There might be several months to wait until the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing returns for the 2024 series, but rumours are swirling over who will be cast in the line-up – and added to the growing list is an icon from The Traitors.
Last year saw Coronation Street star Ellie Leach soar to victory with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola, with the pair lifting the Glitterball Trophy in triumph.
They beat out fellow finalists Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, as well as Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, at the very end of the spectacular competition.
So who could be heading to the dancefloor in the upcoming season? According to the latest updates, Hannah Waddingham and Nicola Peltz are among the top names rumoured for consideration, while a ‘community hero’ is the latest to be added to the list.
Let’s take a look at everyone who’s been tipped so far…
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Strictly Come Dancing 2024’s line-up rumours
Mollie Pearce
Following the success of Claudia Winkleman’s murder mystery gameshow The Traitors, it’s said Strictly bosses are eyeing up stars of the show, including Mollie Pearce, Harry Clark and Paul Gorton.
After Mollie lost the £95,000 to Harry in an ultimate betrayal, signing up to Strictly could be a revenge move.
A source said: ‘Strictly is still four months away and there’s still so much to play for, butThe Traitorsare obviously at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
‘It would also be a nice tie-in given both shows are hosted byClaudia Winkleman.
‘Mollie’s presence would also be a hugely positive moment of representation for people, like her, whohave a disability.’
They added to The Sun: ‘But, just as with The Traitors, she first has to fend off the competition from rivals Paul and Harry.’
Chris McCausland
The latest rumour would see Strictly sign its first blind contestant, with sources claiming comedianChris McCausland will be taking part this year.
An insider said: ‘Strictly Come Dancing bosses are delighted by the signing and think Chris will be great on the show. He has a hilarious sense of humour and an infectious personality.
‘Producers are really keen to showcase disability on TV and are conscious of how important it is. Chris loves working and doing TV so it’s the perfect project.
‘Chris has spoken openly of his sight issues and is determined to show it won’t hold him back on the ballroom dancefloor.’
The insider added toThe Sun: ‘He is up for the challenge of learning how to dance and is prepared to put in hard work and long hours in training.’
It’s said Chris is ‘also hoping to have a lot of fun and raise his profile, like a lot of celebs taking part on Strictly.’
‘The pro dancers will all want to be partnered with him to embrace a new challenge and a show first.’
Dave Fishwick
Bank Of Dave star Dave Fishwick, 52, has reportedly been approached by BBC bosses for the chance to appear on Strictly.
A source claimed: ‘Dave is a real community hero and the best of British.
‘Strictly think his inspiring back story will win him new fans on and shine a spotlight on the amazing work he has done for people and business inLancashire.’
The insider added to The Sun: ‘Dave has told his friends he has accepted and cannot wait to get started.
‘For Dave it’s a dream come true. He is a working-class man who did well for himself and decided to use his success to help others.’
Dave, who founded independent lender Burnley Savings and Loans in 2011, has featured in two documentaries and had his life story turned into a Netflix film with Rory Kinnear playing him.
Hannah Waddingham
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It’s been claimed that after gaining a global fan base thanks to Ted Lasso, and presenting Eurovision in Liverpool last year… Hannah Waddingham could end up joining Strictly.
An insider claimed that the actress – who’s a friend of Strictly judge Anton Du Beke and his wife Hannah Summers – is seriously considering the offer.
‘Hannah would be an incredible signing for Strictly this year, and so far things are looking very positive,’ they told The Mirror.
‘She loves the show – she has heard so much about it from Anton and Hannah, as she is a close friend to both – and is keen to do it. It’s just a question of whether or not it’s possible to fit it into her schedule – obviously it’s a very big commitment, and she is incredibly in demand at the moment.’
Nicola Peltz
While Nicola might currently be known as the newest member of the Beckham clan, she’s apparently setting her sights on finding wider fame on UK TV.
The American actress, 29, married Brooklyn Beckham, 25, in 2022 after going public with their relationship two years previously.
In January this year, it was claimed by an insider that Nicola’s team were keen to ‘boost her profile’ in the UK, receiving full support from her husband.
‘Strictly has been mooted as the perfect show for Nicola,’ they added to The Sun.
‘Nicola’s genuinely got something about her, so has every hope of building on her own fame away from Brand Beckham — 2024 promises to be an exciting time for BNB.’
Dame Laura Kenny
One of the latest stars who’s believed to be under consideration is none other than DameLaura Kenny, who’s the most successful British female athlete in Olympic history.
‘Laura is Britain’s most successful female Olympian, with five gold medals. She’s been branded the ultimate signing for Strictly,’ a source toldThe Mirror.
‘She has a huge fanbase in the sports world and also has a very emotional backstory – the nation loves Laura.’
Dame Laura, 31, announced her retirement from cycling in March this year, despite having been expected to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
‘I always knew deep down I would know when was the right time,’ she told BBC Breakfast.
‘I have had an absolute blast but now is the time for me to hang that bike up.’
Sophie Morgan
In March last year, it was claimed that TV presenter Sophie Morgan was set to make history on Strictly as the first wheelchair user ever to take part.
While that didn’t end up happening, perhaps that means the Loose Women star might instead join the line-up for 2024.
A source said: ‘She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity.
‘It’s still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months,’ they added to The Sun.
It was previously reported that Strictly bosses were keen for a wheelchair user to join the cast, with a source saying: ‘This is an extremely challenging project but one that Strictly bosses think is worth it and believe it is going to be absolutely brilliant.
‘It is yet another example of how progressive and inclusive the programme is. As well as creating some wonderful television moments, it will also give an amazing opportunity to someone in a wheelchair.’
Jill Scott
Another person who was recently rumoured to be joining Strictly was Lioness and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner Jill Scott.
One would think that the former professional footballer, 37, should be able to pick up the dance routines with the help of her incredible foot skills – so will she play ball?
In March 2023, she cast some doubt on the prospect of doing Strictly, telling The Sunday Express that she has ‘two left feet’, and perhaps has a greater chance of doing Dancing On Ice as she ‘used to be able to ice skate’ when she was younger.
We’ll just have to wait and see.
Phillip Schofield
In May 2023, Phillip Schofield announced that he was stepping down from his role on This Morning, shortly before leaving ITV entirely.
A few days later, it was claimed that he was being eyed up by Strictly bosses to join the dancing competition.
The TV presenter has recently been seen out on multiple public excursions with his wife and dog, showing signs of ‘growing confidence’.
So maybe 2024 could be the year that he dons his dancing shoes for Strictly?
Andrew Ridgeley
Andrew Ridgeley, 61, found fame in the 1980s as one half of the musical duo Wham!, alongside beloved singing superstar George Michael.
The pair would dance enthusiastically to their tunes, such as in the iconic music video for their 1984 hit song Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch of the imagination to think Andrew could do the same on Strictly.
In July 2023, he said that he would ‘never say no’ to Strictly, as he would ‘love to be able to dance property’.
Maybe July last year was too short notice for the 2023 line-up… but it certainly isn’t for 2024! We’re going to keep our eyes peeled…
The BBC does not comment on speculation regarding the cast of Strictly before the line-up is officially announced. Metro.co.uk has also reached out to Dave’s reps for comment.
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Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.
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