving Wynne. Because Shirley is head judge, her vote overrules, so Shayne and Nancy were eliminated.
The Strictly dance-a-thon is back!
Fans of the show rejoice, because the dance-athon is making a comeback! You may recall the utter chaos of dance-a-thon's in previous years, when the scoring has gone haywire and Shirley mixes up couples names. Well, for some reason, the bosses have decided to bring the format back. And we're not complaining because frankly we love the carnage. This year's contestants will take to the floor in a samba-off, though they haven't said exactly when, yet. What could possibly go wrong?!
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up
This year's Strictly contestants have now been paired with their professional for the series. This year sees the return of fan-favorite professionals, Aljaž Škorjanec and Amy Dowden, while pros Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, and Lauren Oakley don't have partners
Chris McCausland (Comedian and actor) and Dianne Buswell
47-year-old comedian and actor Chris McCausland was the first celebrity announced to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
He is blind and has a genetic condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which caused him to gradually lose his sight.
You may recognise him from the latest series of Celebrity Gogglebox, where he commented on popular TV shows alongside fellow comedian Donna Preston, or perhaps from his appearances on panel shows such as QI, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Have I Got News For You.
Speaking to the BBC, Chris said: "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…!”
Chris is paired with Dianne Buswell, who finished as a runner up in Strictly 2023 with her partner Bobby Brazier.
JB Gill (Singer, TV presenter and author) and Amy Dowden MBE
JLS band member turned farmer JB Gill has presented shows such as Down on the Farm and Winter on the Farm.
Here's what he had to say about joining the show: “I 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. I’m 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 - I’m here to embrace it all!”.
JB is paired with Amy Dowden, who returns to the ballroom after taking time out for chemotherapy. She aid of her return: "I'm delighted. It feels like my first year all over again."
Wynne Evans (Opera singer) and Katya Jones
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans was announced as a contestant on Vernon Kay's Radio 2 show. If you don't recognise his face, you may recognise his voice from the Go Compare adverts. He also won Celebrity MasterChef in 2023.
Wynne says: “I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! 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.”
Wynne is paired with Katya, who is renowned for her partnership with Ed Balls. She says her and Wynne's plan is "no plan."
Toyah Willcox (Singer and actress) and Neil Jones
66 year old actress, singer and 80s icon Toyah Willcox is no stranger to showbiz, having had an extensive 40-year career so far. After 20 albums and 8 top 40 singles, 40 stage plays and 10 feature films, she will be taking to the Strictly ballroom.
Here's what she has to say about joining the show: “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 is partnered with Neil Jones, who usually takes part in the group dances and doesn't have a partner. However, he was partnered with TV sports pundit Alex Scott a few years ago.
Dr Punam Krishan (Media medic and broadcaster) and Gorka Márquez
Dr Punam Krishan is a practising NHS GP and also appears on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland as their resident general practitioner. She has also written her own children's book How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs.
Punam says: “This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show. 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 is paired with fan-favorite Gorka.
Tasha Ghouri (Television personality and author) and Aljaž Škorjanec
This Love Island star finished forth on the dating show, but can she shimmy her way to success on the Strictly dancefloor?
Wearing a hearing aid herself, she's passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community and has attended 10 Downing Street to speak about issues close to her heart. Her first book Hits Different, was published in June.
25 year old Tasha speaking of joining the iconic show, she says: “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.”
Tasha gets to dance with Aljaž who is returning to the ballroom after a two year break.
Pete Wicks (Television personality and author) and Jowita Prysatł
Made famous by The Only Way is Essex, Pete Wicks has gone on to compete on numerous reality TV programmes including Celebs Go Dating, The Real Full Monty: Jingle Balls and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. He can often be seen in Instagram sketches with his best pal Sam Thompson, who won I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!.
He is also an animal welfare campaigner and has released a book titled For the Love of Frenchies: The Dogs that Changed my Life. His second book Never Enough: My words unfiltered, will be released on the 12th September 2024.
Pete, aged 36, 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.”
Pete's partner is Jowita, who lifted the giltterball in 2022 with Hamza.
Shayne Ward (Actor and singer) and Nancy Xu
39-year-old actor and singer Shayne Ward, rose to fame as the winner of the second series of The X Factor. Soap fans may also recognise him as Aidan Connor (Carla Connor's half-brother) on Coronation Street.
Speaking of joining the show, Shayne says: “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!” Shayne will dance with Nancy Xu.
Sarah Hadand (Actress) and Vito Coppola
53-year-old actress Sarah Hadland is the ninth contestant to join the popular dance show.
She is best known for playing Miranda Hart's sidekick Stevie Sutton in the sitcom Miranda and Trish in The Job Lot alongside Russell Tovey.
