Strictly Come Dancing Reveals Contestants Amid Scandal

Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, and Dr. Punam Krishan are the latest celebrities to join the “Strictly Come Dancing” 2024 lineup. Evans, known for his iconic mustached performance in a well-known market comparison site commercial, was announced on Tuesday, August 6. He joins singer and actor Toyah Willcox and Dr. Punam Krishan, a resident GP on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland.

Evans expressed his disbelief and excitement upon joining the show. “I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’? I’m not entirely sure how I’ll get along, but if all else fails, I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I’m definitely going to try and combine my love of opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!”

Willcox shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Wow, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m here for every sparkly second. I’m used to performing for big crowds, but this is completely fresh for me. How I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!”

Krishan added, “This still doesn’t feel real; I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show. I have watched ‘Strictly’ every year with my family, and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year. I can’t believe I will be the one getting ‘Strictly-fied’ now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.”

On Monday, August 5, comedian Chris McCausland and JLS singer JB Gill were the first names announced for this year’s season. McCausland, a familiar face on flagship comedy shows like “Have I Got News for You” and “Would I Lie to You?”, shared his mixed feelings about joining the show. “I don’t dance, I haven’t danced, I can’t dance, I can’t see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Ok, don’t answer that!” he humorously remarked.

McCausland, also known for playing Rudi in the CBeebies show “Me Too!”, admitted, “If anybody out there is thinking, ‘How the hell is he going to do that?’ then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.” When asked about his participation, he responded, “Apprehensive, massively apprehensive. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into. I’ve never watched it, obviously. It’s just some music. I don’t dance, I have never danced. I grew up with headbanging and mosh pits.”

The 46-year-old will be the first blind contestant to compete on the show. He lost his eyesight in his early twenties due to retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition, which led him to leave his job in web development and eventually find success in the entertainment industry.

Meanwhile, Gill expressed his excitement, saying, “I danced in the ‘Strictly’ Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join ‘Strictly’ this year, it was an immediate yes from me. I’m raring to go and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys.”

The remaining celebrity contestants for the new series will be revealed soon, with rumored names including “DIY SOS” presenter Nick Knowles, former Arsenal player Paul Merson, and “Ted Lasso” star Hannah Waddingham.

The 22nd series arrives amid scrutiny over the treatment of some of its celebrity participants. Two professional dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, have left the show following allegations about their conduct during training. Pernice has denied allegations of “threatening and abusive behavior,” while Di Prima expressed regret over an incident where he kicked his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsal.

Following these revelations, the BBC has conducted an investigation into Pernice’s behavior and introduced new welfare measures to support contestants. The organization shared a statement detailing these new measures, which include a production team member present during rehearsals, the addition of two new roles dedicated to welfare support, and further training for the production team and crew.

Former team members have also come forward with complaints about the show’s environment, alleging sexually inappropriate comments in the workplace and describing the work culture as “tense, toxic, and uncomfortable.”

Amanda Abbington, who quit the 2023 series, mentioned in an interview that she and her lawyer are trying to access 50 hours of rehearsal room footage filmed during her training with Pernice, describing the environment as “toxic.”

Laura Whitmore, who partnered with Giovanni Pernice in 2016, also alleged she was subjected to “inappropriate behavior” during her time on the show and shared that she had raised concerns at the time.

The upcoming season, marking the show’s 20th anniversary, is poised to celebrate this milestone while navigating the fallout from these allegations responsibly.

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