© Photo: BBCIt's that time of year again! The Strictly Come Dancing countdown is on - and we are SO excited for its return in just a matter of weeks.
MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: everything you need to know
We cannot wait to see the professional dancers, the judges, and Tess and Claudia all reunite to welcome a fresh batch of famous faces hoping to lift the iconic Glitterball trophy.
But who are the celebrities taking part? We'll be keeping you up to date with every big name that is announced. Check out the line-up so far below…
Ugo Monye
Rugby superstar Ugo Monye is the final star to be announced and completes 2021's celebrity line-up. Ugo has played for both the Harlequins and the England national team, and will be a team captain for the next series of A Question of Sport.
Judi Love
Judi Love has been announced as the 14th celebrity contestant taking part in the brand new series - and we can't wait to see her strut her stuff! Judi is a stand-up comedian but also known for her work on ITV's Loose Women alongside other regulars such as Nadia Sawalha and Stacey Solomon.
© Photo: BBCAdam Peaty
Adam Peaty MBE, fresh off the back of his two gold medals at Tokyo 2020, will be donning his dancing shoes in this year's competition! Adam is one of the biggest names in world swimming and was one of the standout stars of this year’s Olympics, where he made history by becoming the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title after claiming gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Tokyo 2020 in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke.
Rose Ayling-Ellis
EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis will also be dancing this series! The star joined the popular soap last year and has also been on our screens in Casualty and Summer of Rockets. The actress will make history as the first-ever deaf contestant on Strictly!
Nina Wadia
Nina Wadia has joined the line-up! The actress is famous for starring in the BBC Two sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, Open All Hours spin-off Still Open All Hours - but is perhaps best known for playing Zainab Masood in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, where she won ‘Best Onscreen Partnership’ and ‘Best Comedy’ at the British Soap Awards!
© Photo: BBCGreg Wise
Hollywood actor Greg Wise, has been announced as the tenth celebrity taking to the ballroom this autumn to show off his best dance moves. Greg, who is married to Emma Thompson, is known for his various film, television and theatre roles, including The Crown, Cranford and his breakout role in 1995's Sense and Sensibility, where he met his future wife.
MORE: The hilarious story behind how Emma Thompson met her husband Greg Wise
In a statement, he added that he was inspired to take part following his sister's death. “My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen," he said. "She left our world almost exactly five years ago in a glitter ball coffin. This is for her. My gorgeous Diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this."
Keep clicking for more photos...!
© Photo: BBCTilly Ramsay
Tilly Ramsay is Gordan and Tana Ramsay's daughter, and is best known for being a social media star on TikTok, where she boasts of 9.5 million followers. She also presented Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch on CBBC, which saw her cooking and having adventures along with her family, for which she received three Children’s BAFTA nominations.
Speaking about the show, she said: "I'm most looking forward to the glitz and the glamour!" In a statement, she added: "I’m so excited and grateful to be joining the Strictly family! I’m always up for fun new challenges and this will be my biggest adventure yet!"
© Photo: BBCDan Walker
BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker is happy the secret is finally out, saying: "I only told my kids last weekend so they're not very happy with me either, hardly anyone has been in the circle, I'm very sorry I was told it would make great telly if I didn't tell you Louise [Minchin]!"
Dragon's Den's very own Sara Davies MBE is the sixth celebrity contestant confirmed for the dancing show! Speaking on GMB, she said: "Keeping it from my family has been the hardest thing. It just looks like the most amazing experience. When Deborah [Meadon] was on it, I hoped one day that could be me."
© Photo: BBCRhys Stevenson
Rhys Stephenson is getting ready to Cha Cha Cha his way to Elstree studios! The children's TV presenter, who has hosted Blue Peter and Saturday Mash-Up!, was announced during Friday morning's Newsround on CBBC and said he couldn't wait to get started.
MORE: Which Strictly pro will be paired with Bake Off star John Whaite in first-ever all-male couple?
"I am BUZZING to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021. I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation.
I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig’s glare!" He added: "I am READY!"
© Photo: RexJohn Whaite
John Whaite is joining Strictly Come Dancing and we can't wait to see him in action! The former Great British Bake Off star, who won the baking show back in 2012, was announced on BBC Radio 2 breakfast show and also revealed he would be being in the first-ever all-male partnership for the show.
MORE: Kevin Clifton inundated with fan support as he prepares for 'dream' role
Speaking about the historical news, John said: "It's an honour. When they asked me if I'd be interested I just bit their hand off… to see two men and two women dancing together… it's about intimacy and respect.
"In our society men are conditioned not to open up and be emotional and I think it'll help with that… I don't think it's sunk in!"
© Photo: Getty ImagesAJ Odudu
TV presenter and broadcaster AJ Odudu is heading to the ballroom. The Big Brother's Bit on the Side host admitted she was so excited when she confirmed she would be taking part on The One Show, and even revealed her codename was Marge Simpson!
MORE: AJ Odudu debuts spectacular garden makeover – exclusive
"The secret's out at last... surprise, mum! She's fuming that I've dragged her all the way from Blackburn to London," the down-to-earth star said.
"This is favourite child vibes here," she joked, before saying that she was looking forward to donning some sequins. Asked what dance she was looking forward to, she responded: "All of them!"
© Photo: Getty ImagesRobert Webb
We love that Peep Show and Back star Robert Webb is doing Strictly this year. The actor and author said he signed up because he thought "it would be rude not to". He added: "Very, very exciting but with a slight undertone of quivering terror." Time to don those sequins, Rob!
© Photo: Getty ImagesTom Fletcher
McFly star and author Tom Fletcher was the first contestant to be announced for this year's celebrity line-up.
The musician, who is married to I'm a Celebrity 2020 winner Giovanna, will no doubt be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his bandmate Harry Judd, who won the show alongside Aliona Vilani in 2011.
MORE: Giovanna and Tom Fletcher's pristine family home hits market for £2.5million - photos
"I'm so pleased the news is out, it's been so hard keeping it secret," Tom said. He then described himself as: "Equally parts excited and terrified."
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© Photo: BBCKatie McGlynn
Coronation Street's Katie McGlynn will be putting on her dancing shoes to entertain us in the winter months. Speaking about the exciting news, the actress said: "It's been so hard keeping it a secret, but I can finally say that I'm getting ready to shake my shimmy and become part of the Strictly family!"
MORE: Strictly confirms TWO more contestants - and we didn’t see it coming!