Sarah Hadland says: “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!”
Sarah is paired with Vito, who won Strictly 2023 with partner Ellie Leach.
Tom Dean MBE (British freestyle swimmer) and Nadyia Bychkova
24 year old swimmer Tom Dean will be diving onto the dancefloor this year. He announced the news himself, after reaching final of the men's 200 metres individual medley in the 2024 Olympics.
After coming first in the 200 metre freestyle and the 4×200 m freestyle relay, he's a triple-gold medallist, who's competed in both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Here's what Tom had to say: “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!" He is dancing with Nadyia.
Jamie Borthwick (Actor) and Michelle Tsiakkas
Swapping Albert Square for the Strictly dancefloor is actor Jamie Borthwick. The 30 year old has been playing Jay Brown in EastEnders since he was 12 and has won multiple Soap Awards.
In 2023, he won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, but will he be able to bag the Glitterball trophy this series?
Jamie Borthwick says: “I 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. I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!”
Jamie is Michelle's first Strictly partner.
Montell Douglas (British Olympian and Gladiator) and Johannes Radabe
38 year old Montell Douglas has competed athletics and bobsleigh. In fact, she became one of the first female UK athletes to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
She is also known as Fire, from BBC's Gladiators, but will she be burning up the dancefloor?
Montell Douglas says: “Strictly 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 can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”
Montell will dance with Johannes, everyone's favourite ballroom Queen. Jo-Jo, as he is affectionately known, has reached the final with Bake Off's John Whaite.
Nick Knowles (TV presenter, writer and musician) and Luba Mushtuk
The One Show hosts announced that the DIY SOS presenter would be the next celebrity in with a shot to win Strictly Come Dancing 2024.
He's also a singer who released his album 'Every Kind Of People' in 2017.
Speaking of joining the show, 61-year-old 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 - there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything .... and try not to embarrass my kids of course!” He is paired with Luba.
Paul Merson (English former footballer, manager and broadcaster) and Karen Hauer
56 year old Paul Merson was a former footballer who for England 21 times, scoring 3 goals. After playing for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth, he became the player manager at Walsall Football Club.
Paul has retired and moved onto football punditry, plus he has also written several football-based books.
The fourteenth contestant Paul Merson said: “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!” He is dancing with Karen Hauer.
Sam Quek MBE (Olympian, presenter, author) and Nikita Kuzmin
Former field hockey player Sam Quek is the fifteenth and final contestant to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2024.In the 2016 Summer Olympics, she won gold as part of the British team and has played as a defender for England and Great Britain.
The 35 year old has now moved to presenting, having worked on shows such as BBC Morning Live and she was also a Team Captain on Question of Sport.
“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 says.
Sam's partner, Nikita, reached the final in 2023 with Layton Williams.
Strictly Come Dancing presenters and judges
Tess Daly will be back to host, as she has been every year since the first series of Strictly in 2004. She will be joined by co-host and partner in crime, Claudia Winkleman. The panel of judges will remain unchanged too, with the BBC confirming that Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke will all return.
Strictly Come Dancing professionals 2024
The pro-dancer line-up is also confirmed, with tw notable exceptions. As widely expected, fan-favourite Giovanni Pernice won't be returning, after controversy last year surrounding his partnership with Amanda Abington, and neither will Graziano Di prima after footage emerged of him kicking and spitting at his partner last year. However, the following pros will be back:
Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will all take to the Strictly dancefloor, and that's not all. Aljaž Škorjanec also returns after a 2 year hiatus from the show.
When is Strictly Come Dancing 2024?
Strictly Come Dancing begins Saturday 14 September 2024. You can watch it on BBC One or iPlayer. It will air every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 21st September.
Who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2023?
Soap star Ellie Leach danced her way to winning the Glitterball trophy alongside her dance partner Vito Coppola. She is best known for playing Faye Windass on Coronation Street for 12 years, having joined the show when she was just 10 years old.
Previous Strictly Come Dancing winners include former EastEnders actress and the show's first--ever deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis; actor Joe McFadden; television presenter and journalist Stacey Dooley; Emmerdale star, farmer and model Kelvin Fletcher; actress Jill Halfpenny; singer and reality TV judge Alicia Dixon and comedian and musician Bill Bailey.
In celebration of it being their 20th year, the BBC have also announced a special Strictly show celebrating its birthday: "Viewers are in for an extra special 20th birthday treat as an unmissable one-off programme will also be coming to BBC One and iPlayer that promises a journey through 20 years of unforgettable entertainment featuring iconic performances and plenty of heart-warming interviews with past celebrity stars, professional dancers, and judges too.
Strictly Come Dancing gifts
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Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and spending time with her pet dogs, tortoise and chickens.