The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Strictly professionals ready for new series
The professionals of Strictly Come Dancing pose for the camera ahead of the show’s return later this month.
The upcoming series will include stars including comedian Robert Webb, Loose Women panellist Judi Love and Olympic champion swimmer Adam Peaty.
Also competing will be former rugby player Ugo Monye, actress Nina Wadia, TV presenter AJ Odudu, Dragons’ Den investor Sara Davies, McFly’s Tom Fletcher, former Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn, BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker, TV presenter Tilly Ramsay, CBBC host Rhys Stephenson and actor Greg Wise.
EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis will be the first deaf contestant to appear in the series.
Former Bake Off winner John Whaite will be taking to the dance floor in another Strictly first, as one half of an all-male pairing.
A new photo of the professionals, with returning fan favourites such as Oti Mabuse, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones, also includes four new dancers – Kai Widdrington, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard and Jowita Przystal.
Absent from the picture is Anton Du Beke, who will swap his dance shoes for a full-time judging role.
The 55-year-old professional, who judged for a two-week stint during the 2020 series, will join Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas on the panel.
He will take over from Bruno Tonioli, who lives in the US and is unable to take part due to travel uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
It was previously announced the new series will not be making the usual trip to Blackpool for the customary episode broadcast live from the famous Tower Ballroom.
Strictly Come Dancing will begin on September 18 on BBC One.