Strictly Come Dancing
Defying the logistical difficulties imposed by Covid19, the nation’s favourite ballroom dancers are finally set to return to the Strictly Come Dancing studio, alongside Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman and the judging panel – ahead of the show’s 18th series.
With group routines prerecorded after a period of selfisolation and a range of new measures being put in place to adhere to social distancing guidelines, as the saying goes, the show really must go on.
Taking place over nine weeks as opposed to the usual 13 and with 12 contestants instead of 15, the 2020 series will feature two themed shows ( with the Halloween show being axed in place of a group dance) alongside a remote appearance from Bruno Tonioli direct from Los Angeles.
Ahead of this year’s sequin adorned instalment, we take a look at the 12 celebrities taking part in this year’s competition.
Bill Bailey
Comedian and actor Bill Bailey, 55, is best known for his role as team captain in entertainment gameshow Never Mind The Buzzcocks, alongside BBC comedy Black Books and his musicorientated standup comedy tours.
Max George
Best known for fronting British boyband The Wanted, musicianturnedactor Max George, 32, is set to follow in the footsteps of bandmate Jay McGuiness who went on to win the show in 2015.
British Labour politician, Jacqui Smith, 57, is best known for becoming the first female home secretary and despite ' not really knowing how to dance', the MP is no doubt used to handling highpressure situations.
Clara Amfo
BBC Radio 1 presenter, Clara Amfo, 36, will swap the mic for the dancefloor ahead of this year’s live shows, as she confesses she accidentally told fellow Radio 1 presenter Nick Grimshaw she was taking part in this year’s series.
Jamie Laing
After pulling out of Strictly last year due to a leg injury, Made In Chelsea star and Candy Kittens founder Jamie Laing, 31, is set to return to the dance floor, albeit with added pressure, after his replacement, Kelvin Fletcher, went on to win the show in 2019.
Caroline Quentin
Best known for her roles as Dorothy in Men Behaving Badly and Maddie Magellan in Jonathan Creek, British actress Caroline Quentin, 60, has become something of a national treasure.
With celebrity names including Elizabeth Hurley, Amanda Holden and Martin Clunes already pledging their support, Quentin is ready to put her best foot forward.
Nicola Adams
The first British boxer to defend their title for 92 years, double Olympic champion, Nicola Adams, 37, is set to break new records as she forms part of the show’s first ever samesex couple.
Backed by 4.5 million Instagram followers, 21yearold British singer Harvey Leigh Cantwell, better known as HRVY, says he is ready to lift Strictly’s Glitterball trophy.
Former Marine and British television presenter JJ
Chalmers, 33, is best known as an Invictus Games medalist after being seriously injured by a bomb blast in Afghanistan.
Jason Bell
Jason Bell, 42, is best known as an American football star and NFL cornerback.
Channelling his sporting discipline, the star has been taking notes from former partner and Girls Aloud star, Nadine Coyle, ahead of the live shows.
Maisie Smith
Actress Maisie Smith, 19, is best known for her role as Tiffany Butcher in longrunning BBC soap, EastEnders, alongside her roles in films including The Other Boleyn Girl.
Ranvir Singh
Good Morning Britain presenter and journalist, Ranvir Singh, 43, is very much used to being in front of the camera.
A regular on Loose Women, Singh says she will put her “grade one” ballet to good use.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One at 7.50pm on Saturday October 17.