SCD Series 20 Discussion Thread

[*Wallace]

I think it's about that time for us to start a thread for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. We'll start getting cast announcements in August and the series begins in September, and always starting these threads gets me so excited for the new series to come! Plus, it's the 20th series so this should be a great and special year for the show!

 

The pros confirmed to be returning for the 2022 series are:

Female Pros:
- Dianne Buswell
- Nadiya Bychkova
- Amy Dowden
- Karen Hauer
- Katya Jones
- Luba Mushtuk
- Jowita Przystal
- Nancy Xu

Male Pros:
- Graziano Di Prima
- Neil Jones
- Nikita Kuzmin
- Cameron Lombard
- Gorka Marquez
- Giovanni Pernice
- Johannes Radebe
- Kai Widdrington

We're probably bound to get another new male and female pro in place of Aljaž and Oti. I don't really know if that's true but we'll see. I'm hoping to see Cameron and Jowita get Pro spots to see what they can do with celebrities. 

Regarding the judges: In May 2022, the BBC announced that Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke would return to the judging panel. Sadly it's also been confirmed that Bruno Tonioli would be leaving the show permanently.  

Okay, so that's enough talk for the upcoming series. Let's use this thread for any upcoming Series 20 spoilers, speculations, talks, etc! 

[Ariel1989]

I’m so excited for the announcements to be starting!  Hope to see Cameron and Jowita with partners this year as well but I also want pretty much every other pro to have a partner Luba too after being benched last year.  
 

Looking at the Series 19 thread, in the second week of July, I had commented that one of the producers, Richard Curwen, had started following Cameron, Jowita and Nikita on IG; exactly a week later, those three and Kai were officially announced as new pros.  The timespans for new pro announcements have varied throughout the years but since Nancy was announced near the end of July 2019 I’m thinking we’ll get an announcement in a couple of weeks; plus, the pros usually start rehearsals before August, when the celebs begin to be announced.  
 

Speaking of, looks like the name of Aljaž’s replacement has already been leaked!  Reigning pro champion of Ballando con le stelle, Vito Coppola, was revealed as a new Strictly pro by the host.  

 

Vito hasn’t followed or been followed any Strictly people yet (including Richard) but this leak looks pretty legit since he confirmed it himself.  Ballando has some cool connections with Strictly; Hanna Karttunen was a pro on both versions, Graziano’s fiancée, Giada, was a first-time pro alongside Vito on Ballando last year and Nikita’s sister, Anastasia, is a popular and established pro over there.  If Strictly was set on getting another Italian pro I would’ve guessed Pasquale of DWTS Ireland or assistant choreographer of Strictly Arduino Bertoncello who, along with fellow assistant choreographer Ash-Leigh Hunter, was responsible for Rose & Gio’s memorable Couple’s Choice.  Vito makes sense though since he’s younger (he’ll be turning 30 around the time that the series starts while Arduino will be 38 and Pasquale, who’s 31, might not be willing to switch shows again so soon) and he did very well with his first and only partner on Ballando.  
 

Now there’s just Oti’s replacement to figure out!  I don’t think she’ll be a spouse/significant other of a current pro though; Strictly seemed done with that gimmick after the splits of Karen and Kevin and especially Katya and Neil (thank goodness for Janette and Aljaž!); Jowita’s partner Michael wasn’t even made an official cast member despite winning the The Greatest Dancer with her and Giada is a frequent background dancer who has never been part of the official lineup (there’s also been similar options like Oti’s husband and former Let’s Dance Germany pro Marius, Amy’s partner and, as of this month, husband Ben Jones, Nikita’s partner/girlfriend Nicole Wirt).  Kevin Clifton did support both Graziano and Giada in getting partners on Strictly last year which sort of came true with Giada getting one on Ballando instead of on Strictly alongside Graziano
 

As I mentioned before, Amy and her partner Ben finally got married last week after having to delay their wedding twice due to Covid!  Dianne was a bridesmaid

 

Edit: no new pro news but I was just on IG and it looks like Graziano & Giada got married today!  Maurizio Benenato (DWTS Ireland) spilled the beans in his stories

Edited July 9, 2022 by Ariel1989

[Ariel1989]

Four new pros announced!
 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cf3YSMaMzbN/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Vito Coppola

Carlos Gu

Lauren Oakley

Michelle Tsiakkas

[*Wallace]

Oooh wow the new Pros announced!  I'm glad I created this thread last week in time for this announcement.  I don't know any of the pros but looking forward to seeing them in action.

