Strictly Z-list...Dance fans ask: Where are the celebs?
IT HAS long been a stalwart of the television schedules and has seen almost 300 celebrity contestants take part.
But as Strictly approaches its 20th series, The Mail on Sunday can reveal that some BBC executives are concerned that there are no longer enough big names available to compete for the glitterball.
As comedian Jayde Adams was the fifth competitor to be unveiled for this year’s series, even Radio 5 DJ and former Strictly star Scott Mills shared his worries – telling his listeners that he now thinks they should start putting on former contestants.
The announcement about Miss Adams yesterday morning came just a day after it was revealed that Radio 2 travel reporter Richie Anderson is in this year’s line-up.
One source at the Corporation said: ‘Taking part on Strictly is a dream for so many celebrities, but so many of them have done it now. They have lived that dream and reaped the massive benefits of it.
‘The success of Strictly is massive, the ratings are still huge so it will keep on going – but so many big names have appeared now that you have to wonder where the rest of them are going to come from now.’
Last year’s series was won by deaf EastEnders actress Rose AylingEllis who was watched several times per week by at least two million viewers.
And in its first ten years, household names such as John Sergeant, Emma Bunton and Jerry Hall took part.
Miss Adams, a comedian from Bristol, and Mr Anderson join Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams, former soap actress Kym Marsh and actor Will
Mellor as those who have been confirmed for the show so far.
But Strictly fans took to social media to discuss how they are unfamiliar with Miss Adams, 37.
‘Sorry don’t mean to be rude but who’s Jayde Adams?’ one wrote on Twitter, while another said: ‘Jayde Adams… nope never heard of her! #Strictly.’
Other celebrities rumoured to be taking part are former BBC presenter Steph McGovern, who now presents daytime show Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4, television chef Gino D’Acampo, diver Tom Daley and Dawn French.
There has also been speculation that a football star will join the line-up.
The judging panel will see Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse back in their seats, while Bruno Tonioni will be replaced by Anton Du Beke on a permanent basis after BBC bosses decided to keep him.