It's that time of year again! As the autumn rolls in, the sequins come out and Strictly Come Dancing makes its highly-anticipated return to our screens. Since the BBC revealed the incredible line-up of celebrities taking part in this year's competition, fans have been eagerly waiting to find out which professional dancers they'll be paired up with.
The 2024 couples were announced in tonight's launch show. Scroll on to find out this year's pairings…
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
TV presenter Nick has been paired with Luba for the 2024 show. The Russian dancer is a safe pair of hands, having been on the show since 2018. Plus, she's a four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship!
Nick said: "I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong?"
He joked: "Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race....we’ll see how it goes."
Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova
Olympic swimmer Tom is swapping the pool for the dance floor with blonde bombshell Nadiya! The duo are both champions in their respective fields, with Tom a gold medalist and Nadiya a World Champion in Ballroom and Latin '10' Dance. We think these two will go far!
Tom explained that he had some trepidation about joining the competition. He said: "We don’t do any land stuff, no running or jumping, so I’ve never really gone against gravity in my sporting career. Running, jumping, and twisting are all totally new to me, so I’m slowly trying to build up strength in these delicate feet of mine!"
Nadiya was over the moon to be partnered with the Olympian, saying: "He’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!”
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Former footballer Paul is swapping his boots for dancing shoes for the upcoming series, which will see him paired with longest-serving pro Karen.
Karen joined the show over a decade ago in 2012 and has made it to the final twice. We can't wait to see these two in action!
Paul joked that he had danced three times – at each of his weddings.
"I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we're going to have the most fun!" said the pro dancer.
Karen revealed the couple's first dance would be an American Smooth to Vindaloo by Fat Les.
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Actress Sarah has been paired with 2023 winner Vito – and we just know these two are going to have a ball together!
Vito and Sarah were ecstatic to be partnered together. He said: "Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!"
Sarah joked that she had manifested the pairing.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Love Island star Tasha is the second deaf contestant to take part in the show, following former winner Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021. The model has been partnered with returning pro Aljaž – and we think these two make a great team!
Tasha said: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy."
Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Morning Live's resident doctor Punam has teamed up with Gorka this year. The Spanish dancer has reached the final three times, so let's see if Punam can make it a fourth!
The doctor said: "I'm absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you've got so many years of experience."
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Singer and actress Toyah is teaming up with Neil this year. Toyah will be Neil's third celebrity partner during his eight-year stint on the show. We've got high hopes for these two!
“I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!” joked Toyah.
She also shared her plans to be “the first pensioner to abseil through this studio”.
Partner Neil said: “I’m scared of heights but I’m up for it.”
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas and former finalist Johannes Radebe will be showcasing their talents on the dance floor this season. Johannes, who joined the show in 2018, made it to the final with baker John Whaite back in 2021 as the first-ever all-male partnership.
"I am thrilled," said pro Johannes. "Sorry guys, I've got a champion."
They also revealed their team name, MoJo.
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
TOWIE star Pete is paired with Jowita. The Polish dancer lifted the glitterball with Hamza Yassin in 2022, becoming the first-ever female pro dancer to win their first series with a celebrity partner. Will Jowita reach the final with Pete this year? We can't wait to find out!
Pete said: "The little pocket rocket. I'm going to win it now."
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
We love this match! Fan-favourite Amy is taking on JLS star JB as she returns to the show following her cancer diagnosis last May.
Amy, who joined the Strictly family in 2017, has made it to the quarter-final and grand final in previous years. Does JB have what it takes to lift the Glitterball trophy? We can't wait to find out…
JB was delighted with the pairing, joking that Amy "had experience working with popstars in the past".
Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin
Former field hockey player and TV presenter Sam is with fan-favourite dancer Nikita this year! The Ukrainian-Italian dancer reached the final with Layton Williams last year – and we can't wait to see if he'll lift the trophy with Sam!
Sam said: "I'm so glad I've got you as a partner because you're kind, you're funny, you've got great energy, and the way he teaches is perfect for me."
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Opera singer Wynne is taking on Katya for this year's series – and what a combo! Wynne is in good hands with the Russian dancer, who joined the show in 2016 and lifted the Glitterball the following year with celeb partner Joe McFadden.
"I feel like you're going to give your heart and soul to it," said Katya.
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
What a pairing! Comedian Chris and flame-haired favourite Dianne will be sharing the dancefloor this season. The 47-year-old actor, who is the show's first blind contestant, is in safe hands with Dianne, who joined the show back in 2017 and has made it to the final twice.
"That won't be happening this time," joked Chris.
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
What a pairing! Actor Shayne and Nancy Xu will be sharing the ballroom this season. Nancy, who has reached the semi-final twice before, has been a fan favourite since joining the show in 2019.
Delighted at the pairing, Shane said: "I want to challenge myself and I believe I can."
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
EastEnders star Jamie has been teamed with Michelle for this year's show, marking the dancer's first turn with a celebrity partner.
Michelle, who joined the show in 2022, is a Latin dance champion. Let's hope Jamie is ready to move his hips!
Michelle said she felt "lucky" to be partnered with Jamie, and said Strictly was a "dream come true, and what better partner than Jamie".
A Strictly reunion
Last year's winners Ellie and Vito returned for an electric dance number.
The first dance
This year's class of '24 joined together for their first dance as an ensemble.
Strictly's 2024 contestants
Strictly fans are in for a treat with the 2024 line-up. Starring in the new series are: Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, Dr Punam Krishan, Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Jamie Borthwick, Tom Dean MBE, Montell Douglas, Nick Knowles, Paul Merson, Sam Quek.
Who are the judges?
Queen of Latin Shirley Ballas reprises her role as head judge for the landmark 22nd season. She'll be joined by Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
While Craig has been part of the Strictly family since the show first aired in 2004, Shirley replaced the late Len Goodman in season 15 and Motsi Mabuse took over from Dame Darcey Bussell in season 17.
Meanwhile, former pro Anton replaced Bruno Tonioli in season 18.
Who are the hosts?
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are back at the helm as hosts for the new series, presenting live from Elstree Studio every Saturday night. The duo have been co-hosting the show since 2010 and are a winning pair!
Strictly start date
The Strictly Come Dancing launch show will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 14 September 2024. The first live show will then air the following weekend on 21 September.