SCD Series 22 Discussion Thread

[Ariel1989]

I can’t wait for Monday!  Hopefully, Tom is one of the first confirmed celebs and isn’t saved for last because he was leaked like Ugo Monye three years ago .  He’s 6’4” so fingers crossed that Nadiya or Luba get him; please Strictly, if you’re going to keep casting super tall male celebs, stop snubbing your tallest female pros and stop torturing your shortest pros like you’ve been doing to poor Dianne for two years in a row!
 

Sam is a rumor every year so it’s cool if she’s finally doing it.  Her height varies through different sources but Team GB’s website reports her as being 169cm which is 5’6.5” so her partner will likely not be Gorka or Neil.  
 

Tasha would totally be my favorite based her past experience .  Her professional resume says she’s 5’9” so she’ll likely be with Aljaž, Johannes or Kai, maybe Carlos if he’s in the same height-range (Angela Scanlon was 5’6” and Molly Rainford didn’t look that petite as reported).  She did teach a dance class with Johannes in the past so she might not be paired with him.  
 

Nicola would be interesting, she seemed a little reserved on the Christmas Special but maybe that was due to her partner; it’s kind of surprising that the only Girls Aloud member to do Strictly was Kimberley back in 2012 (another Summer Olympic year!), I figured that Nadine would be the next one given her reality competition experience.  Nicola is 5’5” so likely no Gorka but possibly Neil; I’m seeing her more with Aljaz, Nikita or Vito (would they give Carlos two redheads in a row? ).  

[*Wallace]

Ah yeah I'm with you on a lot of what you said, Ariel. I don't want Tom Dean to be one of the first two names as I would rather have two lesser confirmed/new names to start off but also not last because that would be kinda anti-clamatic way to end things. However, Tom is a big enough and popular name to either kick off or close the reveals, so I am sure that will happen. With his height, I agree that he should be paired with Nadiya or Luba - which only makes sense that Dianne will get him. I won't be surprised if Dianne gets her third young tall guy in a row.  

I did hear about the Nicola Roberts rumor earlier in the year. I haven't seen anything recently so not sure of her chances in the final line-up but I am definitely rooting for it. It is surprising only one Girls Aloud member has done the show. I would have loved Nadine to have done the show. Not sure if Cheryl is ~too big~ of a name to do the show but I would have loved to do the show as well. But still, Nicola is a great pick from the group. Although I don't know if I quiet trust Neil with Nicola.

 

I am looking forward to Tasha and like that potential casting choice so hopefully those rumors are true. I imagine she would have IDF It Girl potential in her.
 

[Abe1818]

1 hour ago, Ariel1989 said:

 

Nicola would be interesting, she seemed a little reserved on the Christmas Special but maybe that was due to her partner; it’s kind of surprising that the only Girls Aloud member to do Strictly was Kimberley back in 2012 (another Summer Olympic year!), I figured that Nadine would be the next one given her reality competition experience.  Nicola is 5’5” so likely no Gorka but possibly Neil; I’m seeing her more with Aljaz, Nikita or Vito (would they give Carlos two redheads in a row? ).  

Yes so Carlos can choreograph more flop party latin again yes!!!

 

50 minutes ago, *Wallace said:

Ah yeah I'm with you on a lot of what you said, Ariel. I don't want Tom Dean to be one of the first two names as I would rather have two lesser confirmed/new names to start off but also not last because that would be kinda anti-clamatic way to end things. However, Tom is a big enough and popular name to either kick off or close the reveals, so I am sure that will happen. With his height, I agree that he should be paired with Nadiya or Luba - which only makes sense that Dianne will get him. I won't be surprised if Dianne gets her third young tall guy in a row.  

 

And she'll manage to only get one good ballroom dance out of him for the third year in a row!!

Edited August 3 by Abe1818

[*Wallace]

The X-Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward seems to be the latest name to be speculated for this series' cast. Yayy a name I definitely have known for years.  

 

 

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/29666178/coronation-street-shayne-ward-signs-strictly/ 

[*Diana]

It feels odd they are continuing on with little consequences or  repercussions when the people bringing up the abuse they suffered are getting literal death threats.

