Strictly's Back Strictly Come Dancing 2024 LIVE:
Strictly Come Dancing returns tonight after a summer of scandal involving allegations of bullying and distress caused by two of its most popular dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
An internal investigation is underway, and BBC director Tim Davie has expressed regret, stating, "I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive."
Fans have speculated that these concerns may have contributed to a more challenging environment for attracting female competitors, potentially leading to fewer women stepping onto the dancefloor this series.
Despite the controversies, the hit BBC show continues to enjoy strong public support, having won the National Television Award for Talent Show of the Year on Wednesday, marking its ninth consecutive win in the category.
The likes of Pete Wicks, Tasha Ghouri and Nick Knowles are set to go head to head in a bid to win the infamous Glitterball trophy as the contest celebrates its 20th anniversary this Saturday.
Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will once again take their seats on the judging panel.
The show is live on BBC One from 7:20pm this evening.
Stay tuned to our Strictly Come Dancing blog for all the latest updates...
2 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Paul and Karen
Paul Merson was paired with Karen Hauer.
The ex footballer said: “I’m well happy. You’ve put the two oldest together. And I’m one of them!”
Karen said, “I just want him to enjoy himself because this is one of the greatest experiences.”
She then announced that their first dance would be an American smooth to “Vindaloo” by Fat Les.
Credit: BBC
3 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Nick and Luba
Nick Knowles was teamed up with Luba Mushtuk.
Nick said, “We’ll be a good match. I wanted someone patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van. I have had a bit of bodywork done, though. A spray paint, literally.”
Luba said, “I’m pretty sure with some time and a lot of patience, I will make you into a Maserati.”
Credit: BBC
4 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Tom and Nadiya
Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova.
The Olympian admitted, “We don’t do any land stuff, so I’ve never really gone against gravity in my sporting career,” and that he's working on strengthening his feet.
Nadiya added, “I’m super happy. He’s not just a swimmer, he’s a winner!”
Credit: BBC
14 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Music from Clean Bandit and Anne-Marie
The band and singer Anne-Marie sounded incredible as they performed their new single, Cry Baby, produced by David Guetta.
Credit: BBC
19 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Dr Punam and Gorka
Dr. Punam Krishan was paired with Gorka Márquez.
She said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience. I can’t wait to take you up north to bonnie Scotland.”
Gorka replied: “I can’t wait. I love Glasgow and I love haggis."
Credit: BBC
20 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Tasha and Aljaž
Tasha Ghouri was paired with Aljaž Škorjanec.
Tasha said: “Dance is my pure joy. It’s where I found my inner confidence and I’m doing this for all the Tashas out there. Disability or not, it’s about celebrating dance and putting smiles on faces. That’s what I’m here for.
"I am absolutely ecstatic to be paired with Aljaž. He’s so fun. I love a bit of chaos energy. We mesh so well. He’s already teaching me little move. I’ve got a good one here.”
Aljaž added: “Enjoy and embrace every single step of it because it’s the most special show you could ever do."
Credit: BBC
22 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Sarah and Vito
Sarah Hadland was paired with reigning pro, Vito Coppola.
Sarah said: “I’m a Strictly superfan. I’d be taking it very seriously if I was at home. Depending on which WhatsApp group I was with, you wouldn’t be able to talk during the dances. That’s a very strict rule.”
When Claudia asked Vito if he could win again, he replied: "“I live in the moment and the present.
"Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!”
Credit: BBC
23 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Toyah and Neil
Toyah is paired with Neil Jones.
She gushed: “Meeting Neil was like being in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
After Toyah’s vowed to become “the first pensioner to abseil through the studio," Neil added: “I’m scared of heights, but I’m up for it.”
strictly come dancing pairings 14 09 24
strictly come dancing pairings 14 09 24Credit: BBC
38 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Homecoming champs
Welcome back, glitterball champions!
2023 winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola returned to the ballroom with their fiery paso doble to 2WEI’s cover of Faithless’s Insomnia.
It's no wonder they took the top spot last year.
Credit: BBC
41 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Sam and Nikita
Sam Quek was paired with Nikita Kuzmin, who reached last year’s final with Layton Williams.
Sam admitted: “I’ve never felt nerves like this. It’s the unknown. Look at me, I didn’t even recognize myself in the mirror!”
Nikita shared: “Everybody spoke so highly of Sam. She’s lovely and caring, and I couldn’t wait to start.”
Credit: BBC
42 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Montell and Johannes
Montell Douglas was paired with Johannes Radebe.
She was thrilled, saying: “How can you not be happy? I don’t think there’s a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with Jojo. I’m over the moon!”
They even came up with a team name, MoJo. Johannes said: “Strictly Come Dancing, bringing the MoJo. She’s Fire and I’m Water," making reference to her Gladiators name.
