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Strictly Come Dancing 2019 official line up: These are all the confirmed celebrities
8 August 2019, 08:55
BBC's Strictly Come Dancing - hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman - is announcing its new cast one by one.
It might only be August, but the official Strictly Come Dancing line up is already starting to trickle in.
And judging by the celebs the BBC have signed up, we can already tell it’s going to be a good year with the usual mix of actors, comics and sportspeople - as well as a YouTuber.
So, here’s your official list of all the stars who have been signed up for Strictly 2019.
Anneka Rice
Anneka was announced as the final celebrity to join this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line up.
The 60-year-old TV presenter was rumoured to be one of the contestants earlier this month, and admitted she’s never danced in front of her family before.
She said: "I haven’t danced since I was seven and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated."
Adding: "My family and friends haven’t seen me dance since, not at a wedding or round a handbag so it’s going to be a challenge for my partner.
"In fact I’ve asked for two, one on each side. I can’t see myself in a long frilly dress either. But I’m feeling recklessly excited. Strictly has always been my Autumn’s entertainment and now I’m part of it! My children will probably leave the country."
James Cracknell
The former rowing World Champion and double Olympic gold medallist, 47, was announced as a contestant by Gemma Collins on Good Morning Britain.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to being a part of Strictly this year. Having spent so many years mucking around in a rowing boat with big men in tight lycra, it’s time I learned a new skill.
Before adding: "I need to apologise to my kids in advance for the embarrassment."
Alex Scott
England Lioness Alex said she is 'terrified' after being confirmed as a Strictly contestant.
The 34-year-old football player was a former Arsenal captain but has now turned to TV presenting full-time, covering the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
She said: “I am absolutely buzzing to be signed up to Strictly.
"It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do and I can’t believe I’m finally going to be part of it.
"I’m super excited, but also terrified at the same time… The football pitch is a bit less glam than the ballroom, but I’m ready to try the sequins and dresses! Bring it on!”
Jamie Laing
Jamie Laing confirmed he's taking part in the next series of Strictly during Loose Women on Monday.
While the BBC usually avoid signing up reality stars, the Made In Chelsea star said he's "beyond thrilled" to have joined the line up.
“The only person potentially more thrilled is my mother. I have finally become the son she hoped for!" he said.
He also admitted he has "a little bit of rhythm" because he studied contemporary dance at university.
Will Bayley
It was announced on Talkradio that Will Bayley MBE is also part of the line up.
The World Table Tennis Paralympic Champion - who has arthrogryposis, a rare condition which affects all four of his limbs - has said he hopes to ‘inspire people with a disability’.
He said: ‘I’m so proud to be on the show, it’s my family’s favourite show.
‘I have no dance experience at all, but I hope I can do well. ‘I want to inspire people with a disability – that would mean a lot to me. I want to prove to people I can do this.’
Michelle Visage
RuPaul's Drag Race star Michelle Visage has been confirmed as the ninth celebrity to sign up for Strictly 2019.
The reality favourite was announced on Lorraine, and told Ross King she's "over the moon" to be joining the line up.
"I am very excited, I am over the moon. I can’t wait to be dramatic and as amazing as I can be," she confessed.
"I am 50 and I want to be presenting women of the age. I am Italian so I would love Giovanni and they need to have guns to lift all this!"
Emma Thynn
It was revealed on Sunday afternoon that Viscountess Weymouth, Emma Thynn will be taking part in the new series.
The 33-year-old - who is also a chef - is a contributing editor for British Vogue and also runs Longleat safari park with her family.
Speaking about Strictly, Emma revealed she was relieved to finally be able to talk about her spot on the show after months of keeping it a secret.
She admitted she was only allowed to tell her husband - Ceawlin Thynn, the son of Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath - but finally spilled the beans to the rest of her family yesterday.
Karim Zeroual
CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual will be hitting the Strictly dancefloor this autumn following his role in children's programme The Sparticle Mystery.
The actor said he was "pinching" himself after being offered the chance to take part in the programme, admitting: "I want the lot. The skimpiest of clothes, the widest of flares, the brightest of colours and the tallest Cuban heels a guy can find! The more flamboyant the better... sequins galore please!"
Mike Bushell
Sports news presenter Mike Bushell was the sixth celebrity to be announced on BBC Breakfast on Friday Morning.
Mike said in a statement: "I am so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
"I’ve heard so many wonderful things from colleagues over the years so thrilled I’m now getting the chance.
"I know I will completely throw myself into the whole experience and I’m sure will love it from start to finish.
"I may have tried and profiled over 500 sports over the years in my Saturday morning BBC Breakfast slot but think the Strictly challenge could be the greatest.
"Bring on the glitter!"
Catherine Tyldesley
The former Coronation Street star was announced on This Morning earlier this week just months after leaving her role as Eva Price behind.
In a statement, the actress admitted taking to the dancefloor will be her “biggest challenge”, as she said: “I’m a huge fan of the show. I’m not much of a dancer, but I’ve always wanted to learn the skill and the time feels right!
"I’m nervous as hell but super excited to work with such talented professionals. Hold onto your jazz shoes... mine is sure to be a bumpy/clumsy/fun ride!”
The mum-of-one also opened up on her dancing ability as she told Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford live on This Morning, confessing: "I can’t dance. I love to dance on a night out if I’ve had a couple of drinks and me and [her son] Alfie like a dance in the kitchen but that’s it.”
Saffron Barker
Saffron Barker was announced as the fourth contestant to join the line up exclusively on Heart.
And when the 19-year-old YouTuber dropped by the studio, she told us she was scared about how the public would react to her.
“I think that’s what I’m most nervous for,” she told us.
“I think that everyone who follows me will support me as much as possible.”
Referring to backlash fellow social media star Joe Sugg received last year - with the public claiming he ‘isn’t a real celebrity’ - Saffron added: “I think the same sort of thing will happen probably.
“But I think once I get on the show, the public will get to know me as they got to know Joe, because as time went on his personality just shone.”
Emma Barton
Emma has played fan-favourite Honey Mitchell in EastEnders since 2005, but now she’s swapping Albert Square for the ballroom floor.
“As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening,” she revealed to The One Show presenters Matt Baker and former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley.
She added: "I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I've been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business.”
Chris Ramsey
Funnyman Chris Ramsey became the second celebrity to join the line up on The One Show.
The comedian has hosted his own shows on MTV and regularly pops up on series’ such as Mock The Week and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.
Talking about his latest gig, he said: "I’m both excited and absolutely terrified to be doing the show.
“You will not find me on the dance floor at parties, you will find me at the buffet table.
"So I’m looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people… there better be a buffet after the live shows.”
David James
Former England goalkeeper David James was the first star to confirm his place on the show.
The sportsman has played for clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and West Ham and said he was persuaded to compete by ex-contestant and former swimmer Mark Foster.
"I'm really excited to be on Strictly this year," he said.
"Not just competing against this year’s stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons. I have some big shoes to fill."
