Time to dust off your sequins because it’s that sparkly time of year again, when BBC ballroom contest Strictly Come Dancing prepares to waltz onto our screens. This Monday sees the announcement of the first celebrity contestant on the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show, and we can hardly contain our excitement!
The hit dancing show will return for its fifteenth series this autumn, presented by glam duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with three new dancers, Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden and Nadiya Bychkova. The professionals have already been busy training in the studio, as this photo shows!
So which celebrities will grace the glamourous ballroom and compete to lift the famous glitter ball trophy this year? A few names have been tipped to take part, from Olly Murs to Joan Collins! Find out more here…
Olly Murs
Could the Troublemaker singer be starring in Strictly? Olly Murs has certainly got the moves, that’s for sure. A source told the Sun that Strictly is the ideal distraction for Olly to get over his split from girlfriend Francesca Thomas, saying: “It’s the perfect way for Olly to occupy himself and he’s hoping it will give him a new lease of life as he tries to move on from his split."
His former X Factor co-host Caroline Flack took part in Strictly and won. Fingers crossed!
Alexandra Burke
She’s no stranger to a reality TV show, having won X Factor in the past. Now singer Alexandra Burke is rumoured to be heading to Strictly. With her dance experience on X Factor and flawless style, Alex will be one to watch.
Ross Kemp
TV tough man and former Eastenders star would have the ladies swooning if joins the Strictly cast. The actor dropped a hint when he appeared on Loose Women recently, telling host Andrea: “Never say never”. He has previously told the Daily Star paper that he loves the show. Watch this space!
Joan Collins
Is there anything more glamourous than Joan Collins on Strictly? No there isn’t. Rumour has it that show bosses are trying to everything to sign up The Royals star.
A source told The Sun: “She’d bring plenty of glitz and old-school glamour to the dance floor, and she’s full of energy.”
Samantha Womack and Rita Simmons
Former Eastenders stars Samantha and Rita, who played Ronnie and Roxy for ten years on the hit soap, could be heading onto Strictly.
A Strictly producer told The Sun back in February: “It’s fair to say that people are keen to sign at least one of them and if at all possible both of the girls for the new series.” The pair left the show last August but their appearance on the dancing show would be a bit hit with soap fans.
Matt Goss
Brosettes prepare yourselves! Matt Goss of eighties pop group Bros is said to be on board for this year’s Strictly.
The gorgeous singer has already partnered Aliona Vilani in the 2013 Christmas special so he’d have a head start on the other contestants. We can’t wait to see his brother Luke cheering him on in the audience of this is true.
Paula Radcliffe
The world champion marathon runner could be sprinting onto our screens this autumn is reports are correct. Paula, 43, retired from her sporting career in 2015 so she could be looking for a new challenge. Sport stars do notoriously well on Strictly, so good luck to the celebs competing against Paula!
Ruth Langsford
The TV presenter and wife of Eammon Holmes has reportedly signed up for the show and is a huge fan of ballroom dancing. A source told the Mail Online recently: "Ruth has always been a big fan of the show, and producers are thrilled that she has changed her mind and will be taking part this year.”
Charlotte Hawkins
Good Morning Britain presenter has said she’s up for a spot on the show, revealing: "I would love to do Strictly because I do love dancing. It would be an amazing challenge to do, definitely."
Her telly co-host Susanna Reid reached the Strictly final in 2013, so it would be no surprise if Charlotte followed suit.