Strictly Celebs Welcomed by Pro Dancers for 20th Series Rehearsals Amid Scandal

Strictly Come Dancing’s celebrity contestants were spotted arriving for their first rehearsals on Thursday as the lineup for the 20th series continues to be unveiled.

Actors Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland joined Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and comedian Chris McCausland at a London studio, where they were warmly greeted by the pro dancers.

A beaming Shayne shared a hug with a crew member, as the pro dancers also arrived to welcome their new cast of celebs.

A car full of sparkly costumes were also seen being unloaded by the crew, ready for the first celeb fittings.

Strictly Come Dancing’s celebrity contestants were spotted arriving for their first rehearsals on Thursday as the lineup for the 20th series continues to be unveiled

Katya Jones and the other professional dancers arrived to greet their new celeb partners

Corrie star Shayne and Miranda’s Sarah dashed from the ITV Lorraine studio to the rehearsal, after being unveiled as the latest two celebs in lineup erly

Corrie star Shayne and Miranda’s Sarah dashed from the ITV Lorraine studio to the rehearsal, after being unveiled as the latest two celebs in lineup e

The next two celebrities for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing were confirmed on ITV’s Lorraine on Thursday morning.

Sarah, 53, made her name as Miranda’s sidekick Stevie in the celebrated BBC sitcom, as well as being one of the original cast members of the multi award winning series Horrible Histories.

The comedy star has also had roles in Waterloo Road and That Mitchell and Webb Look as well as 2008 Bond movie Quantum Of Solace.

Sarah gushed: ‘I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!’

Shayne, 39, shot to fame in 2005 when he won the second ever series of The X Factor. He will join fellow X Factor star JB Gill, from the band JLS, on Strictly.

Although his first and second album charted at number one and number two respectively, his third album received a lukewarm reception and disappointing sales.

Coronation Street and X Factor star Shayne Ward looked in great spirits as he arrived, just hours after confirming his signing to the show

Love Island star Tasha Ghouri looked a little nervous as she wheeled her essentials inside the London studio

Blind comedian Chris McCausland was greeted by the dancers and pros. Chris is making history as the first blind star of the series

Miranda actress Sarah Hadland was greeted with a warm hug

Moving into the world of acting, the star joined the cast of Coronation Street as Aidan Connor from 2015 to 2018, a decade after he won the singing competition.

Shayne made his last appearance as Aidan Connor on 7 May 2018.

And the star has already had some dance pract
ice as he also competed on Dancing On Ice back in 2013.

He most recently appeared in a Channel 5 drama called The Good Ship Murder, alongside his former Corrie co-star Catherine.

‘I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life,’ Shayne said. ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!’

Strictly Come Dancing fans have furiously slammed this year’s lineup as ‘the worst to ever exist’.

Sarah, 53, looked gorgeous in a bight blue jumpsuit for a smiley arrival

A car full of sparkly costumes were also seen being unloaded by the crew, ready for the first celeb fittings

The celebs are taking part in their first fittings and rehearsals this week before the show launches in September

Chris was accompanied by a guide as he arrived at the London studio for his first Strictly experience

Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and TOWIE’s Pete Wicks were both unveiled as part of the new series, joining comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill, 80s rocker Toyah Wilcox, Morning Live’s Dr Punam Krishnan and singer Wynne Evans.

Despite the fact that this year’s lineup is still being announced, many fans have already made their feelings known, complaining that they ‘don’t know half’ of the stars taking part.

The BBC show is currently embroiled in controversy over how the professional dancers teach the celebs, with multiple accusations emerging of bullying and abusive behaviour.

Strictly veteran Katya Jones made an entrance in her sports bra and personalised baseball shirt ensemble

Pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova made sure to fuel up with a coffee ahead of a long day in the studio

Professional Michelle Tsiakkas looked gorgeous in her skimpy floral dress

Johannes Radebe was in great spirits as he juggled a Starbucks and his dance essentials

Dianne Buswell flashed a smile as she prepared to meet the celeb stars of the show

Lauren Oakley had a big wave for photographers before heading inside

Crew carried multiple garment bags and bags inside, stuffed with Strictly costumes

Posts to X included: ‘That finalised Strictly lineup may be the worst to ever exist. I can’t sit through 10 weeks of Sam Quek and Pete Wicks. I can’t;’

‘Is it unkind to think perhaps quite a few high profile people have dropped out of Strictly this year…? The line-up has the unmistakeable feel of a b-list;’

‘This Strictly lineup so far is really giving last minute replacements of bigger celebrities who have dropped out because of all the allegations…;’

New contestant Pete Wicks, who was announced on Wednesday, is close friends with Zara McDermott , who starred on the 2023 series of Strictly

Pete has landed a spot on the Strictly line-up amid shocking reports Zara performed on the show with a ‘fractured’ leg following an injury in training and needed painkillers to get through ten-hour rehearsals.

