Strictly Come Dancing 2024’s celebrity sign ups and rumoured stars after Zara McDermott’s bombshell statement
ALL EYES will be on Strictly Come Dancing when it returns to screens later this year.
As two pros are axed, a storm of complaints, and bomsbshell statements flying around, the pressure is really on to boost the feelgood factor.
Here are the names ready to head into the famous ballroom amid the chaos.
GK BARRY
The YouTuber, who goes by the name GK Barry, had her second meeting with bosses last month.
Grace, who studied film at Nottingham Trent University, became an overnight sensation during lockdown when she started a TikTok and YouTube channel.
A source said about Grace Keeling, 24: “Grace has had two meetings with Strictly about appearing on the show.
“She has a huge following on social media and bosses think she would be perfect for the younger audience they try and draw in.
“Grace knows this is an opportunity to become more of a household name, even though she is already hugely popular online.”
“She is super keen to get on board.”
Grace has more than 4.5million followers across her social media and her podcast, Saving Grace has featured guests including Lioness Ella Toone and TV presenters Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder and Alison Hammond.
DAVE FISHWICK
We told how Dave Fishwick, 53, known for starring in Channel 4 series Bank Of Dave, was approached by BBC bosses earlier this year and informed pals he’d signed on the dotted line.
A source previously told us: “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 in Lancashire.
“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 – whose life has been made into a Netflix show – left school at 16 with no qualifications.
He ran a minibus company before he founded independent lender Burnley Savings and Loans in 2011.
CHRIS MCCAUSLAND
The Sun revealed Strictly has signed up blind star Chris McCausland for the new series in another show first – after deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis won in 2021.
Chris lost his sight completely by the age of 22 due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa, and has spoken about the hurdles he faces.
A source 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 dance floor.”
MARTIN ROBERTS
The Sun revealed that the Homes Under The Hammer host, 60, has been in talks with bosses.
He accidentally let the news slip, telling us: “I should worry about what I eat because I had a health scare. I need to look after myself better.”
He then teased: “And certainly if I get this TV show later in the year. I’ll have to get super fit.”
Martin has endured a tough couple of years. He was 58 when he was left fighting for his life from heart failure – and was forced to face his own mortality.
The telly favourite had mistaken his chest pains for long Covid and, by the time he was taken to hospital in April 2022, he had developed a deadly pericardial effusion.
A year later, Martin was left heartbroken by the death of his father.
DANNY CIPRIANI
Danny Cipriani , 36, appeared in the dance show’s Christmas special last year and impressed with his footwork.
A source said about the retired Barbarians player: “Danny proved he had the moves in the one-off special and Strictly would love to have him back.
“It was an experience he enjoyed and Danny’s family and friends have been pushing him to say yes.
“Danny’s got Bear Hunt on Netflix out next year so he’s free and able to take part. He’s coming back to the UK for a face-to-face meeting.”
Danny will be one to watch for the final, as last year he danced the Cha-Cha with professional Jowita Przystal and scored an impressive 37 out of 40 — including one perfect ten.
ROMAN KEMP
Roman Kemp is said to be ready for Strictly after quitting his radio job at Capital Breakfast and being replaced by Jordan North.
Lee Phelps, a spokesman for William Hill, said: “Roman Kemp’s emotional farewell to Capital FM last month has left punters trying to identify his next career move, with an appearance on this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing a popular selection in the book.
“Kemp has been given a good chance at 3/1 to appear in the ballroom later this year, while he is 6/1 to take his presenting skills to television and host Good Morning Britain.”
He added: “A period of radio silence however seems one of the likelier outcomes for Kemp in 2024, who is odds-on at 4/11 to not feature on radio again this year, but conversely is 2/1 to appear on a new radio station.”
Tearful Roman signed off from Capital Breakfast on March 28 and thanked fans for “saving his life”.
HANNAH WADDINGHAM
The Mirror reports Hannah Waddingham is a keen favourite to be signed up for the ballroom.
A source told the newspaper how Beeb execs have approached Hannah, 49, in recent weeks.
They said: “Hannah would be an incredible signing for Strictly this year, and so far things are looking very positive.
“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.
HELEN WORTH
The Sun revealed Strictly is considering offering Coronation Street legend Helen Worth a place on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Gail Platt actress quit the cobbles after 50 years last month — with her final scenes to be aired at the end of this year.
A source told us: “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.”