Strictly Come Dancing 2022 Line-Up: All The Celebrities Announced So Far

The Strictly Come Dancing celebrity reveals are now coming in thick and fast as we gear up for the show’s return to our screens next month.

If you’re struggling to keep up with all the individual announcements about who will be taking to the floor this year, we’ve got you covered.

Get to know all of the confirmed stars so far below…

Will Mellor
Will Mellor

Actor Will is known for starring roles 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.

He says: “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!”

Kym Marsh

Kym is perhaps best known for her role of Michelle Connor in Coronation Street, which she appeared in from 2006 to 2019.

She shot to fame in the band Hear’Say, which was formed on the reality show Popstars in 2000, and is currently a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live.

She says: “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!”

Richie Anderson
Richie Anderson

Radio 2 listeners will recognise Richie for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, presenting the travel bulletins. He is also a regular on The One Show and hosted parts of the Platinum Jubilee coverage for the BBC.

He says: “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.”

Kaye Adams
Kaye Adams

Kaye has been a regular anchor and panellist on ITV’s Loose Women on-and-off since its inception in 1999. She also hosts the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland.

She says: “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!”

Jayde Adams
Jayde Adams

Best known as an award-winning stand-up comedian, Jayde also has acting credits in Good Omens, Alma’s Not Normal and the upcoming Take That film Greatest Days.

She’s also a self-professed Strictly superfan, admitting: “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’ve always watched it,” she adds. “Apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly).”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.

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Bruno Tonioli Speaks Out About His Decision To Leave Strictly: ‘The Schedule Was Insane’

Bruno Tonioli has spoken out about his decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing, admitting it was a “miracle” he lasted 18 years on the judging panel.

The 66-year-old Italian dancer and choreographer had been a judge since the BBC dance show launched in 2004.

In May he announced he was quitting the show for good to focus on his judging role on the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bruno spoke candidly about his decision to leave Strictly and focus on his working commitments in America.

Bruno Tonioli
Bruno Tonioli

Dave J Hogan via Getty Images

“There is no animosity, it was a mutual decision with both of us saying, ‘Listen, this is not going to work like it used to’,” he explained.

Bruno has held a spot on the Dancing With The Stars panel since its launch in 2005, resulting in frequent flying back and forth between the UK and the US while both shows were running.

“I just couldn’t do the flying any more,” he said.

“I don’t know how I survived that schedule. To be honest, it’s a miracle.”

He added: “I have no idea what it did to my health, don’t go there!”

Anton Du Beke was announced as Bruno’s replacement in May, following his success as a temporary replacement for him during the 2021 series as a result of Covid-19 pandemic travel restrictions.

Former Strictly pro Anton Du Beke has replaced Bruno on the judging panel.
Former Strictly pro Anton Du Beke has replaced Bruno on the judging panel.

Ian West – PA Images via Getty Images

Bruno also faced difficulties while appearing on the show in 2020, after pandemic travel uncertainty meant he could appear only via video-link to give his verdict on the performances during the Sunday night results show.

To illustrate the toll the “insane” schedule took on him, Bruno reflected on a scary moment during a live Strictly show, saying: “There was a moment in the middle of a run when I blanked.

“I did not know where I was or what I was doing.

“It only lasted a second, then I saw the audience looking at me and it all came back to me.”

He went on to explain the added stress of maintaining his flamboyant character while on air: “I’m playing a character. My accent becomes stronger, the facial expressions and body movements become bigger.”

He added: “You have to pump yourself up and keep it up for two hours. That’s so hard when you have all the added stress of the travel.”

Despite the difficulties of balancing his judging commitments, Bruno was clear that above all else Strictly had been a life-changing, positive experience. He said: “Strictly changed my life, it was like being born again.

“I was a successful choreographer but this was like going back to the beginning as a performer. I loved it.”

Bruno also spoke warmly about his successor and, reflecting on Anton Du Beke’s judging role during 2021, said: “He did a very good job because he made it his own.”

When asked if he felt in any way jealous of Anton, Tonioli said: “You don’t think like that.

“It’s like James Bond, right? You have Sean Connery and Daniel Craig but they are both still Bond.”

