BBC defends Strictly 2024 line-up after fans complain about ‘gender imbalance’-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

After weeks of speculation, the celebrities in the cast have finally been confirmed (Picture: BBC / Getty)

The full line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has finally been confirmed, after it was revealed which 15 celebrities would officially be joining the cast.

While there is plenty of excitement for the return of the BBC series, there has also been criticism among fans over the line-up, after it was revealed that there was a gender imbalance of nine male celebrities to six female stars.

This comes following the controversy that the show has faced in recent months over allegations against professional dancers behind the scenes.

Giovanni Pernice has denied allegations of being ‘nasty’ and ‘bullying’ by his former partner Amanda Abbington, while Graziano Di Prima said that he ‘never meant’ to kick his partner Zara McDermott, insisting that his foot ‘brushed’ her after he kicked the floor.

Both Giovanni and Graziano are no longer in the professional line-up going into the 2024 series.

Reacting to the gender imbalance of the celebrities competing this year, one Reddit user called RaggySparra called the gender imbalance in this year’s line-up ‘odd’, while another named The_Iceman2288 said that it was ‘very noticeable’.

‘The gender imbalance on #Strictly this year isn’t great. That, mixed in with the recent controversy, isn’t the best start to the 20th year.. 😞,’ @EurovishPaul stated on X.

In response, a BBC spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘We are really excited about this year’s line up and look forward to the series starting.

‘There are many factors that influence the casting process to ensure we have a good mix of celebrities from a broad range of backgrounds. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the gender split on the show and it’s never been about ticking boxes.’

So who is taking part in the competition in the hope of winning the Glitterball Trophy?

Who’s in the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2024?

Chris McCausland

Chris will make history as the first blind contestant on the programme (Picture: BBC)

Chris McCausland was the first celebrity to be confirmed for Strictly 2024 on ITV’s This Morning, after it was heavily rumoured that he would be taking part.

The comedian, who regularly appears on TV shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Would I Lie To You?, will make history as the first blind person to take part in the competition.

‘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,’ the 47-year-old said after he was revealed to be in the cast.

‘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…!’

JB Gill

It’s been over a decade since JB did the Strictly Christmas special (Picture: BBC)

Next up to be announced on This Morning was JB Gill, who first found fame with JLS when the boyband competed on The X Factor in 2008.

This won’t be the first time that JB, 37, has taken to the Strictly dancefloor, as he won the Christmas special when he performed with Ola Jordan in 2012.

‘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,’ he shared.

‘I’m raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!’

Wynne Evans

Wynne has the voice, but does he have the moves? (Picture: BBC/PA Wire)

The third famous face to join the cast was opera singer Wynne Evans, best-known as the voice and face of the unforgettable Go Compare adverts.

The 52-year-old’s career has spanned 25 years, including two number one classical musical albums and performances at incredible venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall.

‘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, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction,’ he said, after being revealed on Vernon Kay’s BBC Radio 2 show.

‘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!’

Toyah Willcox

It hasn’t been long since Toyah performed at this year’s Glastonbury Musical Festival (Picture: BBC)

Coming in fourth is Toyah Willcox, who fronted her eponymous band Toyah in the late 1970s and early 1980s, before going solo.

The singer and actress, 66, has been in the entertainment business for four decades, with some of her biggest hits including I Want To Be Free and Brave New World.

‘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,’ she said, shortly after performing at this year’s Glastonbury Music Festival.

‘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!’

Dr Punam Krishan

Dr Punam admitted that it ‘doesn’t feel real’ to be doing Strictly (Picture: BBC)

The fifth person to be confirmed for the cast was Dr Punam Krishan, the resident doctor on BBC’s Morning Live.

As well as being a practising GP in the NHS, Dr Punam regularly reports on health news across TV, radio and newspapers.

‘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,’ she said, as her Morning Live co-stars rushed to congratulate her.

‘This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.’

Tasha Ghouri

Tasha defended her past dance experience after fans complained (Picture: BBC)

Two years after soaring to fame on Love Island, Tasha Ghouri, 26, became the sixth person to be revealed for Strictly 2024.

