After a delayed launch show finally aired last week, there was excitement for Strictly Come Dancing fan just a day later when this year's stars performed for the judges for the first time.
Strictly has become British institution since making its debut on the BBC back in the summer of 2004. The first ever series was won by news reader Natasha Kaplinsky and since then ballroom champions have included Jill Halfpenny, Darren Gough, Kara Tointon, Abbey Clancy, the late Caroline Flack, Alesha Dixon and Bill Bailey.
Last year there wasn't a dry eye in the house when EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, the programme's first deaf contestant, won the Glitterball trophy alongside Giovanni Pernice. They were red hot favourites right from the start of the series and, after their win, went onto delight fans across the country on the Strictly tour.
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Announcing the new series back in August, Strictly bosses posted: ""Dust off your dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing is back!
"The stunning 20th series returns, bringing glamour and show-stopping dancing back to Saturday nights on BBC One – and we’re extremely excited to be able to welcome an audience back to the studio for this year’s shows."
This yer's launch show was heavily rumoured to be airing on September 10, but then that was changed to September 17 and, after the Queen's death, the launch was pushed back to Friday, September 17.
And now it's finally time for 15 contestants do do their thing in the ballroom. Here's the lowdown on them all, in the order they were confirmed.
Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
The No Offence and Two Pints of Lager star was the first celeb to be confirmed for Strictly 2022. Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the actor, who first shot to fame on Hollyoaks in the mid-90s, said: "I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year! Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about,’ he said.
‘This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!"
Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
Shortly after Will was confirmed, Kym also appeared on BBC Breakfast after it was revealed she was the second star to sign up for a stint in the Strictly ballroom.
Explaining some of her friends had done the show in the past and loved it, Kym said: "I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”
Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice
TV and radio presenter Richie was the third dancing celeb to be confirmed this year and will follow in the footsteps of last year's Strictly finalist John Whaite by being part of an all-male couple. Once news broke of him being in the line-up Richie took to Twitter to post: "Can’t believe I’m typing this! I’M GOING TO BE ON STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022. My dream has come true
"I can’t wait to get in the Iconic ballroom. Good luck to my pro partner as my dancing skills have previously been compared to Bambi on ice...bring it on."
Speaking to the BBC, the Radio 2 and One Show star added: "This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.
"I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand. It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”
Kaye Adams and Kai Widdrington
There were reports that Loose Women presenter Kaye had signed up for the show, before she confirmed the rumours were true live on the ITV show.
Just like the panel did last year, when Judi Love was announced as a Strictly star, the Loose Women tried to throw viewers off the scent by hinting that it could be Denise Welch or Carol McGiffin, before Kaye confessed it was her, after Carol even tried to fool everyone into thinking it was her during an elaborate and lengthy reveal.
Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer
Award-winning comedian Jayde was the fifth star to be confirmed for Strictly 2022.
Speaking about being on the show, Jayde, who will appear in upcoming Take That film Greatest Days, said: "Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly. I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family.
"I’ve always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly). I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!”
Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kusmin
Paralympic swimming champion Ellie joins the line-up fresh from being on the BBC's commentary team for the Commonwealth Games.
She commented: "Oh my gosh!! I’m literally bursting with excitement!! It’s been soooo hard keeping this secret as I’ve wanted to tell everyone. I’m going on Strictly Come Dancing!! I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I’m absolutely petrified! To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun. I’m counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show.
"Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It’s going to be a blast. I’ve been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it’s a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it’s a genuine privilege to be part of it.”
Tyler West and Dianna Buswell
Tyler West was confirmed as contestant number seven with the KISS FM DJ swapping the studio for the samba. Talking about being on Strictly, he said: "I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family!
"As I started writing this I already got cramp. It’s going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone. It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins."
Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova
Matt was announced on This Morning, with a curtain dropping to reveal him as the eighth contestant to join the line-up. Matt is best known for being part of 80s sensations Bros, who scored massive hits with the likes of When Will I Be Famous and I Owe You Nothing.
Giving a brief reaction to being on Strictly, Matt said: "’I'm extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down.”
Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
Mock the Week and The Mash Report regular Ellie was the ninth star to be confirmed for Strictly this year. After news broke she said: "Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022! I've watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan!
"At the moment I'm focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!"
Ellie has also been a co-host on The Great Pottery Thrown Down and appeared in smash hit series Ted Lasso.
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
The 21-year-old best known to CBBC viewers as intergalactic pop icon Nova Jones, became the 10th celeb to be announced for Strictly 2022.
Once her name had been added to the line-up, Molly said: "I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!”
Molly burst onto TV screens at the age of eleven in 2012, when she became the youngest ever finalist of Britain’s Got Talent.
Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Football legend Tony Adams MBE played and captained for both Arsenal and England, famously leading the national team to the Euro 96 final. Now retired, 55-year-old Tony is a married dad-of-six and recently launched SIX MHS, delivering mental health and addiction services.
As Tony became the 11th name to be announced for the new Strictly series, he said: "To say I’m excited is an understatement - the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes. I am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing.
"I can’t wait to meet my partner - god help her - and start the dancing.”
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
34-year-old singer and presenter Fleur East found fame as a runner-up on series 11 of The X Factor, and has since released two albums with her hit single Sax reaching number three in the UK charts. She went on to appear on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here in 2018, and how hosts the Hits Radio Breakfast show.
Fleur said: “I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much.
"Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!”
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Wildlife photographer Hamza is a presenter on BBC's Animal Park and Countryfile, and will be well-known to younger viewers as Ranger Hamza from the CBeebies show Let's Go For A Walk. He also recently fronted the Channel 4 documentary Scotland: My Life In The Wild where he took fellow celebrities across Scotland and the Highlands.
Hamza said that he was "absolutely over the moon" to be embarking on his Strictly journey, adding: "Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show. I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.
"My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ‘til you make it!” he added. Hamza is the thirteenth contestant to be announced for this year's series.
James Bye and Amy Dowden
EastEnders fans will know James Bye better as Martin Fowler, having taken over the iconic role in 2014 and been nominated for several British Soap awards since. James follows in the footsteps of several other actors who have gone from Walford to the Strictly dance floor in previous years, most recently Rose Ayling-Ellis who took home the Glitterball trophy just last year.
James said: “I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes - in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.
"There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud.”
Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
After a LOT of speculation linking her with a spot on the Strictly line-up and Carol Vorderman letting the cat out of the bag before the official announcement, TV presenter Helen was the final star to be confirmed for the new series.
Talking about being on Strictly, Helen, who has also been a host on the likes of Blue Peter and Newsround as well as anchoring a number of big sporting events, said: " “I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.”
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