Amy Dowden's future on Strictly Come Dancing has been confirmed
Amy Dowden will not take part in the rest of this year's Strictly Come Dancing competition.
Following a foot injury, last weekend saw professional dancer Lauren Oakley step in as JB Gill's professional dance partner. Sadly, it seems that Amy won't make a full recovery in time and won't be able to take part in the rest of the series.
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow Professional Dancer, Lauren Oakley, will step in as JB’s dance partner. The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”
Amy took to social media to share some words on the difficult decision, saying: "My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again. My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor. It's been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 to."
Within the heartfelt message, she praised the "talented, kind, gentle soul JB," adding, "JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I'll forever be your biggest cheerleader."
Prior to the series starting, the Strictly professionals shared their excitement ahead of the new series. Amy, who returned to the line up this series after taking last year off, said that before a live show, "I literally can't keep still. I have to keep moving, I can't sit down. I'm like a bottle of pop waiting to burst with nerves and energy."
The BBC also revealed a trailer for the launch show, which aired on BBC One at 7.29pm on Wednesday 4th September. It showed the incredible cohort of professional dancers performing a fun-filled dance encouraging everyone to 'get aboard the Strictly bus.'
During the launch show, there was also a special group dance by the professionals to celebrate Amy Dowden's return to the show in its 20th year. Amy was at the centre of a Quickstep routine alongside her fellow pro dancers. The performance marks Amy's return following her breast cancer diagnosis in May last year.
In the release Amy Dowden said she was “so excited for every element of being back with my Strictly family" and added, "Everyone’s laughing at me because I am just smiling constantly."
In a heartfelt tribute, Amy said she was dedicating the dance to "my pink sisters who have supported me through the past year and to all those currently facing cancer.”
All 15 celebrity contestants have now been revealed for the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 series.
The contestants include Olympians, pop stars, actors and a gladiator – keep scrolling to find out who’s taking part in this year’s series.
2024 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in the show’s history yet. Two fan favourite professional dancers – Aljaž Škorjanec and Amy Dowden – return to the dance floor, plus it’s the show’s 20th anniversary year, which means we can expect even more glitz and glamour than ever before.
Here’s everything to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024…
Which celebrities are taking part in Strictly 2024?
Sam Quek MBE
Olympic and European gold medallist Sam Quek is a former England and Team GB hockey player, and is now a TV and radio presenter. She won 125 international caps for England and Great Britain’s women’s hockey teams, and gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“As a former hockey player, I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting!” says Sam. “I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and quickstep into the shoes of a performer; it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure."
Nick Knowles
As the face of the BBC’s BAFTA-winning DIY SOS over the last 25 years, Nick Knowles is a familiar and beloved face on British television.
“I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year,” says Nick. “People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure. I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one: being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything… and try not to embarrass my kids, of course!”
Paul Merson
Football pundit and commentator Paul Merson is a former football player. He played for Arsenal Football Club for over a decade, scoring 99 goals, and played for England more than 20 times.
“Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on,” says Paul. “I’m ready to swap the pitch for the ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!”
Montell Douglas
You may know Montell Douglas better as Fire, from BBC One’s rebooted Gladiators. As an accomplished Olympian, having competed in bobsledding and sprinting, will all that training help her on the dancefloor?
“Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the ballroom,” says Douglas. “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!”
Jamie Borthwick
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick is one of the latest contestants to be announced. Known for playing Jay Brown/Mitchell in the BBC soap since 2006, he’s one of the longest serving actors on the show. In 2023, Jamie won the the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
“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!” says Jamie. “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!”
Tom Dean
After accidentally already spilling the beans poolside at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, swimmer Tom Dean can now officially be confirmed as part of this year’s Strictly line-up. Tom is a three-time Olympic champion, having just secured his third gold medal for Team GB from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the team 4 x 200m freestyle relay.
“I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024!” says Dean. “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!”