Tasha will become the second Deaf celebrity to take part in the competition after Rose Ayling-Ellis, and has also defended her dance experience after fans complained.

‘Pinch me, I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true,’ she said about her casting.

‘I know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor.’

Pete Wicks

Pete’s best friend Sam Thompson seemed even more excited than him that he was doing Strictly (Picture: BBC)

Up seventh is former The Only Way Is Essex star Pete Wicks, who happens to be best friends with Sam Thompson, whose girlfriend Zara McDermott competed last year.

The 36-year-old admitted how scared he was of the prospect of performing in front of the nation, but is up for the challenge, having also previously taken part in Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.

‘Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying,’ he said.

‘But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.’

Shayne Ward

It’s been almost 20 years since Shayne won The X Factor (Picture: BBC)

After it was heavily speculated that he would be throwing on his dancing shoes, Shayne Ward was revealed to be the eighth celebrity in the line-up.

The singer and Coronation Street actor, 39, first entered the spotlight when he won the second series of The X Factor in 2005.

‘I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level,’ he said, after the announcement was made on ITV’s Lorraine.

‘No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!’

Sarah Hadland

Sarah’s fans are hoping an iconic song from a Miranda scene will make its way into one of her routines (Picture: BBC)

Best-known for playing Stevie in the sitcom Miranda opposite Miranda Hart, Sarah Hadland became the ninth star to be confirmed for this year’s show.

The 53-year-old also appeared in productions including Quantum of Solace, The Job Lot, Leap Year, Brotherhood and The Moonstone.

‘I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year,’ she said.

‘I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!’

Jamie Borthwick

It’s been mere months since Jamie last graced the Strictly dancefloor (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick became the 10th star confirmed for the line-up, following in the footsteps of several actors from the soap who’ve competed in the past.

He’s currently one of the longest-serving actors on the programme, having been in the cast since 2006.

‘I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say,’ he said, having competed in the festival special just last year.

‘I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!’

Tom Dean

Tom accidentally spilled the news that he’d be competing on the BBC series (Picture: BBC)

It came as no surprise that Olympic swimmer Tom Dean would be doing Strictly as the 11th confirmed celebrity, considering he spilled the news himself shortly after winning gold in Paris.

However, now he no longer has to keep his lips sealed over the BBC show’s worst-kept secret.

‘I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing,’ he said after the news was announced on BBC Radio 1.

‘Bring it on!’

Montell Douglas

Montell is a strong competitor by nature (Picture: BBC/PA Wire)

Coming in hot as the 12th star in the line-up is Montell Douglas, otherwise known as Fire from the hugely popular BBC reboot of Gladiators, which premiered last year.

As well as striking fear into the hearts of contenders who enter the arena hoping for glory, Montell, 38, is also a former Olympian and a former British record holder for the 100 metres.

Quoting a famous line from the umpire on Gladiators, she declared: ‘Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom.

‘Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!’

Nick Knowles

Nick said that he’s ‘so excited’ to be taking part (Picture: BBC)

Lucky number 13 went to DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, who was one of the final celebrities to be revealed for the line-up on Monday night’s episode of The One Show.

The 61-year-old will have to swap his hard hat and his hammer for sparkles and glitter, and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the dancefloor.

‘I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure,’ he said.

‘I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything …. and try not to embarrass my kids of course!’

Paul Merson

From the football pitch to the Strictly ballroom (Picture: BBC)

The penultimate celebrity in the cast, the 14th confirmed star, was former footballer and broadcaster Paul Merson.

Having made his debut at Arsenal when he was 17 years old, the now-56-year-old admitted that doing the dancing competition was going to be a step out of his comfort zone.

‘Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on,’ he stated.

‘I’m ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!’

Sam Quek MBE

Sam was the last celebrity to be confirmed for the cast (Picture: BBC)

Finally, completing the line-up as number 15 was Sam Quek, former professional hockey player who won gold with Team GP at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In addition to being awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to hockey, the 35-year-old won 125 international caps for the England and Great Britain women’s hockey teams.

‘As a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting!’ she said.

‘I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.’

Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

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