Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 line-up revealed: from first blind contestant to 80s rock star

Job:  Comedian

Age: 47

Chris McCausland is set to make history in the upcoming series as the show's first blind contestant. The 47-year-old, who fans will recognise for his appearances on Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You? and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, said he's "massively apprehensive" about taking part after announcing the news on ITV's This Morning. 

"If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing," he said in a statement. "I don't dance, I haven't danced, I can't dance, I can't see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Ok don't answer that...!"

Job: Singer

Age: 37

Having won the Strictly Christmas special back in 2012, JLS star JB Gill is returning to the ballroom in the hopes of lifting the trophy once more. The musician was previously partnered with former pro Ola Jordan and won the judges over with his incredible jive. 

On joining the 2024 line-up, JB said: "I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me. I’m raring to go and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs - I’m here to embrace it all!"

Job: Opera singer

Age: 52

Welsh opera star Wynne Evans will be swapping the microphone for the dance floor in the upcoming show. The 52-year-old, who is perhaps best recognised for starring in the Go.compare insurance adverts, has had two number one classical music albums and been a principal at most of the major opera houses around the globe during his singing career. 

On signing up for the show, Wynne said: "I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I’m not entirely sure how I'll get along, if all else fails I'll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. 

"I'm definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges' hearts will be through their stomachs!"

Job: TV Doctor

Age: Unknown

Dr Punam Krishan will be a familiar face to viewers thanks to her regular appearances on Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland, where she reports on the latest health news. The doctor, who is also a children's author, said she's "overjoyed" to be taking part in the show. 

"This still doesn't feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year's show," said the broadcaster. "I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can't believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now.

"This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all," she added. 

Job: Singer and actress

Age: 66

Singer and actress Toyah Willcox is no stranger to performing for large crowds, having recently taken to the stage at Glastonbury Festival this year, where she performed some of her hit singles, 'It's A Mystery' and 'I Want to Be Free'.

The 66-year-old, who has amassed 13 top 40 singles and appeared in over 20 feature films during her 50-year career, is ready for the "wild and wonderful ride" of Strictly. 

"Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it!" she said in a statement. "This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I'm here for every sparkly second. I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!"

Job: Reality star/podcaster

Age: 36

Reality star Pete Wicks is perhaps best known for appearing on ITV's TOWIE, as well as for hosting red carpets at the BRIT Awards, Pride of Britain Awards and National Television Awards. The 36-year-old, who is also an author and podcast host, is "looking forward to getting stuck in".

He said: "Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in."

Job: Model/Reality star

Age: 25

Former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri is hoping to represent the deaf community in this year's competition. The model and TV personality, who's also a published author, rose to fame after appearing in the 2022 series of Love Island. 

On joining the line-up, she said: "Pinch me, I can't believe I'm going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I've been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true. I know it's going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor."

Job: Actress

Age: 53

Actress Sarah Hadland is best known for playing Stevie in the BBC sitcom Miranda. Viewers will also recognise the star for her roles in Horrible Histories, The Job Lot, and James Bond epic Quantum of Solace.

The 53-year-old is hoping to make her family proud this autumn. "I cannot believe I am part of Strictly!" she said in a statement. "I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!"

Job: Actor and singer

Age: 39

Actor and singer Shayne Ward is "buzzing" to be joining the 2024 line-up. 

The 39-year-old, who rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2005, is perhaps best recognised for playing Aidan Connor in Coronation Street and for leading Channel 5's crime show, The Good Ship Murder.

On joining the show, Shayne said: "I'm buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. 

"No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!”

Job: Olympic swimmer

Age: 24

Olympic swimmer Tom Dean is swapping the pool for the dance floor. The 24-year-old, who made his name at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, initially shared the news while competing at the Paris Olympics last week. 

"I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024!" said the 24-year-old in an official statement. "You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!"

Job: Actor

Age: 30

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick is back for more having won the 2023 Christmas special.

The actor, who is best known for playing Jay Brown in the BBC soap, said: "I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. I'm hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I'll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!"

Job: Gladiators personality and former Olympic athlete

Age: 38

Gladiators ready! Montell Douglas, otherwise known as 'Fire' on the hit BBC show will be taking part in this year's line-up. Alongside appearing on the revival of the hit BBC show, Montell is also a former Olympic bobsledder and sprinter.

The news was confirmed on the BBC's Wonder Chase on ROBLOX, and Montell said: "Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!"

Job: TV presenter

Age: 61

Nick Knowles is best known for presenting an array of TV shows including DIY SOS, Into the Grand Canyon, and The Mighty Mississippi. The 61-year-old is now excited to take on a new challenge. 

Of his involvement, he said: "I'm so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure. 

"I've spent my whole life learning new skills and I've never been afraid of a challenge - there's life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I'll give it my everything… and try not to embarrass my kids of course!" 

Job: Football pundit

Age: 56

Former England footballer Paul Merson kicked off his sporting career aged 17 when he played for Arsenal Football Club. During his stellar career he went on to play for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, before later taking on the role of player manager at Walsall Football Club. 

Musing on his upcoming Strictly journey, he said: "Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I'm going to tackle this challenge head on. I'm ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so here's hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I'll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!" 

Job: TV & radio presenter

Age: 35

Broadcaster Sam Quek is a former field hockey player. In her glittering career she has won 125 international caps for the England and Great Britain women's hockey teams, including a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Since embarking on a broadcasting career, she has presented on BBC 'Morning Live' and starred as a captain on A Question of Sport. 

Of her involvement, she shared: "As a former hockey player I'm used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting! I'm chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I'm ready for every bit of the adventure."