 

Kinda hard to watch.

Edited August 4 by *Diana

[taylorkat]

Shayne Ward?

[*Wallace]

The first two celebs from the 2024 series have officially been revealed!  As I have done in the past, I'll post their bio posts from the officially Strictly page as soon as I can.

 

 

Chris McCausland is our first celebrity of 2024

 

 

Chris McCausland has been announced as our first celebrity of Strictly 2024!

 

Chris McCausland has been a comedian for over two decades and is a regular face on flagship comedy shows like ‘Have I Got News for You’, ‘Would I Lie to You?’, ‘QI’, ‘The Last Leg’, and ‘8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’. He has appeared on Live at the Apollo three times, hosting in 2021, a year that also saw him make his highly acclaimed debut appearance on The Royal Variety Performance.

 

Chris currently hosts his own Saturday morning chat show for ITV: ‘The Chris McCausland Show’. He has also co-written and stars in ‘Bad Tidings’ a festive family comedy movie that will premier for Sky this Christmas.

 

Chris says: "If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing. I don't dance, I haven't danced, I can't dance, I can't see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Ok don't answer that…!”

 

The news was revealed this morning (Monday 5th August) on ITV’s This Morning.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/2bd934ba-75bd-415e-a002-de51c53561c7

 

 

JB Gill is the second celebrity contestant confirmed for 2024!

 

 

JB Gill is a singer, TV presenter and author.

 

JB Gill rose to fame as a member of one of the UK’s biggest boybands – JLS, they have accumulated five number one singles, over 10 million record sales worldwide and have won a multitude of awards. JB Gill is also an avid and award-winning farmer and was the lead presenter on CBeebies’ BAFTA-nominated television series, ‘Down On The Farm’, Channel 5’s ‘On The farm’ series, plus contributions to the BBC’s ‘Countryfile’ and ‘Springwatch’. JB Gill has been a part of the presenting team for BBC ‘Songs of Praise’ since 2017 and has his own TV show ‘Cooking With The Gills’ on Channel 5.

 

JB Gill says: “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 to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs - I’m here to embrace it all!”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/bbd4bb22-16fd-47f2-8e23-cdd506654324

 

 

Chris and JB were announced on ITV's This Morning and here is their interview from there:

 

[*Wallace]

19 hours ago, *Diana said:

It feels odd they are continuing on with little consequences or  repercussions when the people bringing up the abuse they suffered are getting literal death threats.

 

Kinda hard to watch.

Aww yeah I understand your comments here which makes sense.  I am sure and have read that the producers will take serious precaution with the training of the couples to make sure these experiences don't happen going forward. Plus, they did have the cast, pros and everything signed up ready to go before, so it's all kind of a tricky position.

 

Though they can't do nothing about the death threats from social media/fans and sadly celebs from past years have gotten that.  I believe Alexandra and Layton are a few that come to mind there (hopefully no others). 

 

16 hours ago, taylorkat said:

Shayne Ward?

Hopefully!

[*Wallace]

Some thoughts on the first two names: 

 

- Chris McCausland was someone that was speculated for a few months, so I'm not surprised with his casting. I'm curious to see how he can do with him being blind.

- JB is a nice surprise casting. I love JLS so always here for more JLS members to do the show (though Marvin would have been my preferred choice). JB did the Christmas special over a decade ago. And I have no doubt he'll be a good - great dancer and probably will be one of my favorites. I just hope he can get better luck on the show than Aston.

 

Also looks the next reveal will be on Vernon Kay's (aka Tess' husband) radio show tomorrow: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021jzq

[Abe1818]

JB!!!

 

 

 

[Ariel1989]

 

Finally getting cast announcements yay!  Chris and JB are great first reveals, when I heard there was an X-Factor clue on This Morning I checked all the past male contestants' IGs to see if there were any hints .  Shayne is in Ireland so he was out but JB was kind of teasing about "August adventures" so my first guess was him!  Glad to see my instinct was correct!

 

Starting my list of contestants, their ages and heights (adding Tom Dean as well since he confirmed himself):

 

Chris McCausland: age 47 / height 5'9"?

