Meet the Stars of Strictly Come Dancing 2024: 5 Things You Need to Know About Each Contestant

Shayne Ward

• X Factor winner in 2005, with his single “That’s My Goal” becoming a Christmas No.1.
• Known for his role as Aidan Connor in Coronation Street, tackling mental health issues on-screen.
• He has performed on the West End stage, including in the hit musical Rock of Ages.
• Shayne has also released multiple albums, becoming a pop sensation.
• Despite his experience in live performance, ballroom dancing is entirely new for him.

Tasha Ghouri

• Love Island star and the show’s first deaf contestant, who uses a cochlear implant.
• Trained dancer with a background at Creative Academy and music video appearances.
• Passionate advocate for the deaf community, collaborating with 10 Downing Street on campaigns.
• She released a book, Hits Different, about a young dancer’s journey to stardom.
• Her inclusion on Strictly is a dream come true, having been a lifelong fan.

Tom Dean

• Triple Olympic gold medallist, known for his 200m freestyle victory at Tokyo 2020.
• He became the first British man in over 100 years to win that event at the Olympics.
• Earned seven medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, making him England’s most decorated athlete there.
• Confirmed his Strictly participation after winning another Olympic gold at Paris 2024.
• He’s excited for this new challenge, bringing his sporting discipline to the dance floor.

Sarah Hadland

• Best known for her role as Stevie in Miranda, a beloved BBC comedy.
• Original cast member of Horrible Histories, a children’s series turned cult favourite.
• She has appeared in major films, including Quantum of Solace and Magicians.
• Sarah is excited to embrace the glitter and glamour of Strictly.
• Fans are keen to see her comedic timing translate into her dance performances.

Wynne Evans

• Welsh opera singer famed for starring in the Go Compare adverts.
• He’s had two number-one classical albums and performed over 200 times at the Royal Albert Hall.
• Recently won Celebrity MasterChef in 2023, showcasing his versatility.
• Evans plans to blend his love of opera with his dance routines on Strictly.
• He’s ready to represent Wales and hopes to charm both judges and viewers.

Pete Wicks

• Reality star known from The Only Way is Essex and several other TV shows like Celebrity MasterChef.
• He’s famous for his turbulent relationships and reality TV drama.
• Wicks also co-hosts a podcast with Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson.
• Despite his hard-man persona, he’s nervous about dancing live every Saturday night.
• He’s eager to embrace the challenge and give it his all.

Toyah Willcox

• Iconic singer from the 1980s with hits like “It’s a Mystery” and “Thunder in the Mountains”.
• Toyah has a rich acting career, starring in films like Jubilee and Invasion Planet Earth.
• She’s no stranger to performing, having graced stages at Glastonbury Festival.
• A long-time advocate for creative arts, she was honoured by Sir Paul McCartney for her achievements.
• Toyah’s excited to bring her rock ‘n’ roll energy to the ballroom.

Chris McCausland

• Stand-up comedian and the first blind contestant on Strictly.
• Known for his wit, McCausland has appeared on shows like Have I Got News for You and QI.
• He lost his sight to a hereditary condition, but hasn’t let that hold him back.
• Despite never having watched the show, Chris is looking forward to learning to dance.
• He’ll be relying on humour and adaptability to navigate the competition.

JB Gill

• A member of the boyband JLS, runners-up on The X Factor in 2008.
• JLS had five UK number one singles and became one of the UK’s most successful groups.
• After JLS’s initial split, JB turned to farming and became a regular presenter on Songs of Praise.
• He’s no stranger to Strictly, having competed in the Christmas Special in 2012.
• Now back for the main competition, JB’s eager to impress.

Nick Knowles

• Nick Knowles is best known as the long-time presenter of DIY SOS, where he leads home makeovers for families in need.
• He released a music album called Every Kind of People in 2017, showing off his singing skills.
• In 2018, he competed in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, finishing in sixth place.
• Nick is deeply involved in charity work, raising funds for Children in Need and other causes through DIY SOS.
• He’s also an author, with books like Proper Healthy Food promoting nutritious recipes and healthy living.