The class of 2024 have been formally introduced to viewers (Picture: Ray Burmiston/PA Wire)
Strictly Come Dancing has waltzed back onto our TV screens, and after weeks of speculation, the 2024 pairings have been revealed.
The celebrities, including Pete Wicks and Nick Knowles, who will now become an important part of our Saturday night found out who will be teaching them the difference between a fleckerl and a pas de bourree.
During the launch show, viewers were also treated to special performances to kick off the 20th-anniversary series, including a celebratory welcome back dance to mark Amy Dowden MBE’s momentous return to the Ballroom and a sequin-filled group number that gave us an early glimpse at who could eventually win the glitterball trophy.
Tess Daly, 55, and Claudia Winkleman, 52, were of course across proceedings as the beloved hosts, and judges Shirley Ballas, 64, Craig Revel Horwood, 59, Motsi Mabuse, 43, and Anton Du Beke, 58, made their return to share their early thoughts on the stars.
But who will be spending every working day together over the next few weeks (or months if they can impress)?
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Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Chris and Dianne Buswell will be making history (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The comedian, who regularly appears on TV shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Would I Lie To You?, will make history as the first blind person to take part in the competition, and Dianne Buswell will be right by his side.
Chris McCausland, 47, lived up to his profession and instantly made a joke about Dianne being his teacher.
‘She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!’ he said.
After laughing, Dianne, 35, promised Chris they would figure out the competition together.
‘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!’ Chris jested.
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Katya has high hopes (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Wynne Evans, best-known as the voice and face of the unforgettable Go Compare adverts, will be guided by Katya Jones.
They quickly revealed their first routine together – nope, it’s not a Couple’s Choice to the Go Compare opera song, but instead a Samba to Help Yourself by Tom Jones.
The 52-year-old’s career has spanned 25 years, including two number one classical musical albums and performances at incredible venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall. So could the Strictly glitterball be next? Katya, 35, certainly thinks so. ‘This man was born to win!’ she proclaimed.
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Nancy knows all about Shayne’s hit single (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The X Factor winner and Coronation Street actor Shayne Ward, 39, has been paired with Nancy Xu.
The 33-year-old professional dancer has already been doing her research on Shayne, which she proved when by using the lyrics of his hit single to state her intent to get them far in the competition.
‘Well I will try. Since that’s your goal, that’s my goal!’ she joked.
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
Jamie has already won Strictly once, can he do it again with Michelle? (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Just nine months ago Jamie Borthwick appeared on the Strictly Christmas special and won, which is what convinced him to join the main series.
The EastEnders actor, 30, achieved the triumph with Nancy, but she’s moved on with Shayne, so this time he’s taking to the floor with Michelle Tsiakkas.
The professional dancer joined the lineup in 2022, but this is the first year she’s been given a celebrity partner. Michelle, 29, is pretty excited about it: ‘It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!’
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Pete and Jowita gave a clue they were paired together (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The pair were spotted chatting at the National Television Awards, and now it’s clear why Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal already have so much to talk about.
Former Towie star Pete, 36, is pretty stoked to be doing the Strictly journey with Jowita, 30. When asked by Claudia if having Jowita by his side makes it all worthwhile, Pete enthusiastically responded: ‘Oh, 100%! The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.’
The pair’s first dance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy – Breathe, and they have one small challenge to overcome… Pete doesn’t know what a Paso Doble is. Luckily he’s in safe hands with Jowita, who previously won the series with Hamza Yassin.
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Montell and Johannes already have a team name (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Olympic sprinter and Gladiators star Montell Douglas has quickstepped right into Johannes Radebe’s arms, and they already have a team name – MoJo.
Asked if she was happy, Montell, 38, said: ‘How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!’ Never a truer word was spoken – Johannes, 37, is a real fan-favourite.
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Olympian Sam has a new coach – Nikita (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Nikita Kuzmin will be partnering former professional hockey player Sam Quek, who won gold with Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Before they get to work on the dancing, Celebrity Big Brother star Nikita, 26, will be trying to build up 35-year-old Sam’s confidence, after she admitted to nerves in the launch show.
‘I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!’ she shared.
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
JB and Amy make a great team (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
After missing last year’s Strictly to focus after being diagnosed with cancer and needing treatment, Amy Dowden is back and she’s got JB Gill by her side.
‘I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing,’ she shared.
The 37-year-old JLS singer is confident Amy, 34, who was previously partnered with McFly singer Tom Fletcher, is going to whip him into shape: ‘She’s brilliant, plus she’s got experience with popstars, so I know I’m in good hands!’
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Neil has a celebrity partner (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Neil Jones has missed out on a celebrity partner since Nina Wadia in 2021, but 2024 is his year!
He’s back in the game with singer Toyah Willcox, who has ambitious plans to become ‘the first pensioner to abseil through this studio’.
‘I’m scared of heights but I’m up for it,’ the 42-year-old responded.
Toyah, 66, is pleased to be dancing with Neil, telling Claudia: ‘I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!’
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Could Vito win again? (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Sarah Hadland, 53, has reiging champion Vito Coppola on her arm. After winning with Coronation Street star Ellie Leach in 2023 (who Vito performed again with during the launch episode), he’s got another actress to teach the moves to.
When asked if he could win again, Vito, 31, replied: ‘Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!’ Didn’t really answer the question, but sweet nonetheless.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž is back! (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
After a two-year hiatus Aljaž Škorjanec, 34, is back and he’s been entrusted with the task of getting the best from Tasha Ghouri.
The former Love Island star is a trainer dancer (but not in Ballroom and Latin), and spoke about the artform’s impact on her life.
‘Dance is my pure joy. It’s where I found my inner confidence, and I’m doing this for all the Tashas out there,’ she shared.
Tasha, 26, who was born deaf, continued: ‘Disability or not, it’s about celebrating dance and putting smiles on faces. That’s what I’m here for, and I can’t wait to share that with everyone here.’
Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
The Doctor is ready to see Gorka (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Dr Punam Krishan, the resident doctor on BBC’s Morning Live, is ‘absloutely buzzing’ to be dancing with Gorka Márquez.
‘We are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience. I can’t wait to take you up north to bonnie Scotland,’ she said.
Gorka, 34, mimicked 41-year-old Punam’s enthusiasm, adding: ‘I can’t wait to go to Scotland, I love Glasgow…and I love haggis!’
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Paul and Karen are a vision in yellow (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Footballer Paul Merson will be tackling the world of Ballroom and Latin with the longest-serving professional dancer Karen Hauer.
After finding out his fate, Paul, 56, said: ‘You’ve put the two oldest together… and I’m one of them!’ (He isn’t the oldest, that would be the lovely Toyah).
Karen, 42, then revealed that their first dance would be an American Smooth to Vindaloo by Fat Les, which reportedly left Paul fuming.
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Tom and Nadiya are ready (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Tom Dean is a triple Olympic gold medallist, and so partner Nadiya Bychkova thinks that puts him in good stead for the competition.
‘I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!’ the 35-year-old remarked.
Although, Tom, 24, explained the unique challenges he is facing while swapping a swimming pool for a dance floor: ‘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!’
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Nick and Luba were the final pair to be announced (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Last but certainly not least, were Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk who became the final couple to be paired together.
When asked if he thought theywould be a good match, DIY SOS star Nick, 61, said: ‘Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be 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 to race….we’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally.’
‘I’m pretty sure with some time and a lot of practice, I will try and make you into a Maserati!’ responded Luba, 34.
Strictly Come Dancing will continue on BBC next Saturday at 7pm
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