The last three participants for this year’s installment of Strictly Come Dancing have been disclosed as Nick Knowles, Paul Merson, and Sam Quek.
The announcement of TV personality Knowles, ex-England footballer Merson, and Olympic champion Quek was unveiled during BBC’s The One Show on Monday night.
Nick Knowles expressed his excitement about embarking on a new venture with Strictly. Pic: PA
61-year-old DIY SOS star Knowles conveyed his enthusiasm, stating that participating in live TV dance performances will be an exhilarating experience.
Merson, aged 56, who has openly discussed his battles with substance abuse and mental health, expressed hope that he can pick up some moves and potentially clinch the glitterball trophy.
Paul Merson aims to secure the glitterball trophy. Pic: PA
Quek, aged 35, who achieved Olympic success with Team GB’s women’s hockey team in 2016, has engaged in various roles such as team captain on A Question Of Sport and co-host of the previous year’s Eurovision Song Contest’s opening ceremony in Liverpool.
Expressing her satisfaction, she mentioned, “Joining this iconic show and stepping into the shoes of a performer fills me with joy. It seems surreal, but I’m fully prepared for this thrilling journey.”
Sam Quek praises Strictly as a venerable show. Pic: PA
Additional participants in the upcoming season comprise Morning Live doctor Punam Krishan, Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, singer Shayne Ward, and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland.
Comedian Chris McCausland will be the first visually impaired contestant on Strictly, with other contenders being JLS vocalist JB Gill, Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, singer Toyah Willcox, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, and reality personality Pete Wicks.
This year, hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will make a comeback, with the judging panel including Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, are making a return. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston
Strictly has been a beloved show since its inception in 2004, attracting nearly 10 million viewers to last year’s finale.
However, the program has faced turmoil after former contestant Amanda Abbington accused dancer Giovanni Pernice of engaging in “threatening and abusive” behavior, leading to her departure from the previous year’s series due to “personal reasons.”
The findings of a BBC-launched probe are still pending.
Pernice, 33, refuted the allegations and affirmed his cooperation with the network.
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In a separate incident, Love Island alum Zara McDermott accused dancer Graziano Di Prima of physically harming her.
Di Prima, who has since exited the show, admitted the incident, asserting it was unintentional, and expressed remorse.
TV host Laura Whitmore also reported experiencing “inappropriate conduct” during her participation in the 2016 season. Whitmore had been paired with Pernice on the show.
The BBC has introduced enhanced welfare measures for the upcoming edition, including the presence of a chaperone at all rehearsal sessions.
