The Strictly Come Dancing celebrity reveals are now complete, with 15 contestants confirmed for the new series.
As we gear up for the show’s return to our screens next month, here’s an introduction to all the stars taking to the dancefloor this year...
Actor Will is known for starring roles in Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager And A Packet of Crisps, Line Of Duty and Broadchurch. Most recently he appeared in Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell.
He says: “I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year! Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about.
“This is also my mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!”
Kym is perhaps best known for her role of Michelle Connor in Coronation Street, which she appeared in from 2006 to 2019.
She shot to fame in the band Hear’Say, which was formed on the reality show Popstars in 2000, and is currently a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live.
She says: “I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have!
“I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”
Radio 2 listeners will recognise Richie for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, presenting the travel bulletins. He is also a regular on The One Show and hosted parts of the Platinum Jubilee coverage for the BBC.
He says: “This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.
“I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand.
“It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”
Kaye has been a regular anchor and panellist on ITV’s Loose Women on-and-off since its inception in 1999. She also hosts the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland.
She says: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!”
Best known as an award-winning stand-up comedian, Jayde also has acting credits in Good Omens, Alma’s Not Normal and the upcoming Take That film Greatest Days.
She’s also a self-professed Strictly superfan, admitting: “Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly.
“I’ve always watched it,” she adds. “Apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly).”
The five-time Paralympic champion has said she is “bursting with excitement” at the prospect of hitting the dance floor.
“It’s been soooo hard keeping this secret as I’ve wanted to tell everyone. I’m going on Strictly Come Dancing!!” she says, admitting: “I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I’m absolutely petrified!
“To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun. I’m counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It’s going to be a blast.”
Ellie will also make Strictly history as the first contestant with any form of dwarfism to take part in the show.
Tyler’s presenting credits include Kiss Radio and CBBC.
He said: “I am so gassed to be joining the Strictly family. As I started writing this I already got cramp.
“It’s going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be so far outside my comfort zone.”
As part of the 80s pop outfit Bros, Matt is responsible for hits like When Will I Be Famous?, I Owe You Nothing, Drop The Boy and Too Much (not to mention the iconic documentary When The Screaming Stops).
“I’m extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down,” he says.
Comedian Ellie has been a regular on the likes of Mock The Week, The Mash Report and Live at the Apollo, and once fronted Snog, Marry, Avoid for BBC Three.
More recently, she became a co-host of Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down and stars in Apple TV’s Ted Lasso.
“I’ve watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan,” she says.
“At the moment I’m focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on.”
The singer was just 11 when she reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012, and finished in 6th place, behind eventual winners Ashleigh and Pudsey.
Since then, Molly has taken the lead in CBBC show Nova Jones as the titular intergalactic pop superstar.
She says: “I’m so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve watched it for years and can’t wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can’t wait to learn the moves and get dancing!”
Tony’s career in football spanned 22 years, during which time he captained both Arsenal and the England national team.
After retiring from playing, he branched out into coaching and management, and was awarded an MBE for services to professional football in the Queen’s birthday honours in 1999.
The football legend says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the Salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes.
″[I’m] absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to meet my partner – god help her! – and start the dancing.”
Fleur East
Pop star and presenter Fleur originally rose to fame on The X Factor, which was then considered a TV rival to Strictly.
Announcing her latest venture, the Sax singer said: “I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
She added: “It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my father who loved it so much.
“Unfortunately my dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!”
Younger viewers will recognise the wildlife cameraman and TV personality as Ranger Hamza on CBBC, while his additional on-screen credits include Countryfile and Animal Park.
He says: “I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show. I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.
“My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ’til you make it!”
James Bye
James is known to EastEnders fans for portraying Martin Fowler in the BBC soap, a role he took over in 2014.
Referring to his numerous co-stars who’ve competed on Strictly over the years, he says: “It’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud.”
Helen began her broadcasting career hosting Blue Peter between 2008 and 2013, and is a regular face on Countryfile and BBC Sports coverage.
She was also recently confirmed as the new host of Radio 5 Live’s Sunday morning slot, after Laura Whitmore announced her departure.
She says: “I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.
Before You Go