 

Although uhhh that means we got 20 Pros in the line up?  That's A LOT. So 5 of them will be benched, which is yikes to think about but wow.

[Ariel1989]

44 minutes ago, *Wallace said:

Oooh wow the new Pros announced!  I'm glad I created this thread last week in time for this announcement.  I don't know any of the pros but looking forward to seeing them in action.

 

Although uhhh that means we got 20 Pros in the line up?  That's A LOT. So 5 of them will be benched, which is yikes to think about but wow.

I mean who knows? Maybe there will be 16 couples like in some earlier series?  Plus, it’s 20 pros for Series 20

 

Vito won the latest season of the Italian version, Ballando con le stelle.  Lauren and Michelle have both danced in Burn the Floor and Lauren was Gio’s partner in his last tours.  Never heard of Carlos before but he seems like a very experienced and high-up-there Latin dancer who’s trained under some big names on the Latin dance competition circuit.  
 

Love seeing the diversity in these new pros as well; Italian (Vito), British (Lauren), Chinese (Carlos) and Cypriot (Michelle).  

[*Wallace]

7 minutes ago, Ariel1989 said:

I mean who knows? Maybe there will be 16 couples like in some earlier series?  Plus, it’s 20 pros for Series 20

 

Vito won the latest season of the Italian version, Ballando con le stelle.  Lauren and Michelle have both danced in Burn the Floor and Lauren was Gio’s partner in his last tours.  Never heard of Carlos before but he seems like a very experienced and high-up-there Latin dancer who’s trained under some big names on the Latin dance competition circuit.  
 

Love seeing the diversity in these new pros as well; Italian (Vito), British (Lauren), Chinese (Carlos) and Cypriot (Michelle).  

Oooh wow, that could be possible. I feel like it's been forever since a 16 couple season - I think since Series 7? And ooh wow I didn't think of that but 20 pros for Series 20 sounds cute!  

 

 

Ah thanks for all of this info of the new Pros!  Ah yeah I read about Vito from your other post and that's really cool he's won Bailando! And great info on these other pros. I also agree and love the diversity amongst these pros as well.  

[Abe1818]

DWTS really could take notes from strictly in diversifying their lineup instead of having the same russians and miss utah blondes and also you were correct Series 7 was the last season to have 16 couples.

On 7/11/2022 at 2:21 PM, *Wallace said:

Oooh wow, that could be possible. I feel like it's been forever since a 16 couple season - I think since Series 7? And ooh wow I didn't think of that but 20 pros for Series 20 sounds cute!  

 

 

Ah thanks for all of this info of the new Pros!  Ah yeah I read about Vito from your other post and that's really cool he's won Bailando! And great info on these other pros. I also agree and love the diversity amongst these pros as well.  

 

[Ariel1989]

First two contestants revealed!

 

Actor Will Mellor

 

Singer and actor Kym Marsh

[Ariel1989]

Posting the heights again so we can better predict who’s paired up!  I got them through Google and Digital Spy (some of them).  

 

Contestants

Will Mellor: age 46 and 5’ 11”

 

Kym Marsh: age 46 and 5’ 4”

Pros

Luba: 5’ 9”

Nadiya: 5’ 8”

Nancy: 5’ 6”

Katya: 5’ 6”

Lauren: 5’ 6”

Amy: 5’ 5”

Karen: 5’ 5”

Michelle: 5’ 5”

Dianne: 5’ 5”

Jowita: 5’ 0”

 

Johannes: 6’ 3”

Kai: 6’ 2”

Carlos: 6’ 1”

Vito: 5’ 11”

Graziano: 5’ 11”

Nikita: 5’ 11”

Giovanni: 5’ 10”

Neil: 5’ 9”

Cameron: 5’ 8”

Gorka: 5’ 6”

 

I think Luba, Nadiya and Jowita are out as possibilities for Will.  I kind of see him with Dianne since he’s shown that he can move and Dianne could break the Week 4 curse with him.  I can also see him with Lauren if she gets a partner.  
 