JB Gill: age 37 / height 5'8"

Tom Dean: age 24 / height 6'4"

 

Pros

Johannes Radebe: 6'3"

Kai Widdrington: 6'2"

Carlos Gu: 6'1"

Aljaž Škorjanec: 6'0"

Vito Coppola: 5'11"

Nikita Kuzmin: 5'11"

Neil Jones: 5'9"

Luba Mushtuk: 5'9"

Nadiya Bychkova: 5'8"

Gorka Márquez: 5'6"

Lauren Oakley: 5'6"

Nancy Xu: 5'6"

Amy Dowden: 5'5"

Karen Hauer: 5'5"

Katya Jones: 5'5"

Michelle Tsiakkas: 5'5"

Dianne Buswell: 5'3"

Jowita Przystał: 5'0"

 

Chris's height came from one Google source, not sure how legit it is but looking at a photo of him next to 6'0" Lee Mack, he appears to be a few inches shorter.  I could see Chris with Katya, seems like she could be a good partner for the first blind contestant or even Karen since she's the longest-running pro; I think Nadiya and Luba are out as options due to height.  

 

JB danced with Ola Jordan in the Christmas Special that he won and she's petite so I'm leaning towards Jowita; Dianne could also be an option if she's truly short enough (there's conflicting reports on her height being either 5'3" or 5'5") but one, she made the Final last year so she might get a less-talented dancer and two, they love sticking her with too tall men when Nadiya and Luba are right there.  

 

Tom will hopefully get one of Nadiya or Luba but I won't hold my breath.  

 

Overall excited so far with these names!

[*Wallace]

Three more celebs revealed today.  I was not expecting so many celeb reveals but here they are: 

 

 

Opera singer Wynne Evans joins our Strictly line-up

 

 

Wynne Evans is a broadcaster, presenter, and professionally trained opera singer.

 

Wynne Evans is best known for his operatic skills, throughout his 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums, has been a principal at most of the major opera houses around the world and has given over 200 performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Wynne currently has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales and has previously had radio shows on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.

 

Wynne says: “I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I’m not entirely sure how I’ll get along, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I’m definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!”

The news was revealed this morning (Tuesday 6th August) on Vernon Kay’s Radio 2 show.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/ba6979e5-244c-4301-b447-eb7e7c77318f

 

 

 

It's no mystery Toyah Willcox joins Strictly Come Dancing 2024

 

 

Toyah Willcox is a singer and actress.

 

Toyah Willcox has been performing across stage and screen for over 50 years. She is an award-winning rock legend with hit singles like ‘It's A Mystery’, ‘I Want to Be Free’ and ‘Brave New World’ and played at this year’s Glastonbury Festival with her husband, Robert Fripp. She has amassed thirteen top 40 singles, recorded twenty-five albums, written two books, appeared in over forty stage plays, acted in over twenty feature films and presented many television programmes.

 

In 2018 Paul McCartney awarded Toyah a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Companionship for Outstanding Achievement in music, drama, performance and media.

 

Toyah says: “Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I'm here for every sparkly second. I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/383fed2f-fe0f-40ac-90d6-79cac5111c95

 

 

 

Dr Punam Krishan is the fifth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2024

 

 

Punam Krishan is a media medic and broadcaster.

 

Punam Krishan is a resident GP on BBC ‘Morning Live’ and BBC Radio Scotland. Alongside being a practising NHS GP, Punam regularly reports on health news as a broadcaster on TV, radio and national newspapers and has also written her own children’s book with additional books in the pipeline.

 

Punam says: “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.”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/c41cf1af-41a4-4b7d-9c35-089110796e30

 

[*Wallace]

I'm kinda loving how 3 out of 5 of the revealed names so far have been surprises (only Chris and Toyah have been previously speculated/rumored). I'm hoping we have a few more surprises in store to come.

 

I don't really know any of today's reveals (though I did hear of Toyah due to the rumors) but looking forward to getting to know them all.

I also love how we got 3 singers in the cast too. Though with fact, it makes me worried that Shayne and/or Nicola won't be in the line-up - though Shayne's rumor seems more concrete than Nicola's but we'll see.
 

