Strictly fans slam ‘worst line-up ever’ as they speculate why there are no ‘big stars’-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Not everyone is happy with the line-up (Picture: REX / PA / GETTY)

Every year when Strictly Come Dancing announces their line-up, there are usually two complaints.

The first (more on the second later) is the classic ‘never heard of them’ – the BBC is attempting to satisfy a wide-ranging audience right from children to the older generation, which is an almost impossible task so unfortunately, not everyone will know every face.

However, this year the dissatisfaction seems to be even more prevalent than usual, with fans of the show taking to social media to express their unhappiness with the calibre of celebrity.

The cast announced so far is JLS singer JB Gill, comedian Chris McCausland, opera singer (and the Go Compare advert man) Wynne Evans, TV doctor Punam Krishan, 80s chart-topper Toyah Willcox, The Only Way Is Essex reality star Pete Wicks, and Love Islander Tasha Ghouri.

The line-up has been branded ‘underwhelming’ and ‘disappointing’. ‘Nah sorry that Strictly lineup is terrible, no matter what people say. It really is scraping the barrel,’ LewisPringle wrote.

LucasMichael typed: ‘That finalised Strictly lineup may be the worst to ever exist.’

‘Shouldn’t they be pulling out all the stars for the big 20th anniversary? Something has gone on,’ asked BenAndrews.

Amongst the complaints, viewers have also said they have never heard of BBC Morning Live contributor Punam and questioned why there are two reality stars when usually the programme avoids having multiple in the lineup. While others have remarked that the professional dancers, such as Dianne Buswell and Aljaž Škorjanec, are more famous than their potential partners.

Viewers have questioned if recent controversy has impacted the line-up (Picture: PA)

Dr Marie Allitt remarked: ‘For the last few years, when they’ve announced the Strictly line up I’ve thought ‘haven’t they already done it?’ (Plus a smattering of ‘who?’ of course). It may be time for it to take a break after all.’

Some fans have shared their theory that the line-up is due to the recent controversy surrounding the series.

There have been allegations made against some of the show’s pro dancers. Amanda Abbington has called Giovanni Pernice’s training methods ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’ and said she complained over concerns he ‘could do that to other people’. He has denied the accusations against him.

While Graziano Di Prima stepped down amid accusations he ‘kicked and hit’ Zara McDermott. The statements from the former contestants led to more people coming forward claiming that they also had negative experiences, including Laura Whitmore, Will Bayley, and Anthony Ogogo.

Pete found fame on The Only Way Is Essex (Picture: BBC)

The BBC programme announced there would be changes in store to further support the welfare of celebrities taking part, including chaperones at every rehearsal and the director-general Tim Davie apologised to anyone who didn’t have a ‘wholly positive’ time on the show. However, some viewers don’t think that was enough to secure ‘bigger celebrities’.

‘This #Strictly line up so far is really giving last minute replacements of bigger celebrities who have dropped out because of all the allegations……’ wrote Alexanderls3 on X.

AliceJones added: ‘Is it unkind to think perhaps quite a few high profile people have dropped out of Strictly this year….? The line-up has the unmistakable feel of a b-list.’

Although, when they are in our living rooms on Saturday nights, viewers may love the choices. Suddenly the TV star who you could’ve walked past in the street just weeks ago is now making you cry with their couple’s choice routine and the accompanying emotional VT.

Tasha has some dance experience (Picture: BBC)

The second common complaint is a celebrity’s dance experience, and this year, Tasha is the target for the grievances after West End star Layton Williams was the focus in 2023.

The former Love Island star is one of the latest names to join the 2024 cast. Alongside Pete, her participation was announced on the Kiss Breakfast radio show today.

After revealing her dream partner would be Johannes Radebe, trained dancer Tasha, 25, explained why this style presents a new challenge to her.

‘I’ve not danced in quite a few years now, since Love Island my career has changed so much,’ she said.

‘I might not be good at it, like ballet, I’m not good at ballet, I’m trained in commercial, so I’m excited to learn these new styles.’

Tasha’s dream partner is Johannes, who she danced with during a visit to the newly opened Meadows Community Centre in Cambridge (Picture: PA)

The official Instagram page for Strictly shared an image of Tasha to confirm her inclusion on the programme. While there were many messages of support including Vicky Pattison who said: ‘She’s going to be amazing. Winner!!! I’ve called it,’ there were also some questioning whether her experience gives an unfair advantage.

‘Isn’t she a professional dancer in her own right?’ asked ElleKaye9t. LiliaGracePatchett wrote similarly: ‘Love her but a professional dancer?’

Jojoleelee9393 added: ‘She’ll likely pick up the routines quicker, isn’t that literally the job of a professional dancer. You think her and the Go Compare guy are starting on an even footing!’

‘Isn’t this an unfair advantage?’ enquired Keo Ganak.

However, others defended her right to be in the competition and pointed out that she’ll still have a lot to learn.

‘Please all the “professional dancer” comments. Ballroom and Latin is a complete different skill to be learnt,’ stated MalibuLover73.

Tasha and Andrew finished in fourth position on Love Island (Picture: Jonathan Hordle/Shutterstock)

Tasha found fame on the eighth season of Love Island and made history as the first deaf contestant. She reached the final with her boyfriend Andrew Le Page, and the two have recently celebrated their second anniversary.

Prior to the series, she danced in the music video for More Than Words by Sleepwalkers featuring MNEK and modelled for fashion brands.

She garnered attention when she modelled earrings for ASOS, proudly showing her cochlear implant. Tasha has continued to use her voice to speak about being part of the deaf community including on her podcast Superpowers, on viral social media videos, and in her book, Hits Different.

As she takes on her next challenge, Tasha can turn to Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won Strictly in 2021, for advice.

Tasha previously revealed Rose ‘had her back’ when she experienced ableism from some viewers of the ITV2 dating show.

Rose had Tasha’s back (Picture: PA)

‘Rose did have my back as well, which was amazing. I saw that she wrote a little piece about me and it was so lovely that she stepped in and we have been messaging on Instagram. I said, “Thank you for having my back. It meant a lot”,’ she told Metro.co.uk.

‘I looked up to Rose, on Strictly last year [and told her], that was just amazing that you did that and absolutely killed it. It’s great that she reached out, I reached out, and we’re both in it together, because I’ve never experienced ableism before, so it was my first time experiencing it coming out of the villa. 

‘Rose said, “If you ever want to chat, I’m here”. It’s nice that we’ve got that connection.’

That’s not her only connection to the series – she is sad to have previously dated Giovanni Pernice, who has left the show amid an ongoing investigation.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

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