Johannes, Kai and Carlos (who Digital Spy estimates is tall based on pics of him with tall Johannes) don’t seem like possibilities for Kym; Digital Spy seems very sure about Gorka being her partner but I think they underestimate how short he is compared to Kym since last year 5’ 5” Katie was pretty close to his height.  I’m leaning towards Neil or Nikita but I’d probably prefer Nikita personally despite the age difference, Neil hasn’t really impressed me in his two series and Nikita came off and did really well in his debut.  
 

Last year, on the first reveal day, there were three names announced (Tom, Robert and AJ) so I wonder if we’ll get another name later today!  

[*Wallace]

OMG Strictly reveals happening?  Lmaoo I didn't even follow Strictly updates over the last few days! Soooo excited to get to learn these people and see who gets revealed!  

[*Wallace]

Will Mellor is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022!

 

 

Will is known for his many acting roles over the last 30 years, including starring in Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Line of Duty and Broadchurch. Most recently he appeared in Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell. As well as his acting career, Will reached number 5 in the UK Singles Chart with ‘When I Need You’ in 1998. He recently toured the UK with a live version of the popular podcast he co-hosts with Ralf Little, Two Pints with Will and Ralf.

 

Will Mellor said: “I'm honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year! Not going to lie, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about. This is also my Mum's favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/5ca60ca4-a8ba-46af-991f-927f4f609009

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Kym Marsh is the second celebrity contestant confirmed for 2022!

 

 

Kym has also had a successful music career, both in the band Hear’Say, which she won a place in after appearing on the show Popstars, and as a solo artist. Recently Kym played the notorious Alex in the touring theatre production of Fatal Attraction. Currently a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live, Kym is soon set to star in the revival on BBC One drama Waterloo Road.

 

Kym Marsh said: “I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/41ad83aa-ca43-4b73-91ca-29cba20bce50

[*Wallace]

Don't know either of the stars that well, although I have heard of Kym Marsh. I did hear of her being rumored for this series a few weeks ago. Curious to see how she does.

[*Lily]

A decent first two signings!

[*Chris]

Oh my god, Will!  Really enjoyed him in Broadchurch! 

Manifesting a UK Drag Queen, please! 

[Abe1818]

 I've heard of Kym Marsh being rumored several times so I'm intrigued to see how her dancing is.I don't who Will is but also interested to see how he does

[Ariel1989]

Third confirmed contestant is Richie Anderson!

 

He apparently also confirmed that he will be in a same-sex partnership!  Can’t find his age or height but will keep digging.  

[Ariel1989]

Fourth reveal is Kaye Adams!

[*Wallace]

Welcome Richie Anderson to Strictly! Our third celebrity of 2022

 

 

Richie is an RTS award winning presenter and is best known for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball, presenting the travel bulletins as well as hosting a wide variety of his own shows. In May he travelled to Turin to cover the Eurovision Song Contest for the station. A regular presenter on The One Show, he is often seen on BBC One and was proud to be part of the channel’s recent Platinum Jubilee coverage.

 

Richie Anderson said: “This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism. I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand. It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/c1966d12-c70f-461e-b1fb-a60fbd73001c 

 

 

Ready to let loose on the dance floor, Kaye Adams joins our line-up

 

 

Kaye Adams a TV, radio presenter and journalist has been announced as our fourth contestant for Strictly 2022.

 

Kaye Adams said: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!”

 

Kaye is a broadcaster best known as an anchor on ITV topical discussion show Loose Women as well as for hosting the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland. Having started her career as a news journalist she has presented programming for various TV channels including STV, the BBC and Channel 5. She started her popular podcast, How To Be 60 with Kaye Adams, in 2022.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/0e193cb0-8319-45fc-b76f-9f112ae2fa7d 
 

[*Wallace]

I don't know Richie or Kaye but looking forward to getting to know them!  

 

Cool that Richie is getting the same-sex partnership. Curious who will be his pro.  Kaye actually looks kinda familiar to me like I've seen her before but I'm not too confident if I have.  

[*Lily]

Also don't know Richie but love to see another same-sex partnership!

