Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up - Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland (2024)

Josie Copson

Before celebrities are officially announced as taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, they are told to keep their participation a secret.

However, Sarah Hadland has admitted this is something she struggled with and so is feeling relieved the news is out in the open.

‘Now I’ve actually said it it’s such a relief as I’ve been the worst at keeping this a secret,’ she confessed in an Instagram video posted on Strictly Come Dancing’s official page.

‘I mean I’ve told so many people. I even said it in a clothes shop yesterday. She said: ‘What’s this for?” And I went: “Strictly”.’

In the short clip, Sarah also revealed the one person who is possibly more excited than her about her casting.

‘I’m also really excited for my mum, who is the biggest fan of the show,’ she stated.

Sabrina Barr

Now that Miranda actress Sarah Hadland has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing, fans have a very specific request for one of her dance routines.

One of her most well-known scenes from the sitcom saw her character Stevie do an impression of Heather Smalls’ Proud… so of course, that song simply has to be used for one of her performances.

At least, that’s what fans of the BBC dance competition think!

Sabrina Barr

Before today, JLS’ JB Gills was being billed as the top contender for Strictly 2024.

However, now that X Factor winner Shayne Ward has been confirmed, there’s been a shift.

According to bookmaker Coral, Shayne has 4/1 odds of winning the Glitterball Trophy.

‘Shayne Ward tops our betting to win Strictly Come Dancing 2024. The former X factor winner knows all about success on talent shows, and we think he will be a big hit on the Strictly dance floor,’ said Coral’s John Hill.

The odds as they currently stand according to Coral are:

• 4-1 Shayne Ward
• 5-1 JB Gill
• 6-1 Tasha Ghouri
• 8-1 Tom Dean
• 10-1 Pete Wicks
• 14-1 Sarah Hadland
• 16-1 Toyah Willcox
• 16-1 Punam Krishan
• 25-1 Chris McCausland
• 25-1 Wynne Evans

Who are you backing to win? Let us know in the comments below

Josie Copson

Strictly stars have shared how their families have reacted to the news they are joining the show, and it’s an emotional watch.

Tasha Ghouri posted a video on TikTok of her boyfriend Andrew Le Page excitedly clinking champagne with her, and her dad shedding tears at the news, soundtracked by the song ‘What Dreams are Made of’.

JB Gill went full showman to tell his loved ones over FaceTime, by suddenly whipping off his hoody to reveal a sparkly shirt as the Strictly theme tune played.

He captured Fleur East, Alexandra Burke, Aston Merrygold, Rochelle Humes, Melvin Odoom, Marvin Humes, and Kimberly Wyatt’s reactions, which were often initially confused before excitement took hold.

Rochelle, who cried during the call, initially thought JB was having a third baby with wife Chloe Tangney.

‘Everybody thinks I’m pregnant,’ she joked.

Josie Copson

After Love Island star Tasha Ghouri was announced as being part of the cast, it didn’t take long for people to discover her previous dance career which has included dancing in the music video for More Than Words by Sleepwalkers featuringMNEK. Some people have decided that this gives Tasha an ‘unfair advantage’.

‘Isn’t she a professional dancer in her own right?’ asked ElleKaye9t. LiliaGracePatchett wrote similarly: ‘Love her but a professional dancer?’

Jojoleelee9393 added: ‘She’ll likely pick up the routines quicker, isn’t that literally the job of a professional dancer. You think her and the Go Compare guy are starting on an even footing!’

However, Tasha, 25, has been quick to respond, taking to Instagram, she wrote: ‘I’ve not danced for quite a few years, since Love Island my career is so different.

‘It’s such a different dance style, I may actually not be good at it, like ballet, I’m not good at ballet.

‘I’m trained in commercial street style. It’s going to be very hard but I’m excited for a challenge.’

Josie Copson

Shayne Ward knows exactly what it’s like to be part of a huge Saturday night show having found fame in 2005 on The X Factor, and has explained how the experience will help him.

He said on Lorraine: ‘I’m used to being in front of a live audience. People remember me from 2005 X Factor, so I know what it takes to be in front of a live audience and also try to block them out and imagine they’re not there.

