Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse took home the Glitterball Trophy last year when they won Strictly Come Dancing but it seems like a lifetime ago. Lucky for us the show is going ahead with their 2020 season to bring us a whole new star-studded line up.
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Despite initial concerns that the show would be cancelled this year due to coronavirus, producers are getting ready to fire up a whole new season of Strictly.
However, to comply with COVID-19 safety measures the show is set to make some changes including increased social distancing measures as well as potentially getting rid of the live music guests.
So far tv producers and professional dancers have already made their way to a secret hotel where they will all be isolating ahead of filming.
Bosses have yet to spill the beans on what can be expected this season but one thing has been revealed and that is the first 7 confirmed contestants.
Confirmed Cast Members
7. Bill Bailey
Comedian Bill Baily is the latest contestant to confirm their role on the show. The 55-year-old professional joke maker claims that his dance moves aren't exactly on point and doubts that his hands will be the next to lift the Glitterball Trophy:
I'm not really Lord of the Dance... I'm more the caretaker.
6. Nicola Adams
Nicola Adams, the Olympic boxing champion is set to make up half of Strictly's first female same-sex pairing. She admitted that she is excited to take part in such pivotal actions and that she will approach dancing with the same dedication she has for boxing:
It’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.
5. Clara Amfo
This Radio One DJ was the fifth person to be confirmed for the line up. Amfo shared her excitement:
As we know this year has been a real challenge and escapism through dancing is something I know we all enjoy. So to be taught by a pro and live a fantasy is something that I can’t wait to fully embrace, see you on the dancefloor!
4. Ranvir Singh
Good Morning Britain's presenter Ranvir Singh was the fourth person confirmed for the show. The single mother exclaimed that she was nervous her only real dance experience was at weddings and she hasn't yet started to do any real training. Nevertheless, Singh was still excited to break the news on GMB.
Singh also admits she has no idea how isolating and social distancing will work on the show but she has regularly been making COVID tests just to be sure. When asked if she was going to be isolating with the other contestants she replied:
I have been working through the whole pandemic, I feel like I ought to have all the answers because my job is to have the answers. I haven't been able to isolate, I've got my son and I've got my mum in my house, but they know my situation and they've accepted it.
3. Max George
Max George, former singer form The Wanted, is following in the footsteps of his previous band-mate Jay McGuiness who offered up some advice for the lad. George quipped:
Buzzing to be on Strictly this year. Not really one for the dance floor, but I take a lot of comfort in the fact that Jay McGuiness set The Wanted’s bar so low....
2. Jason Bell
NFL star and broadcaster, Jason Bell, was the second person to be confirmed for Strictly. He sweetly revealed that he was doing the show for his 6-year-old daughter who he shared with his ex Nadine Coyle.
And, just in case you don't recognise this megastar he played as a cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and New York Giants. It's safe to say that Bell definitely has the fitness needed for dancing.
1. Caroline Quentin
This familiar face has graced our screens before in shows such as Men Behaving Badly and Blue Murder. But this time Caroline is set to be switching acting for dancing. She stated:
I am thrilled and terrified in equal measure to be taking part.
What About The Rumoured Cast?
With plenty more celebrity dancing spots up for grabs rumours are aplenty about who will make up the rest of the cast, including both some very high profile names and some that are definitely less familiar.
EastEnders actress Maisie Smith is rumoured to be hitting the main version of the show after already winning the Children in Need version just a year ago. The Sun online have made the claims that the star will be taking on Strictly's main stage.
The star's soap opera career might also be at risk after recent reports tell of her violating her contract and promoting brands online. A source stated:
It is unthinkable that Strictly would sign her after the few weeks she has had. The show is the pinnacle of the BBC and gives rising stars and established ones a huge step to more fame. So it’s very weird to give someone whose future was very unclear just weeks ago such an opportunity.
The source continued:
Perhaps they see it as a way of nailing down a rising star rather than her leaving and taking with her a young audience.
Among other unconfirmed 'leaks' for the show include former Home Secretary Jaqui Smith, Invictus Games star JJ Chalmers and Coronation Street's Faye Brooks. However, Faye could instead be gracing our screens on a different show as ITV bosses are also scrambling to sign the star. A Source told the Daily Star:
I’m a Celeb will be a much bigger pay packet and better box office because fans will want to see her talk about her break-up from Gareth. But she might go for the glitz and glamour of Strictly given her background in theatre.
