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.