Speaking about signing up he said: ‘It’ll just be me and whoever I’m partnered up with, which I’m super excited about.’

‘I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life,’ he said.

‘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!’

Josie Copson

Christine Lampard asked Strictly’s newest recruits Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland how they felt about signing up for the show amidst the current reports about celebrities’ experiences on the series.

’20 years is a super exciting time. This show is so beloved. People look forward to it happening,’ responded Sarah.

Shayne added: ‘I’ve been away filming so I haven’t seen anything. I’m focused on meeting the dancers and contestants and having an amazing experience.’

Christine was likely alluding to theallegations made against some of the show’s pro dancers.

Amanda Abbingtonhas called Giovanni Pernice’s training methods‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’and said she complained over concerns he ‘could do that to other people’. He hasdenied the accusationsagainst him.

While Graziano Di Prima stepped down amidaccusations he ‘kicked and hit’ Zara McDermott. The statements from the former contestants led to more people coming forward claiming that they also had negative experiences,including Laura Whitmore,Will Bayley, andAnthony Ogogo.

Josie Copson

Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland have been confirmed as the latest celebrities to have signed up to Strictly Come Dancing.

Their names were revealed on Lorraine after they were teased throughout the episode.

Various clues were given including a penalty to allude to X Factor winner Shayne’s song ‘That’s My Goal’ and Heather Small – Sarah’s character Stevie in the sitcom Miranda regularly sang her hit Proud.

The pair both expressed how excited they were to be taking part in the BBC series while chatting to stand-in host Christine Lampard and shared their joint ambition to reach Halloween week.

Coronation Street star Shayne said: ‘It feels really exciting. I’m just super excited. For me, I felt like I was nervous to do it. I couldn’t do it. I wasn’t good enough. Now many years later I feel in my gut this is the right time. I’m hungry for it.’

‘Can finally tell my mum as she doesn’t know I’m doing it. She’s a massive fan. Every year she says, “Do you think you’ll do it this year” and finally and I can say I am,’ shared Sarah.

We look forward to seeing their moves very soon!

Josie Copson

Before officially announcing the next star, the Lorraine show are keeping us on our toes with clues.

At the start of the ITV daytime programme, they showed two celebrities holding glitterballs in front of their face, seemingly revealing it is one male and one female that will be revealed today.

The showbiz correspondent Lucie Cave then acted out a penalty, and while it may make you think it’s a footballer, her choice to purposefully miss may suggest otherwise. Of course we know X Factor winner Shayne famously released the song ‘That’s My Goal’, so it could possibly be him being unveiled shortly.

Could we have cracked the code?

Josie Copson

Christine Lampard is stepping in for Lorraine on today’s edition of her self-titled show, and during the episode, she will be revealing not one, but two celebrities…

The episode begins at 9am, so we don’t have too long to wait!

Josie Copson

How many Strictly professional dancers can you fit in an elevator? Turns out, the answer is 10.

Aljaž Škorjanec and Johannes Radebe shared a selfie of all the men who will be teaching the female celebrities in the 2024 series – Nikita Kuzmin, Kai Widdrington, Neil Jones, Carlos Gu, Gorka Marquez, and Vito Coppola.

Joining them were Arduino Bertoncello, and Joshua Keefe who work as choreographers and feature in group routines, as well as Jason Gilkison, who puts together many of the impressive dances.

The elevator ride was described as a ‘bonding session’ by the boys.

Josie Copson

Yesterday, we had Pete Wicks and Tasha Ghouri joining the line-up of the previously announcedJLSsingerJB Gill, comedianChris McCausland, opera singer (and the Go Compare advert man) Wynne Evans, TV doctorPunam Krishan, and 80s chart-topperToyah Willcox.

The reveals are set to continue, with more names added to the 2024 cast. We shouldn’t have to wait too long, and of course, we shall be keeping you updated!

Laura Harman

We’re now signing this blog off for the night, but stay tuned tomorrow for more updates as the official announcements continue!

With just seven contestants officially confirmed, we are still waiting to hear who the other eight contestants will be!

Laura Harman

The opera singer, better known for his appearances in the Go Compare adverts has been slammed by fans with leaving negative comments on the post announcing he’d be in the show that read: ‘Not exactly a celebrity is he?’

