'Strictly Come Dancing' Star Stacey Dooley Blasts Claims This Year's Line-Up Is 'Too D-List'

The documentary presenter was keen to remind everyone of her credentials.
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‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant Stacey Dooley has hit back at criticism over this year’s line-up being too “D-list”.

Stacey was the eighth celebrity confirmed to be taking part in the show last week.

However, the currently-incomplete line-up has not been well-received by all ‘Strictly’ fans, with some suggesting the celebrities who’ve signed up so far are a little on the “D-list” side.

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Stacey Dooley
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Responding to a post by The Sun’s executive editor Dan Wootton - who branded the new crop of a contestants a “rag tag bunch of TV D-listers”, Stacey was keen to point out her credentials.

“You know what I LOVE to do for a living? As a grown man?” she wrote. “Slate people I don’t know. Damn Dan, you must feel fulfilled everyday you get up for work.”
Stacey added: “Ps. Next time you write about me, it’s ‘Stacey Dooley MBE’ ...k?”

The documentary presenter isn’t the only contestant to defend her place on this year’s show, with Steps singer Faye Tozer speaking out when it was suggested her previous dance experience gave her an advantage.

‘Strictly’ viewers were similarly displeased when professional dancer Ashley Roberts was revealed to be on the line-up, while fans were divided over the news that Joe Sugg would be the first YouTube vlogger to ever take part in the show.

More announcements are expected in the coming days, with rumoured contestants including Blue singer Lee Ryan, soap actress Samantha Womack, reality star Joey Essex and footballer Alex Scott.

15 Dream 'Strictly Come Dancing' Celebs
Danny Dyer(01 of15)
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Seeing Danny Dyer taking his trotters for a Jack Plance is exactly what TV was made for, and whilst it might seem unlikely he'd ever sign up, don't forget he once said he'd "never" do 'EastEnders'... (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Nigella Lawson(02 of15)
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Nigella loves anything decadent and extra, and with 'Strictly' being the most decadent and extra show on TV, quite why she hasn't signed up yet is a mystery to us. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Courtney Act / Shane Janek(03 of15)
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Bosses may not be keen on casting former reality TV stars, but they should probably make an exception for 'Drag Race' alum and 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner Courtney, who would bring some drag queen glam to the often binary world of ballroom. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Idris Elba(04 of15)
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He may be busy having a huge Hollywood career, but wouldn't it be great to see Idris back on home turf? Plus, just look at how smooth he'd look in ballroom top and tails. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Stacey Solomon(05 of15)
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When it was teased one of the 2018 contestants would be revealed on 'Loose Women', many fans predicted it would be panellist Stacey Solomon getting her dancing shoes on. And as much as we're excited to see Lee, Stacey would have been a brilliant booking. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Richard Madeley(06 of15)
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Just imagine Richard and Craig Revel Horwood clashing. TV gold. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of15)
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The 'TOWIE' star was holding out for a spot on the 2018 line-up by way of compensation from the BBC, following *that* on-stage fall at the Radio 1 Teen Awards. And while bosses probably didn't want to give in to her diva demands, just think of all the meme-able content she would have served up. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain(08 of15)
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Snapping up the most popular winner of what was once the BBC's most popular show is a no brainer, right? (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of15)
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The former 'Corrie' star has been tipped for 'Strictly' every year in recent memory, so we'd like her finally do it, even if it's just so we never have to hear a "Michelle Keegan for 'Strictly'" rumour again. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(10 of15)
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Every series needs a sportsman, and what better man than former England captain and all-round good guy Rio Ferdinand? Given all that footwork on the pitch, we reckon he'd probably have the moves on the dancefloor too. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of15)
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From the look of this picture, the wardrobe department wouldn't even have to make any outfits for Bev - she'd be able to bring in her own frocks. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Greg James(12 of15)
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Having taken over as the host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg has just earned a whole new following. And what better way to capitalise on that than by doing 'Strictly'? (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(13 of15)
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Far be from us to suggest Alan would not be the most talented of dancers, but he'd be guaranteed to bring the laughs. (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Sara Cox(14 of15)
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The Radio 2 DJ was robbed of a full run as a contestant when she took part in the 2013 Christmas special, if you ask us. (credit:Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)
Paddy McGuinness(15 of15)
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Let the dance see the floor! (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)