Strictly is back! BBC show’s pro dancers put on a dazzling display in fun-filled launch trailer ahead of new series – as Amy Dowden gets set for triumphant return
The wheels are in motion for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, after a bumpy ride in recent months amid allegations of bullying. Now, a glittering first look at this year’s pros has been revealed.
Dressed in feather dresses, pastel outfits and sequined gowns, the professionals danced with big smiles in a pink bus for the launch trailer of the new series.
It also marks the triumphant return of professional Amy Dowden to the show, after missing last year’s series due to her battle with breast cancer.
The reason for this is that the BBC’s flagship programme has been plagued for months by allegations of ‘bullying’ and abuse by former professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, directed at their celebrity partners Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.
This year, last year’s winner Vito Coppola, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Katya Jones and Nikita Kuzmin are among those paired with professionals.
The wheels are in motion for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing after a bumpy ride in recent months amid bullying allegations, as a glittering first look at this year’s pros has been revealed
Dressed in feather bows, pastel outfits and sequin-embellished dresses, the pros danced with big smiles on their faces in a pink bus for the launch trailer for the upcoming series.
It also marks the triumphant return of pro Amy Dowden (right) to the show after missing last year’s series due to her battle with breast cancer.
Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas complete the line-up.
Meanwhile, supposed fan favorite Kai Widdrington has not been paired with a celebrity this year despite his prominent role in the trailer due to a lack of women signing up this year.
The trailer for the BBC show’s 22nd season features professional dancers, including Dowden, performing a routine to a medley of songs including Vengaboys’ We Like To Party! (The Vengabus), Corona’s Baby Baby and 2 Unlimited’s Get Ready For This.
Dowden is returning to the series after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023. She discovered a lump the day before her honeymoon, missing out on the chance to have a celebrity partner on Strictly that year.
The 34-year-old announced in February that she would return to the show this year after a mastectomy and chemotherapy showed “no evidence of the disease” following tests.
The opening show of Strictly’s 20th anniversary series sees the dancers perform an ’empowerment’ routine to celebrate Dowden’s return, and the celebrity contestants are paired with their dance partners.
Speaking about her return to Strictly, Dowden said: ‘I’m so excited about every aspect of returning to my Strictly family.
“I’m so grateful to have this opportunity, especially since it’s such a special year for this legendary show. It feels like my first year.
The trailer for the 22nd season of the BBC show shows professional dancers, including Dowden, performing a routine to a medley
It includes songs like We Like To Party! (The Vengabus) by Vengaboys, Baby Baby by Corona and Get Ready For This by 2 Unlimited
Professionals paired with dancers this year include last year’s winner Vito Coppola, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Katya Jones and Nikita Kuzmin
Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas complete the line-up (Carlos and Johannes are featured)
Dowden will return to the show after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, when she discovered a lump the day before her honeymoon
‘I can’t wait to see the whole team, for costumes, for dance routines, to meet the celebrities, the judges. Everyone laughs at me because I just laugh all the time.
‘I want to dedicate this dance to my pink sisters who have supported me this past year and to everyone who is currently facing cancer.’
Viewers will also get a glimpse of the dancing skills of the Strictly class of 2024, when they perform a group dance on the show.
The case follows a storm of controversy surrounding the BBC dance programme over the alleged treatment of contestants.
The BBC has launched an investigation into allegations made about Giovanni by former contestant Amanda, the results of which have not yet been made public. Pernice denies the allegations.
Dancer Graziano has also left the show.
The launch trailer aired on Wednesday 4 September at 7.29pm on BBC One.
The BBC will announce a date for the first episode of the series in due course.
STRICT LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Occupation: Comedian
Chris says, “If there’s anyone out there who’s thinking, ‘How on earth is he going to do that?’ – I’m sure I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”
Doctor Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Occupation: general practitioner and announcer
Punam says: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that this is the 20th year. I can’t believe I’m the one getting Strictly-fied.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Occupation: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and loving this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan, the glitter. It’s a milestone year for me, I came in as a pensioner, Glasto and now I’m getting spray tans.’
Peter Wicks
Age: 36
Occupation: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live for the people every Saturday? Really scary.’
Shayne Department
Age: 39
Occupation: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but Latin and Ballroom dancing in front of millions of people is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Occupation: Olympic medal-winning swimmer
Tom says: ‘Now I can officially say how excited I am to start something new, meet some brilliant people and go dancing’
Nick Kennes
Age: 61
Occupation: TV presenter
Nick says, ‘I’m going all in, I’m going for it 100 percent!’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Occupation: Singer
JB says, “A lot of the ballroom styles are very foreign to me — I didn’t do those dances growing up. I’m not a trained dancer.”
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Occupation: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says, “What I’m nervous about is the things that involve jumping. I don’t necessarily want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Occupation: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little. It’s a real Ghouri family favourite. So this is a dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Occupation: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of such an iconic show that’s been around for 20 years.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Occupation: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a great time doing the Christmas special so when I was asked to join in it was a no brainer!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Occupation: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: ‘I’m so relieved it’s out now, it was hard keeping it a secret! The rumours got out and I had to lie! I’m used to dancing on a girls night out but I’m going to give it my all’
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Occupation: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I only worry about it when it starts, but once it happens I get nervous. After all, I’ve only danced three times in my life!’