Rushing to his defence fans were quick to slam the negative comments and remind commenters that he recently won Celebrity Masterchef. He was additionally supported by the cast of Strictly who expressed their excitement that he’d be joining the team.

Shirley Ballas commented on the social media post: ‘Ahh fabulous. Go Comparreeee. Welcome@wynneevans❤️’

Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Dianne Buswell, Motsi Mabuse, Gorka Marquez and Nikita Kuzmin, added to the Strictly love as they echoed Shirley’s sentiment and also welcomed the singer to the family with sweet comments.

Laura Harman

TV presenter Maura Higgins left a dirty joke on Pete Wicks’s post announcing his participation in the latest series of the show.

After the pair were allegedly seen looking cosy and kissing over the weekend, she joked on Pete’s post revealing he’s taking part in the show: ‘I know what those hips can do 😂🕺🏻 PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!❤️’

Pete responded that he was ‘dead’ as he laughed at the former Love Island star’s cheeky comment.

Laura Harman

Former Strictly contestant Zara gave some advice to Tasha who is set to take part in the competition later this year.

In a comment on a recent Instagram post from Tasha, the former Love Island star said: ‘This is going to be epic ❤️❤️❤️ have the most amazing journey ✨ p.s. start stocking up on the compeed now 😂😂😂 xxx’

The handy tip suggested that Zara may have found herself with quite a few blisters during her 2023 stint on the show as she passed on the hack to the next former Love Island cast member to appear on the show.

Laura Harman

Chris McCausland is the first blind contestant to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.

While his inclusion in the show has been praised, some fans are concerned about the logistics and how he will be able to take part in the intense competition.

‘Having done a couple of years of dance classes I can’t fathom how @chrismccausland is going to cope on Strictly with such limited time to learn dances etc. Absolutely brilliant that he is; it would almost make me watch it!’ tweeted Vicgoddard.

Replying to the message from the fan the comedian joked: ‘Neither can I 😟😏.’

Laura Harman

Tasha Ghouri has revealed that participating in the dance competition has been her dream for some time as she reflected on learning to love dancing because she could feel the vibrations of the music.

‘My passion for dance started when I could feel the bass and vibrations through my body by the huge floor standing speakers in our family home.

‘Hearing the lyrics was down to lip reading the videos on the TV or going on Google and learning them which I still do now and still get them wrong! 😂 I’ve never learned or been taught any of the styles on Strictly so I’m buzzed to push myself past my knowledge and limits 💫’

She then added: I am dancing to represent and offer confidence to anyone, with a disability or not, that struggles to believe in themselves or the opportunities they could take 💘

‘As well as this being my dream, it’s also my family’s and Andrew’s. Every dance I do is for you all. I can’t wait to make you all proud on the ballroom floor.’

Sabrina Barr

While the celebrities continue to be announced for Strictly 2024 – with eight more to go – the professional dancers in the line-up are currently in the middle of rehearsals as they get ready for the BBC programme to return.

Karen Hauer has revealed her fitness routine that she did in preparation for the day on Wednesday, including a spin on her exercise bike, as well as using an exercise band while balancing on one foot.

Serious fitness goals!

‘What a way to prepare! Good for you Karen,’ a fan called Alison wrote, while Kathryn added: ‘Just brilliant and always motivating.’

Sabrina Barr

Of the celebrities who’ve been confirmed for Strictly 2024, there are already predictions about how well they’re going to fare in the competition.

According to bookmaker Ladbrokes, Love Island star and dancer Tasha Ghouri has a strong chance, with 6/1 odds.

However, JLS singer JB Gill is believed to have the strongest likelihood, with 5/1 chances.

‘Tasha could well be the one to watch, if the latest odds are anything to go by… and punters are already backing her for the Glitterball Trophy,’ said Alex Apati at Ladbrokes.

Here are how the odds are shaping up at the moment:

• JB Gill – 5/1
• Tasha Ghouri – 6/1
• Tom Dean – 8/1
• Pete Wicks – 10/1
• Punam Krishan – 16/1
• Toyah Wilcox – 16/1
• Chris McCausland -20/1
• Wynne Evans – 25/1

Do you agree? Let us know what you think in the comments below!