[*Lily]

Interesting mix so far! I really feel like Strictly has stepped up in recent years in casting people who have really interesting backstories but aren’t known as well to the GP. I’ve not heard of Punam but from the clips I’ve seen of her today I can see myself really liking and rooting for her

 

JB will of course be great, and everyone else (including Punam and JB of course) seems like they have a great attitude and will be fun to watch.

[*Wallace]

Two more reveals today!

 

Tasha Ghouri is the sixth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2024!

 

 

Tasha Ghouri is a model and TV personality.

 

Tasha Ghouri is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community. She appeared on ITV’s ‘Love Island’ in 2022, and since then has amassed a following of over 2.2 million across her social media network. Tasha has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart. She is a published author with her debut novel “Hits Different” and has her own podcast, “Superpowers with Tasha”.

 

Tasha Ghouri says: “Pinch me, I can't believe I'm going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true. I know it's going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor.”

 

The news was revealed this morning (Wednesday 7th August) on the Kiss FM Breakfast Show.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/d0c4611e-40ab-4d6b-907a-b504d5788685

 

 

 

Pete Wicks is the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2024

 

 

Pete Wicks is a TV personality, author, radio and podcast host.

 

Pete Wicks is best known for his television appearances and presenting including from the red carpet at the BRIT Awards, Pride of Britain Awards and National Television Awards. Pete Wicks first appeared on our screens on the BAFTA award-winning ITV show ‘TOWIE’ in 2015. Alongside this Pete Wicks co-hosts the award nominated podcast ‘Staying Relevant’ which has had over 5million downloads to date and has been number one in the comedy charts numerous times. Pete Wicks is also an animal rights advocate and supports many charities.

 

Pete Wicks says: “Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/23285d62-0fb4-4d73-9096-8efb325e8943

 

[*Wallace]

Really excited about Tasha and glad that rumor became true!  I don't know her but I've heard great things about her. Looking forward to her and I can see her being an IDF It Girl here, so fingers crossed she does really well. Though with her being a ringer, she could be one that struggles in the public vote.

 

I don't know Pete but I see/know he's friends with Zara Mcdermott (and Sam Thompson), so I'm sure he supported her last year and probably caught the producers attention to be on this year's cast? Curious on how he will do.

 

I read that there's 2 more reveals on Lorraine tomorrow.

[Abe1818]

I know complimenting someone's eyes is very common but Pete has very gorgeous eyes.

[Zoey]

Pete. 

[*Wallace]

Wow a massive four celebs revealed today!  I'll do two per post.

 

 

Shayne Ward joins our line-up!

 

 

Shayne Ward’s debut single and album topped the UK charts, with his single, ‘That's My Goal’ making it to Christmas number one after he won the second series of ‘The X Factor’ in 2005. As well as being an accomplished music artist, Shayne is a multi-award-winning actor with his character, Aidan Connor in ITV’s ‘Coronation Street’, earning him ‘Best Newcomer’ at the NTA’s and ‘Best Storyline’ at the Soap Awards amongst others. In addition, Shayne has performed in a number of musicals and feature films, including ‘Rock of Ages’ on the West End stage. He’s currently the lead character in crime-drama series ‘The Good Ship Murder’ on Channel 5.

 

Shayne Ward says: “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!”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/832b9e85-2938-4bca-9797-9d86aef8bb57

 

 

Sarah Hadland for Strictly 2024!

 

 

Sarah Hadland has an extensive background in film, television and theatre. She is best known for her role as Stevie in the BAFTA nominated sitcom ‘Miranda’ as well as being one of the original cast members of the multi award winning series ‘Horrible Histories’, both for the BBC. Sarah was nominated for an RTS Award for ‘Best Comedy Performance’ for her leading role in ITV’s comedy series ‘The Job Lot’. Sarah has appeared in numerous films, including the Bond epic ‘Quantum of Solace’ and her notable theatre credits include ‘Noises Off’ on the West End.

 

Sarah says: “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!”

