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Strictly Come Dancing 2024 Couples Revealed: Insight into the New Season's Stars and Partners

Strategic Insights

— 3 min read

As Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcomed the new group of celebrities on Saturday, September 14, the eagerly anticipated 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing kicked off in style. The launch show celebrated two spectacular decades of dance, featuring five epic performances, including a fun, fancy footwork-filled routine from the professional dancers and cameos from the wider Strictly family.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chris McCausland, a comedian, was paired with professional dancer Dianne Buswell, joking that she was "absolutely over the moon" to be paired with him, referencing his desire to take November off.
  • Wynne Evans, a GoCompare singer, was revealed to be paired with Katya Jones, saying he didn't have a clue who his partner would be and was surprised by Katya's arrival.
  • Shayne Ward, a former Coronation Street actor and X Factor winner, expressed his excitement about being paired with Nancy Xu, calling her a "phenomenal dancer" and stating that he felt "blessed" to have her by his side.
  • Jamie Borthwick, an EastEnders hunk, was paired with Michelle Tsiakkas, saying that last year's Christmas Special was what made him decide to take part in the show, but this time, it's a whole different ball game.
  • Pete Wicks, a former TOWIE star turned podcaster, joked about his wardrobe choices, saying he's in for a penny, in for a pound, and that having Jowita Przystai by his side makes all the difference.
  • Montell Douglas, a Gladiators star, was over the moon to be paired with Johannes Radebe, saying there is no one on earth who wouldn't want to be partnered with him.
  • Sam Quek MBE, an Olympic athlete, expressed her nervousness about being part of the show, saying it's the unknown, and Nikita Kuzmin added that everyone speaks highly of her, making him excited to start.
  • JB Gill, a former Coronation Street actor, was delighted to be paired with Amy Dowden MBE, saying she's brilliant and has experience with pop stars, making him feel safe.
  • Toyah Willcox, a pop icon, plans to channel her inner Dolly Parton and wants to be glam the whole time, mentioning that the atmosphere in the Strictly ballroom is better than Glastonbury.
  • Sarah Hadland, an actress, said she's a superfan and takes Strictly seriously, making mental notes and predictions during the dances.
  • Tasha Ghouri, a Love Island star, expressed her excitement about being paired with Aljaz Skorjanec, saying they mesh well and are a perfect match.
  • Dr. Punam Krishan, a Morning Live star, was thrilled to be paired with Gorka Márquez, saying they're the perfect pairing and he's honoured to be paired with her.
  • Paul Merson, a football icon, stated that he's going to have fun and not throw himself into the Strictly experience, saying it's not worth doing if he's not enjoying it.
  • Tom Dean MBE, an Olympic athlete, expressed concerns about his delicate feet, saying he's never gone against gravity in his sporting career, and Nadiya Bychkova is helping him build up strength.
  • Nick Knowles, a TV presenter, joked that he's had body work done, saying it's a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder's van to race.

Statistics:

  • There are 15 couples participating in the 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing.
  • 5 epic performances were featured in the launch show, including a routine from the professional dancers and cameos from the wider Strictly family.
  • The series is celebrating two spectacular decades of dance.
  • Chris McCausland is 46 years old, and Dianne Buswell is 34 years old.
  • Wynne Evans is 56 years old, and Katya Jones is 39 years old.
  • Shayne Ward is 38 years old, and Nancy Xu is 33 years old.
  • Jamie Borthwick is 31 years old, and Michelle Tsiakkas is 25 years old.
  • Pete Wicks is 33 years old, and Jowita Przystai is 26 years old.
  • Montell Douglas is 35 years old, and Johannes Radebe is 35 years old.
  • Sam Quek MBE is 34 years old, and Nikita Kuzmin is 29 years old.
  • JB Gill is 38 years old, and Amy Dowden MBE is 32 years old.
  • Toyah Willcox is 63 years old, and Neil Jones is 39 years old.
  • Sarah Hadland is 51 years old, and Vito Coppola is 31 years old.
  • Tasha Ghouri is 24 years old, and Aljaz Skorjanec is 32 years old.
  • Dr. Punam Krishan is 39 years old, and Gorka Márquez is 32 years old.
  • Paul Merson is 59 years old, and Karen Hauer is 37 years old.
  • Tom Dean MBE is 23 years old, and Nadiya Bychkova is 32 years old.
  • Nick Knowles is 60 years old, and Luba Mushtuk is 31 years old.

Sources:

  • [BBC One]: Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday, September 21 on BBC One.

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