Comedian and actor Greg Davies is also rumoured for the show alongside Ben Shepheard, Ronan Keating, Dan Walker, Cat Deely, Hugh Quarshie and Beverley Callard.
RuPaul's Drag Race stars Divina De Campo, Baga Chipz and RuPaul himself have also been rumoured for Strictly. Divina De Campo is desperate to join the show to fulfil her dream of dancing with Anton Du Beke. Bookies have also slashed the odds for the reality star to join the show. However, Ru Paul would be a much bigger fish to catch. Many suspect he could be following in Michelle Visage's footsteps but bookies have the odds at 6-1.
Boris Johnson's father Stanley Johnson is also suspected to be dusting off his dance shoes as well as Paul Merson, Rio Ferdinand, Una Healy, Gary Lineker and EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt.
Jamie Redknapp is also rumoured to be following the footsteps of his ex-wife Louise Redknapp who starred on the show back in 2016.
Lady Colin Campbell, Angellica Bell, Mark Feehily, Fearne Cotton, Riyadh Khalaf and former BBC Breakfast star Steph McGovern are also rumoured for the show.
Many Love Island stars are also suspected to be taking part in Strictly including Molly Mae Hague and her BFF Maura Higgins as well as Kem Cetinay, Amy Hart, former winner Amber Gill and voice-over artist Iain Stirling. Both Maura and Kem have already appeared on another dancing show Dancing on Icebut it would be good to see if either of them are as good in dancing shoes as they are in skates.
Other names rumoured for the star-studded line up include Jamie Laing, Holly H, Lorraine Kelly, Adil Ray, Michelle Keegan, Tony Hadley, Craig Phillips, Kevin Clifton, Greg James, Graeme Swann, Jamie Carragher, Chris Evans, and the most hilarious comedian Alan Carr.
Brooklyn Beckham has also been tipped for the show as well as famous beauty professional Sophie Hinchcliffe (Mrs Hinch) and The Saturday's star Vanessa White. White also appeared on I'm a Celeband her bandmates Mollie King and Frankie Bridge have previously taken part in Strictly.
Katie Price has also been rumoured for the show but after breaking both feet it is highly doubtful that the star will be participating, Price can barely walk let alone dance.
Famous names such as Gemma Collins, Emily Atack and Scarlett Moffatt could potentially also be taking part in the show.
While hosting Lorraine, Christine pushed Scarlett Moffatt to reveal if she was taking part in the show.:
I know you were a dancer in your early days, could it be true? All I need is a yes or a no.
Scarlett replied, trying her best to avoid the question:
I love Strictly! But if not, I'll just be there on TikKok making my own cha cha cha dance moves!
Jack P Shepherd, Huw Edwards, Jane McDonald, Caprice Bourret, Radzi Chinyanganya, all have yet to announce whether or not they will be hitting the dance floor as well as Stacey Solomon and Jacqueline Jossa.
The odds are at 1-2 for Jossa to compete as the former EastEndersstar was also the most recent winner of I'm a Celeb.But, the star recently dropped a huge hint on her socials that she would be joining Strictly after stating to her fans:
I do this a lot but I do like to see what people want to see more of - what they would like to see me do next. I don’t know. I can’t think of options. Working with different brands. Make-up brands, tan brands, hair brands.Working Youtube, reality, reality shows. Strictly - whatever.
She added:
I’m just curious to see what is people like to see because I always find it really interesting number one, but it’s actually good to keep on top of to make sure I’m making the right choices
There are suspicions that long-time famous UK face Catherine Tate is also going to be joining the show alongside Alex Kingston and Sarah Hadland, Will Bayley, Mark Lawrenson, Melanie Sykes, Myleene Klass, and Martin Roberts.
Many have their hopes up that Joe Wicks, Cheryl, Christine McGuinness, Vogue Williams and Maya Jama will also be joining Strictly.
Wife of Paddy McGuiness, model and reality tv star, Christine stated that she would love to be part of the show:
I would love to do Strictly. Learning a new skill and wearing sparkles, I am there. I have always wanted to learn to dance like they do in Dirty Dancing too. It's my fave movie.
And, ever since Maya Jama left her position as a DJ for Radio One people have been hoping that she would be appearing on Strictly. A source told The Sun Online:
Maya ticks a lot of boxes for the show. She’s great fun, has a massive following, especially among young people and, of course, she can dance.
The source continued:
A lot of those taking part juggle other work but for Maya combining Strictly with a weekend slot on the radio would have been impossible. Producers hope her decision to leave the radio show will mean she is up for the idea of a place on Strictly.