Sarah Hadland
Best known for her role as Stevie in the BAFTA-nominated BBC sitcom Miranda, Sarah Hadland is a prolific actress who has worked across TV, theatre and film, including the Bond epic Quantum of Solace.
“I cannot believe I am part of Strictly!” says Sarah. “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!”
Shayne Ward
After winning the second series of The X Factor in 2005, Shayne Ward’s single That’s My Goal made it to Christmas number one. Since then, Shayne has performed in a number of stage musicals and won multiple awards for his with his character, Aidan Connor, in ITV’s Coronation Street.
“I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life,” says Shayne. “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!”
Pete Wicks
First appearing on our screens in the BAFTA award-winning ITV show The Only Way Is Essex in 2015, Pete Wicks has gone on to become a TV personality and podcaster, co-hosting his popular podcast, Staying Relevant, with friend Sam Thompson.
“Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying,” he says. “But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Tasha Ghouri
Model and TV personality Tasha Ghouri first found fame on ITV’s Love Island in 2022, coming second with her partner Andrew Le Page. Since then, she has amassed a following of more than 2.2m on social media, and is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community. Tasha will be the second deaf contestant to compete on Strictly Come Dancing, after Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021.
“Pinch me, I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing!” she says. “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.”
Dr Punam Krishan
Resident GP on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland, Dr Punam Krishan is a media medic and broadcaster who regularly reports on health news on TV, radio and national newspapers.
“This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show,” says Dr Krishan. “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.”
Toyah Willcox
Singer and actress Toyah Willcox is an award-winning rock legend, with hit singles like It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Brave New World. Having amassed 13 top 40 singles, recorded 25 albums and appeared in more than 40 stage plays, Toyah also played at Glastonbury Festival earlier this year with her husband, Robert Fripp.
“Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it!” says Toyah. “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!”
Wynne Evans
As a broadcaster, presenter and professional trained opera singer, you may know Wynne Evans best as ‘The Go Compare Guy’, having appeared in the company’s TV adverts since 2009. With two number one classical music albums, Wynne also has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales and has previously had radio shows on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
“I am honestly still pinching myself: a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?!” says Wynne. “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!”
JB Gill
You’ll know JB Gill as one quarter of one of the UK’s biggest boybands, JLS, who have five number one singles and over 10m record sales worldwide to their name. Gill ditched his boyband life for a quieter one in the country and is an avid and award-winning farmer, having appeared on Channel 5’s On The Farm.
“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,” says Gill. “I’m raring to go 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!”
Chris McCausland
A regular face on 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, Chris has also appeared on Live at the Apollo three times and, in 2021, made his highly acclaimed debut appearance on The Royal Variety Performance. He also hosts his own Saturday morning chat show for ITV, The Chris McCausland Show. Chris will be the show’s first blind contestant.
“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,” says Chris. “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? Okay, don’t answer that…!”
Who are the professional dancers, judges and presenters for Strictly 2024?
Ready and raring to return to the dancefloor, the professional dancers for this year’s series are: Aljaž Škorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
Aljaž Škorjanec returns to the Strictly professional dancer line-up after a two-year hiatus, and Strictly pro Amy Dowden also returns to the show this year, after taking a break while she received treatment for breast cancer.
There are no changes to the judging line-up, with Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke all returning.
Tess Daly, who has presented every series since the very first back in 2004, and Claudia Winkleman will also be back in the ballroom to present.
How is Strictly celebrating its 20th anniversary?
In addition to the regular weekly series, Strictly fans are in for a treat as an extra special one-off programme celebrating the show’s 20th birthday will also be coming to BBC One.
In addition to all this, viewers are in for an extra special 20th birthday treat as an unmissable one-off programme will also be coming to BBC One. The programme will be a celebratory “journey through 20 years of unforgettable entertainment” and will feature “iconic performances and plenty of heartwarming interviews with past celebrity stars, professional dancers and judges, too.”
When and where can I watch Strictly Come Dancing 2024?
The 20th series of Strictly will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 14 September at 19:20.
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