It’s still not clear exactly what this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing is going to look like, but at least we now know the celebrities who’ll be hitting the dance floor when the show returns to our screens later this month.
All 12 of the celebrities taking part in the 2020 series have now been unveiled, ranging from actors, comedians and broadcasters to athletes, politicians and one very familiar reality star.
Here’s a rundown of all of the stars who’ve been confirmed…
Jacqui Smith
Former MP Jacqui Smith made history in 2007, when she became the first woman to serve as Home Secretary, stepping down from the position two years later following her involvement in the expenses scandal.
She said: “I was speechless with excitement at being asked to join Strictly – and that’s very rare for me.
“Fifty years ago, I got a bronze medal for Scottish Highland Dancing and it feels about time to return to dancing. I couldn’t be in better hands with the Strictly team and I’m going to throw myself into the challenge. Watch out!”
HRVY
The 21-year-old pop singer has previously collaborated with Jonas Blue, Sigala and supported Little Mix on their UK tour.
He said: “Being on Strictly is going to be such an amazing experience and I’m so thankful to be taking part this year.
“I think my mum is more excited that she’ll be able to see me every Saturday night now.”
As well as singing, HRVY previously presented the CBBC series Friday Download.
Jamie Laing
Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is being welcomed back to the Strictly ballroom, a year after an injury cost him his spot on the show.
During filming for last year’s pre-recorded launch show, Jamie landed wrong on his foot, which meant he was unable to proceed with the series, but was invited back for this year’s run.
He joked: “Here we go again, hopefully this time I can last long enough so my mum can see me dance.
“The reason I’m doing it, is to make my mum proud but all I did last year was make her even more disappointed. Let’s change that this year, can’t wait.”
Maisie Smith
EastEnders fans will recognise Maisie Smith for playing Walford resident Tiffany Butcher-Baker, a character she has portrayed since she was a child.
Describing Strictly as a “dream come true”, she added: “Get me in those sequins, I can’t wait to dive into the Strictly fancy dress box this winter!”
JJ Chalmers
JJ began his career in the Royal Marines, but this was cut short following life-changing injuries he sustained in an explosion in Afghanistan.
Following this, he trained to compete in The Invictus Games, winning three medals as captain of the Trike Cycling team in 2016. More recently, he’s pursued a career in TV presenting, and is now giving the Strictly dance floor a try.
He said: “My whole life is defined by facing challenges. Whether it’s becoming a Royal Marine Commando, recovering from my injuries sustained in Afghanistan to competing in The Invictus Games. Now as a TV Presenter I’m lucky enough to witness some of the greatest sporting contests in the world.
“Strictly is a whole different ball game in respect to the challenges I will face but I’m up for an adventure and at least my mum will know where I am!”
Bill Bailey
Bill Bailey is one of the UK’s most recognisable stand-up comics, thanks to his appearances on panel shows like QI and Never Mind The Buzzcocks, on which he was a long-term team captain.
He said he’s signed up for Strictly to “to do something different and take on a new challenge”, particularly given the “strange times we’re living through”.
“I am delighted to be a part of this year’s unique Strictly Come Dancing,” he added. “My late mum Madrin would have loved it – I hope she’ll be watching.”
Nicola Adams
Best known for her efforts in the boxing ring, Nicola Adams is a two-time Olympic gold medallist.
She said: “I’m really excited to be joining this year’s incredible line-up for Strictly Come Dancing. I’m a huge fan of the show and am thrilled to be part of something that holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts.”
Excitingly, Nicola will make up one half of Strictly’s much-awaited first ever same-sex pairing, dancing with one of the show’s female professionals when filming gets underway.
The Olympian added: “I also wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing; and it’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.”
Clara Amfo
Undoubtedly one of the most exciting Strictly signings in years, Clara Amfo is known to many for presenting her Radio 1 show from 10am, which is the home of the Live Lounge.
She’s also cropped up on TV plenty of times, most notably presenting the Brit Awards nominations show and hosting from Glastonbury.
“As we know this year has been a real challenge,” she said. “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.”
Ranvir Singh
Currently a presenter on Good Morning Britain, Ranvir Singh recently joined the Loose Women panel, and is now giving dancing a go on Strictly.
“The initial feeling of being confirmed for Strictly is one of complete terror,” she admitted. “[It] feels like embarking on a rollercoaster, where you really want to do it but you are equally scared.
“Hopefully after the first dance I will feel exhilarated rather than sick!”
Max George
A former member of The Wanted, Max George is following in the footsteps of his bandmate Jay McGuiness, who won Strictly back in 2015.
Although he suggested “there’s no chance” he’ll live up to Jay’s success on the dance floor, Max said he’d give it a go, revealing he was “buzzing” to be part of the line-up.
As well as his work in The Wanted, who topped the UK singles chart with tracks like All Time Low and Glad You Came, Max was also briefly a member of the cast of Glee.
Jason Bell
A former NFL football player, non-sports fans might know Jason Bell as the former partner of Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle, with whom he has a six-year-old daughter.
Jason said: “Strictly is the epitome of British television and this year, more than ever, I’m so proud and humbled to be participating. Strictly was the first show I ever watched when I moved to the UK and I’m a massive fan.”
He added: “My six-year-old daughter never got the chance to see me run out on the field at an NFL game but she is very excited about me taking to the dance floor. I hope I can do her proud.”
Caroline Quentin
With credits like Men Behaving Badly, Life Begins and Jonathan Creek to her name, Caroline Quentin was the first of this year’s Strictly stars to be revealed.
Confessing she was “thrilled and terrified in equal measure to be taking part”, Caroline has also already admitted to having trained as a dancer as a young child, but pointed out on The One Show that her “knees are 50 years older” than when she last danced.
This year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing launches on Saturday 17 October, with the first live show airing the following week.