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Strictly Come Dancing 2022: From Start Date To Line-Up, Here’s What To Expect

It might seem slightly unbelievable, but Strictly season is nearly upon us once again as a brand new set of set of celebrities get ready to sashay onto that famous dancefloor.

As such, various details about the forthcoming 20th series have already started trickling in, which is doing nothing to slow down our excitement for its return.

Here’s what we know so far about Strictly Come Dancing 2022…

When is Strictly likely to start then?

Going by last year’s series – which returned to its regular length after a shorter run in 2020 owing to Covid – the launch show looks likely to air on 17 September, with the live shows then beginning on 24 September. Of course, the BBC will confirm air dates in due course.

For the last two years, the show has broken with its previous tradition taking a two-week break in between the pre-recorded launch show and the main competition kicking off, instead showing it the week before.

However, last year the launch – which sees the stars find out who their celebrity partner is – was still recorded a few weeks prior to airing in order to allow the couples to begin training.

Who is taking part?

Some of Strictly's rumoured celebrities for 2022
Some of Strictly’s rumoured celebrities for 2022

Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock/Anthony Harvey/David Fisher/BBC

Rumours about who will be taking to the floor have been coming in thick and fast in recent weeks, with many famous faces linked to a spot on the show.

These include former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, TV chef Gino D’Acampo, Olympic diver Tom Daley, Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, rugby star Mike Tindall, and Packed Lunch host Steph McGovern.

However, the BBC is yet to officially unveil any contestants – with announcements likely to start in early-to-mid August.

Who is on the judging panel?

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke

BBC/Guy Levy

After standing in for Bruno Tonioli last year, Anton Du Beke has been confirmed as his permanent replacement as a judge on Strictly, this year.

Bruno has been absent from the panel for the last two series owing to pandemic travel restrictions, and has since decided to leave Strictly in order to focus solely on his judging role on the US version of the show.

Once again, Anton will sit alongside returning panellists Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas.

​​What about the professional dancers?

Carlos Gu; Lauren Oakley; Michelle Tsiakkas; Vito Coppola
Carlos Gu; Lauren Oakley; Michelle Tsiakkas; Vito Coppola

The show will have the biggest line-up of professional dancers in its history when it returns, after welcoming four new pros into the fold.

European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas are all joining the line-up.

Their arrivals follow the exits of fan favourites Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec, who both announced they were standing down as pros earlier this year.

Vito recently competed in and won Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of Strictly, while Lauren recently appeared alongside Strictly regulars Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke in their national tours.

Michelle Tsiakkas has also starred alongside a number of Strictly pros in the stage show Burn The Floor.

Who is presenting?

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are expected to return as hosts
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are expected to return as hosts

Karwai Tang via Getty Images

While it has not yet been officially confirmed, it is widely expected that long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back at the helm of this year’s Strictly.

Will there be a live audience this year?

The Strictly Come Dancing ballroom
The Strictly Come Dancing ballroom

Guy Levy/BBC

Over the last two years, there has been a heavily reduced studio audience.

In 2020, this was due to social distancing restrictions and subsequent national lockdowns. While there were no Covid laws in place last year, bosses kept the reduced audience in a bid to protect the stars on the show from catching the virus and forcing them to miss a week of the competition.

However, it has been reported bosses are planning to welcome back a full studio audience for 2022.

Claudia Winkleman later said during an appearance on The One Show: “Hopefully, we’re really hoping that we’re allowed an audience.”

What about Blackpool?

There hasn't been a Blackpool special since 2019
There hasn’t been a Blackpool special since 2019

Likewise, it has been claimed the show is hoping to return to Blackpool for its annual special from the iconic Tower Ballroom after a two-year hiatus.

The BBC is yet to confirm plans, however.

And what’s this about a Buckingham Palace special?

There could be a special from inside Buckingham Palace
There could be a special from inside Buckingham Palace

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In June, The Sun claimed the BBC has been invited by the royal family to air a live show from the palace later this year.

Reports suggest either the semi or quarter-final of the series could be broadcast from the residence’s ballroom.

Neither the BBC or the Palace has commented on the reports, but Anton Du Beke recently welcomed the idea.

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, he said: ”[The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall] have been great fans of the show over the years.