 

The news was revealed this morning (Thursday 8th August) on ITV's Lorraine.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/a81da3f0-502c-4570-98cd-a74924dc88ef

[*Wallace]

The other two reveals from today!

 

 

Jamie Borthwick is our tenth celebrity for 2024!

 

 

Jamie Borthwick is an actor.

 

Jamie Borthwick rose to fame for his portrayal as Jay Brown/Mitchell in the BBC continuing drama ‘EastEnders’ which he has starred in since 2006. He is now one of the longest serving actors on the show. In 2008 his role in ‘EastEnders’ earned him a British Soap Award for ‘Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor’, he then went on to win ‘Best Actor’ at the Inside Soap Awards in 2023. Jamie won the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

 

Jamie says: “I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!”

 

The news was revealed this afternoon (Thursday 8th August) on Matt and Mollie’s Show on BBC Radio 1.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/e70b8f1f-8aca-49e2-a5e9-f088f9f4ffd4

 

 

 

Tom Dean MBE is the eleventh celebrity contestant confirmed for 2024!

 

 

 

Tom Dean is a three-time Olympic swimming champion.

 

Swimmer Tom Dean is a three-time Olympic champion. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Tom Dean made history as the first British man to win a gold medal for the men’s 200m swim freestyle in over 100 years, going on to win a further gold medal in Tokyo and become England’s most decorated athlete at the subsequent 2022 Commonwealth Games, winning a total of seven medals. Most recently, Tom Dean brought home his third gold medal for Team GB from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the team 4 x 200m freestyle relay.

 

Tom Dean says: “I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!"

 

The news was revealed this afternoon (Thursday 8th August) on Matt and Mollie’s Show on BBC Radio 1.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/c8d01c00-ed39-4fc2-afc9-d1abe7b65b67

 

[*Wallace]

Wow I was not expecting 4 reveals - just expecting two but I will certainly take it.  

 

- Yayy for Shayne being official!  I've always really liked and been a fan of his since The X-Factor and I enjoy his music/songs that I know. Hoping he'll be good and doesn't disappoint. Interesting how we got two XF alums once again like in 2017.

- I have heard nothing but positive and great things about Sarah, which has me looking forward to her despite not knowing her.

- Ah I remember Jamie delivering a great Quickstep at last year's Christmas special. Also love that we finally have one of the recent Christmas special celebs taking on the main show (there's a number of female celebs there I'd love to see do the main show so hopefully that can happen soon). No doubt that Jamie should be a favorite to do well and go far. Looking forward to him.

- And okay with so many reveals today, I'm glad that Tom was officially confirmed now.  I'm not sure how well he'll do as swimmers don't usually do great but I am expecting for him to have an Adam Peaty type run which isn't so bad. Though if he can do better than that'll be good too.

[*Lily]

Excited for Jamie - he was so good in the Christmas special!

 

Some more good castings all around. From the confirmed names I’m most looking forward to Tasha, Jamie, Sarah and JB right now.

[taylorkat]

Obviously I'm rooting for Shayne.  

[Abe1818]

I hope Shayne is a good dancer.

 

Jamie showed that he had potential with his Christmas Quickstep so he should be at least decent.

 

Manifesting that Sarah ends up being like Lisa McCune from DWTS Australia and ends up being a contender

[*Wallace]

One more reveal today. Three to go.

 

Montell Douglas is the twelfth celebrity confirmed for Strictly 2024!

 

 

Montell Douglas or ‘Fire’ is a Gladiator and an Olympian.

 

In 2023 Montell Douglas was unveiled as ‘Fire’ in the BBC One series of Gladiators. She is a multi-talented sports star who has competed as an Olympic Bobsledder and Team GB Sprinter. In 2010, Montell Douglas won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race. She also held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint.

 

Her appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics in the Bobsledding team etched her name into sporting history as she became the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

 

Montell says: “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!”

 

The news was revealed this afternoon (Friday 9th August) on the set of Gladiators filming at the Sheffield Utilita Arena, her bespoke Roblox character was also revealed on the platform on BBC Wonder Chase:

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/1880b8bf-04c0-45dd-916b-8cef72bbbd83