The latest revelation comes after professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, admitted to kicking Zara during their sessions, causing him to be sacked from the BBC series.

Scandal continues to surround the new series. New contestant Pete Wicks, who was announced on Wednesday, is close friends with Zara McDermot , who starred on the 2023 series of Strictly (Pete pictured right with Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson)

Pete has landed a spot on the Strictly line-up amid shocking reports Zara performed on the show with a ‘fractured’ leg following an injury in training

It follows claims his abusive behaviour was caught on video, in clips Zara stated were ‘incredibly distressing to watch.’

A source told MailOnline: ‘Zara is so happy for Pete landing the Strictly gig. Her experience on the show was so individual – she hopes no one will go through the same again.

‘She knows that Pete will have an amazing time and could even impress the judges, he’s incredibly hardworking and a good person, and will thrive in the environment, which can be intense, but he performs best when he’s challenged and under pressure.

‘Zara doesn’t want anything that happened to her to taint his Strictly journey and backs Pete even if it is a bit close to home.’

Strictly are unveiling the lineup for their 20th series all week, but on Tuesday night it appeared the full celeb cast had been leaked.

Blind comedian Chris McCausland w as the first celeb contestant of the 2024 series, to be uveiled, appearing on This Morning on Monday to announce the news

Later on This Morning JLS star JB Gill was the second celeb confirmed

Punam Krishnan is an NHS GP and is one of the resident doctors on the BBC’s Morning Live

Wynne Evans is best known for his operatic skills. Throughout his 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums

Toyah Willcox has amassed thirteen top 40 singles, recorded twenty-five albums, written two books and appeared in over forty stage plays

Alongside the confirmed names, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, has reportedly joined the lineup after scoring the highest possible mark in the Christmas show last year.

DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, 61, is reportedly putting on his dancing shows and appearing in the hit series this year.

After months of talks with bosses, sources claim he is ‘willing to give anything a crack’.

A source told The Sun: ‘Nick has always loved Strictly and he is so excited.

Meanwhile swimmer Tom Dean looked mortified as he was pressed on his upcoming appearance on Strictly Come Dancing after he let slip that he was set to take part in the new series.

Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, has reportedly joined the lineup after scoring the highest possible mark in the Christmas show last year

DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, 61, is reportedly putting on his dancing shows and appearing in the hit series this year

The Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer, 24, appeared on Tuesday’s Capital Breakfast after his team ca
me first in the freestyle relay in the Summer Olympics.

Brimming with excitement after Team GB’s big win, Tom accidentally announced he was set to appear on the upcoming series of the BBC dance show.

However, he remained far more tight-lipped about the announcement during a radio appearance with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson, 56, is hanging up his footballing skills to swap for the dance floor after signing for Strictly.

The Sky Sports pundit is reportedly joining the new series after overcoming drink, drug and gambling addictions.

The Sun reports Sam Quek, who rose to fame on Team GB’s hockey team, is also a potential Strictly signing.

Tom Dean looked mortified as he was pressed on his upcoming appearance on Strictly Come Dancing after he let slip that he was set to take part in the new series

Arsenal legend Paul Merson, 56, is hanging up his footballing skills to swap for the dance floor after signing for Strictly

The Sun reports Sam Quek, who rose to fame on Team GB’s hockey team, is also a potential Strictly signing

Gladiators star Montell Douglas is also rumoured. The 37-year-old has competed in the Olympics

The Olympic medallist has previously appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016 and Celebrity Masterchef in 2020.

Gladiators star Montell Douglas is also rumoured. The 37-year-old has competed in the Olympics and made history as the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter competition.

She is a former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, and held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds.

STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024

Chris McCausland

Age: 46

Profession: Comedian

Chris says: ‘If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.’

Dr. Punam Krishan

Age: Unknown

Profession: GP and broadcaster

Punam says: ‘I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now.’

Toyah Willcox

Age: 66

Profession: Singer, actor, presenter

Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.’

Pete Wicks

Age: 36

Profession: Reality star

Pete says: ‘Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.’

Shayne Ward

Age: 39

Profession: Actor and singer

Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!”