“I would love to say yes. I don’t know about the show, I hope so. I would like to go and have a dance with someone.”

What about It Takes Two?

Janette Manrara and Rylan Clark
Janette Manrara and Rylan Clark

Last year’s series saw former pro dancer Janette Manrara replace Zoe Ball as one of the hosts of the daily BBC Two spin-off It Takes Two.

While no details about the 2022 series have been announced so far, it is expected she will return alongside co-host Rylan Clark.

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Roman Kemp Is All Of Us As Dad Martin Makes ‘Disgusting’ Sex Confession On Celebrity Gogglebox

Roman Kemp was every kid who’s ever had to listen to their parents oversharing as his dad Martin made a sex confession on Celebrity Gogglebox.

The father and son duo, who are two of the hit Channel 4 show’s regular contributors, sat down to give their verdict on Netflix’s How To Build A Sex Room on Friday night’s episode.

The raunchy series sees interior designer Melanie Rose helping couples transform a room in their homes for getting intimate in.

The show prompted an X-rated admission from Spandau Ballet star Martin, which left son Roman walking off in disgust.

“I don’t want a room that’s just dedicated to sex,” he said. “Why can’t you have sex everywhere?”

“Oh gross!” Roman said.

“But you do! Me and mum, everywhere!” Martin revealed.

“Oh that’s disgusting,” Roman said, getting up from the sofa.

“No, we do. Everywhere around the house,” Martin, who is married to singer Shirlie Kemp, continued. “There’s not like a special room.”

“No cos now I’m sitting on the sofa,” Roman said as he walked out of the room.

Roman recently admitted that he choses to do the Channel 4 show as it’s a chance to make memories with Martin.

He told Metro: “The reason I chose Gogglebox is that I know that when I’m older and when he’s not here anymore, I can say to my kids and my grandkids, ‘This is the relationship I had with my dad.’ So that’s why I do it.”

However, after Martin’s admission, Roman might just be starting to rethink his decision.

It is not the only awkward parent-child moment that has played out on the most recent series of Celebrity Gogglebox.

Celebrity Gogglebox is available to stream on All4.

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Love Island Boss Addresses Speculation Around Jacques O’Neill’s Exit

A top Love Island boss has addressed speculation as to whether there was producer intervention surrounding Jacques O’Neill’s surprise exit from the villa.

Viewers later saw him tearfully explain to partner Paige Thorne and their fellow Islanders that he was leaving the show to “get back to himself”.

In the lead up to his departure, Jacques had struggled to deal with the arrival of former contestant Adam Collard, who had expressed an interest in Paige.

However, the speed at which events unfolded prompted some questions from fans that producers had stepped in behind the scenes.

Asked directly about this during an interview with Deadline, Love Island’s executive producer Mike Spencer insisted it was Jacques’ decision to exit the show.

“Jacques is amazing,” he said. “We love Jacques. When you date, your emotions are naturally up and down. Finding love is not a simple thing, that’s why the show is so relatable. Jacques was on his own journey and he had a strong connection with Paige but sometimes you have to think about yourself and that’s what Jacques did.

“We respected his decision to head home but I think he’s excited to be on Aftersun on Sunday to discuss his journey.”

He added: “I think Jacques felt like his time was up and as producers we have to respect his decision. Adam came in and got on with a lot of the girls. Did that impact Jacques’ decision to leave? That would be something Jacques would have to explain.”

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Prior to his exit playing out on screen, Jacques’ family urged viewers to be kind to him, explaining that some of his behaviour in the villa could have been caused by his ADHD.

“By no means is this a get out clause for his actions but it is to show that he can fundamentally struggle with his emotions at times,” they said on Instagram.

Upon announcing his departure to his fellow contestants, Jacques said in the Beach Hut: “I’d say in the last week, the only thing keeping me in this place was Paige. That’s the only thing I was staying for. I’ve never felt this way for anyone so I just want to get home, be myself again and carry things on the outside.”

He added: “It’s just not fair on the girl she deserves better than me. It’s not the end of me and Paige because everyone knows what she means to me.”

Love Island continues on Sunday at 9pm on ITV2, with Aftersun following straight after.

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