Show’s Biggest Line-Up Yet Leaked

The Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up has allegedly been “leaked,” showcasing what would be its biggest line-up yet.

As the BBC competition’s scandal rolls on following accusations of behind-the-scenes bullying in the rehearsal room, the 15 celebrities participating in the new series have been “revealed.”

All the contestants taking part in this year’s series will be assigned chaperones in an attempt to avoid any accusations of bullying. These measures come after Sherlock star and 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington made such allegations.

An investigation found that Graziano Di Prima, who was sacked from the show earlier this month, had kicked Zara McDermott in training during last year’s series—an event he said he “regrets.”

The alleged list of 2024 contestants corroborates reports that DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, former Arsenal player Paul Merson, and CBeebies’s Chris McCausland will be contestants on the show’s 20th-anniversary series.

Other stars set to compete for the Glitterball trophy allegedly include one of its highest-profile signings yet, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham. Waddingham was most recently seen acting opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in the action-comedy The Fall Guy.

Over the years, Waddingham, who also appeared in Game of Thrones, has made no secret of her fondness for Strictly.

The “leaked” report, which was unearthed on Reddit by Metro.co.uk, is said to have featured a screenshot claiming the list was not for “public knowledge.” Other stars on the list included Loose Women panellist Janet Street-Porter, Coronation Street’s Shobna Gulati, and Blue singer Duncan James.

Pearl Mackie, who played Doctor Who companion Bill Potts, Olympic cyclist champion Dame Laura Kenny, and The Only Way is Essex’s Pete Wicks are also said to have appeared on this list. Joining them are comedian Sarah Millican and former Outnumbered child star Tyger-Drew-Honey.

Footballer-turned-One Show presenter Jermaine Jenas is also allegedly hitting the dancefloor this autumn. He is set to appear alongside DJ and former I’m a Celebrity contestant Jordan North, and EastEnders actor Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney.

Rounding out the alleged “leaked” list of Strictly contestants are comedy star Sunil Patel and Tracy Beaker Returns actor Kia Pegg. Whoever is taking part in the forthcoming series will start rehearsals next month.

The Independent has contacted the BBC for comment, and the BBC has previously stated that all unofficial news is mere speculation.

Pernice has denied all claims made against him, and on Monday (29 July), the result of the BBC’s investigation into the accusations should be made public.

Last week, BBC director-general Tim Davie made a statement apologising for the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show, saying that the corporation “will never tolerate unacceptable behavior.”

Source: The Independent, Metro.co.uk