Credit: BBC
45 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
JB and Amy!
JB Gill was paired with Amy Dowden, who made her Strictly comeback after recovering from cancer.
Amy shared: “I was thrilled to be back. It felt like my first year all over again. I just wanted JB to love dancing.”
JB revealed he had his eye on Amy as his partner, saying: “She was brilliant and had experience with popstars, so I knew I was in good hands!”
Credit: BBC
46 minutes ago
By Callum Wells
Pete and Jowita
Pete Wicks is paired with Jowita Przystał. Asked if having Jowita makes it all worth it, Pete said: “Oh, 100%! I’ve got this in the bag, I’m going to win it.”
Their first dance will be a paso doble, but Pete jokingly asked: “What’s a paso doble?”
Credit: BBC
Today, 19:59
By Callum Wells
Shayne and Nancy
Shayne Ward has been paired with Nancy Xu.
Shayne said: “Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey.
Nancy Xu added: “I will try. Since that’s your goal, that’s my goal!”
Today, 19:58
By Callum Wells
Jamie and Michelle
Jamie Borthwick has been paired with newcomer Michelle Tsiakka.
Jamie joked: “I don’t quite know how I managed to win the Christmas special but this is a whole different ballgame. I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”
Michelle chimed in with: “It’s a dream come true to finally get on that dancefloor with a partner and who better than Jamie to dance with? I’m so happy!”
Credit: BBC
Today, 19:56
By Callum Wells
Wynne and Katya
Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.
Wynne jokingly calls her “the cockney Russian!” while she quips : “This man was born to Wynne!”
She went on to reveal that their first dance will be the samba to Help Yourself by Sir Tom Jones.
Credit: BBC
Today, 19:55
By Callum Wells
First pairing revealed
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell have been announced as the first pairing!
Chris said: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?”
Dianne replied: “I’m so excited and honoured to be your partner.I’m not sure myself how it’s going to work but we’ll figure it out together.”
Chris added: “We’re going to make mistakes and have a laugh about them. Then we’re going to turn up here and show you all of the mistakes that we’ve learnt.”
Credit: BBC
Today, 19:45
By Callum Wells
Amy's return
Amy Dowden fronted a giant cast dance to Dua Lipa's Houdini after being forced to miss last year's series.
The dancer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year.
During that time, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, and nearly died from sepsis.
She was given the all clear earlier this year.
Credit: X
Today, 19:34
By Callum Wells
Fans Rave Over Craig's Beard
Viewers are going wild over Craig Revel Horwood's new beard!
Taking to X, one wrote: "Bloominhell Craig Revel Horwood looks like he's brand new!"
Another added: "Ngl I find Craig very attractive with his new beard."
Credit: X
Today, 19:24
By Callum Wells
It's back!
Strictly has officially returned - with a glossy skit of the cast finding themselves stuck in the middle of the desert.
As they get to work on their van, the pros start dancing and the camera soon cuts to the studio.
Today, 19:13
By Callum Simpson
Meet the celebs - Sarah Hadland
Miranda star Sarah Hadland is best known for her adorable character Stevie Sutton on the beloved BBC sitcom.
However, some fans may not know that she also appeared in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum Of Solace.
Strictly is her next big challenge, and she is excited to be part of the show.
Sarah told the BBC: “I cannot believe I am part of Strictly!
"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!”
Credit: PA
Today, 19:06
By Callum Simpson
Meet the celebs - Montell Douglas AKA Fire
Montell Douglas shot to fame on the Gladiators reboot.
Known for her alter ego of Fire, she said she was "honoured" to be taking part in Strictly,
Speaking to the BBC, 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!”
Credit: PA
Today, 19:00
By Callum Simpson
Meet the celebs - Dr Punam Krishan
TV doctor Punam Krishan is swapping the surgery for the dance floor to take part in Strictly.
She said: “This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show.
"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.”
Credit: PA
Today, 18:55
By Callum Simpson
Meet the celebs - Wynne Evans
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans shot to fame as the "Go Compare man", on the famous insurance ads.
He will now be strutting his stuff on Strictly.
He said: "I love the glitz, the glamour and all of that so I'm well up for it.
"I can't believe it [is happening] because it's all cloak and daggers.
"You go for an audition, then you're given a code name - which is my favourite part of the whole thing."
Credit: PA
Today, 18:50
By Callum Simpson
Meet the celebs - JB Gill
Just like Shayne, singer JB Gill shot to fame on The X Factor.
Alongside his band JLS, he was runner-up on the show in 2008, narrowly losing out to Alexandra Burke.
Now a TV presenter, 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."
Credit: PA
Today, 18:49
By Callum Simpson
Meet the celebs - Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward is hoping to emulate the success he had when he won The X Factor in 2005, and scoop the Glitterball Trophy.
The singer 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!”
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