It's that time of year again - Strictly Come Dancing is finally back, with the BBC series returning in autumn!
After seven long months, the wait is finally over and we can finally discover who will be covered in glitter, clad in spandex and tangoing across the dance floor. There will be some changes to this year's Strictly, with pro dancers Oti Mabuse and Aljaz Skorjanec quitting the show earlier this year. Aljaz's wife Janette Manrara will continue to host It Takes Two.
Following on from the two fan favourites' exits, the BBC show announced that four new professionals would be joining the show. European cup winner Vito Coppola , Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu , former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas will all be taking to the stage.
Meanwhile, Bruno Tonioli announced in May that he was leaving the show after 18 years as a judge on the panel. It came amid much speculation he wouldn't be back after being replaced by Anton Du Beke due Covid travelling constraints.
After a record-breaking series last year, that saw fan favourites Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice lift the glitterball trophy, the pressure is on for the 20222 series to live up to the hype. We take at this year's full line-up as the stars prepare to take to the famous Strictly ballroom for their first dance...
Strictly 2022 line-up
Helen Skelton
BBC Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton became the fifteenth and final contestant of Strictly this year. After being a huge fan of the show, and taking part in a Christmas Day special, Helen said she was looking forward to being 'transformed into Beyonce every week.'
The news was announced on Saturday morning on Claudia Winkleman’s Radio 2 show, who also co-hosts the dance competition with Tess Daly. Helen, 39, told listeners she is “really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure."
"I only said yes the other day, because I did the Christmas one years and years ago and the hair is the best. The make-up is incredible and the costumes are incredible. Who gets to work and be made to look a bit like Beyonce and have a fun time? So I thought it would be madness not to do it. It will be so much fun."
James Bye
James Bye has been announced as the fourteenth celebrity to join the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
His appearance was announced live on Friday's episode of Good Morning Britain as Richard Arnold headed to the EastEnders set in Hertfordshire to speak to him.
"I've got big shoes to fill, haven't I?" James said as Richard asked him when he got the phone call and offer to be on the BBC series.
"It was quite early days so I've known for a long time which has obviously been really hard to keep that a secret," he admitted.
He continued: "So I'm so pleased that now it's finally out, I can talk about it, I can tell people that I've lied to, so apologies if you're one of those that I've lied to! So I've had quite a while to get my head around it, but it's still not really sunk in. I'm actually really nervous."
Hamza Yassin
Countryfile star and wildlife cameraman Hamza has joined the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
His past TV credits including being part of BBC’s Animal Park and a guest presenter on BBC’s Countryfile. He is also known by younger viewers as Ranger Hamza, presenting CBeebies show Let’s Go For A Walk.
Speaking about joining the show, he said: "I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022.
"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!!"
Fleur East
X Factor star Fleur will be dusting off her dancing shoes for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Describing it as as a "magical experience", she explained she would be dedicating her appearance on the show to her late father, who passed away, as he was a huge fan of the show.
She said: "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!"
Fleur came runner up during her series of the ITV talent show, and also works as a singer and presenter.
Tony Adams
Footballing legend Tony Adams MBE has joined the Strictly 2022 line-up.
The 55-year-old former sportsman is set to show off his footwork on the dance floor this autumn, and is sure to have the fitness levels to keep up with the professionals.
Tony, who has been married twice, played for Arsenal and England, captaining both teams. He spent his entire playing career of 19 years as a centre back at Arsenal.
"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," Tony said.
"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."
Molly Rainford
Britain's Got Talent and CBBC star Molly Rainford has joined the Strictly 2022 line-up.
She came in sixth place on the ITV talent show back in the sixth series, where she wowed the judges - and viewers - with her beautiful rendition of One Night Only. She ended up losing the show to dog act Ashleigh and Pudsey.
Molly was just 11-years-old when she took part in Britain's Got Talent and since has her own CBBC show, Nova Jones, where she plays the lead character, an intergalactic pop superstar.
"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!" she said.
Ellie Taylor
Comedian Ellie Taylor was the the ninth star announced for this year's Strictly line-up.
Speaking to host Ranvir Singh on Lorraine, she admitted that she was very nervous but was looking forward to being on the show. Describing her ideal partner, she said: "I want someone who's patient. I need a tall, patient person."
"I've got a list of music tracks on my phone - it's getting longer and longer," she said, revealing she was already thinking about the music. "The dancing bit is what is completely out of my comfort zone."
She added: "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!"
Matt Goss
Matt Goss was the eighth confirmed star for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking about signing up on the show, Matt - who recently returned to the UK - confessed it was so under wraps that he even had his own nickname for producers to use to ensure the secret wasn't revealed.
"I am looking forward to being home and meeting new people," he said, as he admitted his nerves for the upcoming series. He also insisted he would be back on stage with his brother Luke Goss soon too.
He added in a statement: "I’m extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down."
Tyler West
Radio DJ Tyler West was announced live on KISS FM as the seventh Strictly contestant.
He revealed his news to his friends, Diversity's Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely, joking they were "all dancers now".
"I am so gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp," he said of his upcoming stint, "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."
Tyler is best known for his afternoon show on KISS FM.
Ellie Simmonds
Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds is no stranger to going for gold - and she'll want to be the one raising the Glitterball trophy when she takes part of the BBC dancing show this winter.
Speaking about her upcoming stint on the show, Ellie shared: "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."
She added: "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."
Ellie has multiple medals in her sport and is a five-time Paralympic champion and broadcaster.
Jayde Adams
Comedian Jayde Adams was the fifth star confirmed for the BBC One dancing show.
She has a number of acting and comedy credits, including her own Amazon Prime special, Serious Black Jumper.
Speaking about joining the show, she 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!”
Kaye Adams
Loose Women star Kaye Adams was the fourth name to join the show, after rumours.
The ITV presenter will follow in the footsteps of her co-stars, including Ruth Langsford, Sunetra Sarker, Frankie Bridge, Christine Lampard, Gloria Hunniford, Judi Love, Penny Lancaster and Katie Piper.
Kaye confessed she couldn't dance so didn't have much hope for success, but she decided "why not" when asked ahead of her 60th birthday.
She spilled: "I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!"
Speaking to her shocked co-stars, who had no idea she was taking part, she revealed: "I'll be honest, I could think of a million reasons not to do this, and when these gorgeous dancers came on I nearly exited form both ends of my body.
"But I thought, am I gonna be sitting there at the end of September thinking you know what, why didn't I? I'm 60 at the end of this year, why not? I can't make much more of a fool of myself than I have."
Richie Anderson
Radio 2 star Richie Anderson was announced as the third celebrity joining the Strictly line-up this year.
The One Show star, who features on Zoe Ball's Breakfast show, confirmed the news as it was revealed he would be part of a same sex coupling.
He said: "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.”
Kym Marsh
Former Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh became the second confirmed Strictly star to be announced as she revealed the news on BBC Breakfast.
Speaking to hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty from outside her hotel room, she said that she had a few friends who had been on the show who had given her some tips.
"They loved it, they have had the best time," she said. "What they said is that what they have learnt has just been incredible. I'm really looking forward to it - I'm nervous, but I'm really looking forward to it."
She revealed that her co-star Gethin Jones - who took part in Strictly - had always asked her if she was going to do it.
"I'll probably get a message later on saying, 'You never told me!'," she quipped laughing.
Will Mellor
Will Mellor was the first celebrity confirmed to be taking part on Strictly this year.
The Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star, 46, said that he was "so chuffed" to be part of the show but admitted that it was "totally out of his comfort zone".
“I'm honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year," he said. "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.
"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!”
