This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up might be facing some criticism over the calibre of it’s celebrities, but in more positive news it’s the most racially diverse in the show’s history.
All 15 of the celebrities taking part in this year’s Strictly have now been announced, with five of them being from black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
This works out as one in three being non-white, an increase on the previous four series where just under a quarter of the contestants have been of BAME origin.
PA has pointed out that the age span between the celebrities has also increased on last year, with 41 years between the youngest and oldest contestants, 19-year-old vlogger Saffron Barker and Anneka Rice, respectively.
However, the average age of the contestants has not changed from last year, remaining at 38.
Strictly will also feature its third contestant with a disability in as many years, with gold medalist table tennis player Will Bayley who follows fellow Paralympians Jonnie Peacock and Lauren Steadman.
Will has lived with arthrogryposis – a rare condition which affects all four of his limbs – since birth, and says he hopes his participation will inspire others with disabilities.
But while Strictly is taking strides with regards to its diversity, it should be noted this is the first line-up without any openly LGBTQ contestants since 2015, at a time when many viewers still calling for the show to feature a same-sex dancing partnership for the first time.
As well as the stars we’ve already mentioned, this year’s sports-heavy Strictly line-up also features former Lioness Alex Scott, rower James Cracknell, ex-footballer David James and BBC Breakfast’s sports presenter Mike Bushell.
Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, soap stars Emma Barton and Catherine Tyldesley, children’s TV presenter Karim Zeroual and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage are also taking part, as are comedian Chris Ramsey, Radio DJ Dev Griffin and Viscountess Emma Weymouth.
Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 17th series in the autumn.