 

Kinda shocked to see Kaye doing this.. I was thinking she would be a perfect Anton partner until I remembered he's a judge now

[Ariel1989]

Contestants

Will Mellor: age 46 and 5’ 11”

Richie Anderson: age 34 and 6’ 2” (Digital Spy’s guess)

 

Kym Marsh: age 46 and 5’ 4”

Kaye Adams: age 59 and 5’ 7”

Pros

Luba: 5’ 9”

Nadiya: 5’ 8”

Nancy: 5’ 6”

Katya: 5’ 6”

Lauren: 5’ 6”

Amy: 5’ 5”

Karen: 5’ 5”

Michelle: 5’ 5”

Dianne: 5’ 5”

Jowita: 5’ 0”

 

Johannes: 6’ 3”

Kai: 6’ 2”

Carlos: 6’ 1”

Vito: 5’ 11”

Graziano: 5’ 11”

Nikita: 5’ 11”

Giovanni: 5’ 10”

Neil: 5’ 9”

Cameron: 5’ 8”

Gorka: 5’ 6”

 

I’m really seeing Richie & Kai working well together.  Kaye apparently said that she wants to dance with a gay dancer so I guess that means Johannes will get her.  
 

Predictions (subject to change)

Will & Dianne

Kym & Neil

Richie & Kai

Kaye & Johannes

[taylorkat]

Kym sounds like someone I may be a fan of.

[*Lily]

Reveal #5! Comedian Jayde Adams.

 

I don't know a lot about Jayde but she seems fun!

Edited August 6, 2022 by *Lily

[Ariel1989]

5 hours ago, *Lily said:

Reveal #5! Comedian Jayde Adams.

 

I don't know a lot about Jayde but she seems fun!

Ooh I’m already loving Jayde, she seems so excited about doing the show!  Digital Spy says that she said in an interview that she’s nearly six feet tall and doesn’t really wear heels because of it; they estimate that she’s 5’ 10” so I’ll put that as her height.  

 

Contestants

Will Mellor: age 46 and 5’ 11”

Richie Anderson: age 34 and 6’ 2” (Digital Spy’s guess)

 

Kym Marsh: age 46 and 5’ 4”

Kaye Adams: age 59 and 5’ 7”
Jayde Adams: age 37 and 5’ 10”

Pros

Luba: 5’ 9”

Nadiya: 5’ 8”

Nancy: 5’ 6”

Katya: 5’ 6”

Lauren: 5’ 6”

Amy: 5’ 5”

Karen: 5’ 5”

Michelle: 5’ 5”

Dianne: 5’ 5”

Jowita: 5’ 0”

 

Johannes: 6’ 3”

Kai: 6’ 2”

Carlos: 6’ 1”

Vito: 5’ 11”

Graziano: 5’ 11”

Nikita: 5’ 11”

Giovanni: 5’ 10”

Neil: 5’ 9”

Cameron: 5’ 8”

Gorka: 5’ 6”

 

I was initially thinking that Kai would get Richie but since Jayde is so tall and Kaye is wanting a specific partner like Johannes I think Jayde & Kai will be together, they’d be so fun together though.  This could mean that Graziano will be in the same-sex partnership like he was rumored last year, I don’t know if they’d trust a newbie like Carlos or Vito to do it.  
 

Predictions (subject to change)

Will & Dianne

Kym & Neil

Richie & Graziano

Kaye & Johannes

Jayde & Kai

[*Wallace]

Welcome award-winning comedian Jayde Adams to Strictly 2022!

 

 

Jayde Adams is the fifth celebrity contestant taking to the dance floor once the show returns in the Autumn.

 

An actor and presenter, Jayde is best known as a comedian, winning several comedy awards including a nomination for the coveted Best Newcomer with her Edinburgh Fringe debut stand-up hour. Her Amazon Prime special, Serious Black Jumper, received global critical acclaim, was released worldwide and was longlisted for an Emmy. As an actor, Jayde has starred in BBC Two BAFTA winning comedy Alma’s Not Normal, the upcoming Take That movie Greatest Days, Amazon Prime’s Good Omens, and BBC One’s The Outlaws, while she is co-creator and star of ITV2’s upcoming brand new series Ruby Speaking.

 

Jayde hosted Netflix’s Crazy Delicious, co-hosted Channel 4’s BAFTA nominated Snackmasters and has a weekly BBC Radio 4 podcast, Welcome to the Neighbourhood. She is currently performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with her stand-up show Men, I Can Save You.

 

Jayde Adams said: “Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly. I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family. I’ve always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly). I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/96926cb2-81bf-4d7e-8a84-7a925e7821ef