We're only a few months away from the return of Strictly Come Dancing, so it's no surprise that there are already a few names rumoured to be contestants on the new series.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are set to return as hosts of the BBC dance competition, with the judging panel having been confirmed ahead of the launch this autumn.
Anton Du Beke will officially return as a judge, after the news that Bruno Tonioli had left the show for good - with Anton having only temporarily replaced him previously.
The judging panel will also include Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood, who will give their critiques on the latest batch of celebrity contestants.
Rehearsals are already underway, with four new professional dancers set to be introduced on the new series - which could feature a gender-neutral partnership.
The new pros are Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas. They join returning dancers like Giovanni Pernice, Johannes Radebe and Dianne Buswell.
It's been reported that the show is set to ditch some of its Covid protocols and have a full studio audience. It's also hoped that screens between the judges will be removed.
The thing that fans are most keen to find out though is who are the celebrities taking part. And whilst the line-up hasn't been announced, here are a few of the rumours so far.
Gino D'Acampo
Celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo, 45, is one of the names rumoured for Strictly this year - with producers reportedly considering him to have "universal appeal" for audiences.
A source told the Sun : "He also has serious star appeal, having been on This Morning for 13 years and winning I'm A Celebrity." They said he is "up for a laugh" and entertaining.
It's been reported that the Family Fortunes host had been approached to do Strictly in the past, though he suggested he didn't have enough time for the training.
Adam Thomas
There has been speculation for weeks over Adam Thomas - best known for playing Adam Barton in Emmerdale and Donte Charles on Waterloo Road - taking to the dancefloor.
It was rumoured earlier this year that he was in talks to take part, with him later teasing over the possibility himself, commenting: "Bring it all on. I love a bit of glitz and glam."
He's said to have stated that he's part of the line-up during an interview with MailOnline this month, though fans will find out for sure when the cast are officially announced.
Kym Marsh
It's also rumoured that Kym Marsh could be sashaying onto the dancefloor in the new series, with producers reportedly "pulling out all the stops" to get her to sign up.
The Coronation Street alum - who first rose to fame as a member of band Hear'Say - currently hosts BBC's Morning Live alongside Gethin Jones, who did Strictly in 2007.
A source said recently that bosses have wanted Kym to take part in the dance competition for years, with them said to be "hopeful" that this year could see her participate.
Tony Adams
Another name being mentioned in connection with the upcoming series is former footballer Tony Adams, who had captained both Arsenal and England during his career.
Tony - who ventured into football managing after retiring from playing - is rumoured to be among the line-up for Strictly, with the speculation reported earlier this month.
A source told the Sun on Sunday that producers are "thrilled" to have brought a football legend like Tony on board for the upcoming series of the BBC programme.
Louis Theroux
The documentary filmmaker and viral ‘My money don’t jiggle jiggle’ rapper, threw his hat in the ring for the upcoming series at the end of last year.
Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, he admitted he would like to be part of the line-up as he said he’s “a good dancer”.
He added: “I know I’ve had too many drinks when I’m in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
“And that’s where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly.”
Steph McGovern
It was rumoured earlier this week that producers are eyeing up presenter Steph McGovern, 40, as a contestant for the new series. She has suggested she's open to it.
A source told The Sun : "Steph has the personality and profile which makes her a perfect choice in the eyes of Strictly producers." She's said to have been approached in the past.
The source suggested she had previously declined the opportunity as she had been established her show Packed Lunch on Channel 4 but it's now "a firm fixture in the schedules."
BBC Breakfast alum Steph addressed the speculation on the show yesterday, teasing "never say never." She further commented: "I've turned it down in the past, never say never."
Helen Skelton
The Countryfile presenter and former Blue Peter star is reportedly being coveted by bosses of the show as they search for the latest batch of celebrities.
Helen even appeared on the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, where she was partnered with Artem Chigvintsev.
BBC bosses are now said to be keen to pitch her into the line-up this time around as an insider told The Sun she has been on their wishlist since then.
They said: “She relocated to France in 2015 for three years while Richie was playing there and has also taken time out for her three pregnancies. There was also the suggestion that Richie wasn’t sure about her taking part.”
But the insider suggested that since the TV presenter split from her rugby league ace husband Richie Myler, “the situation might be different” this year.
Tom Daley
Now the Plymouth-born diver finally clinched a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, reports earlier this year suggested he could be set to join the Strictly line-up.
The prolific knitter was reported to be caught in a battle between ITV bosses, who were said to want to sign him up for I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and the BBC’s Strictly team, according to the Mail Online.
However, a representative for Tom has since confirmed to The Mirror that he will not be competing in Strictly this year - but there's always next year!
Dawn French
The Vicar of Dibley star earlier this year admitted that she has been asked to do Strictly Come Dancing in the past.
During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show alongside Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe, Dawn said she had reservations due to fears she would be teased.
She said: “I might have been asked to do Strictly, but I fear I would be regarded as the funny one and made to do silly things. I take dancing seriously and I would like to do proper dancing.”
She has also spoken about the possibility of appearing on Strictly on her podcast, saying: “At this age, you’re not taken seriously. Also, if you’re from comedy, they want to shoot you out of a cannon like Ann Widdecombe and I don’t want that.
“I want the nicest dress, the most elegant other dancer and to take it seriously, and nobody would want that.”
Joséphine Jobert
Now the Death in Paradise star has exited the hit Saint Marie show, it seems she could be open to stepping out onto the ballroom stage instead.
She wouldn’t be the first Death In Paradise alum to perform either, with Danny John-Jules taking up the challenge back in 2018.
When Joséphine’s co-star Tahj Miles admitted he'd like to take part during an Instagram Q&A last year, she said: “We should do it together, we'd win it together!”
Scarlett Moffatt
The reality star and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner has been open about her love of Strictly in the past, and last year opened up about the possibility of competing in an upcoming series.
She told Digital Spy : “The Strictly people think I'm this pro dancer because I do a few dances on TikTok. I think everyone thinks I'm a professional dancer.
“I just love dancing. It just makes you feel happy. Anything that makes you feel happy, I would sign myself up for.”
Rosie Jones
The comedian and The Last Leg star has admitted that she was inspired by last year's champion Rose Ayling-Ellis, who's deaf, to take on the ballroom herself.
She told Metro: “I’d say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn’t see anybody like me [on TV].
“In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn’t a disadvantage and it will never stop me!”
