The glitterball is being unloaded, the dancefloor is being dusted off – yes folks, it’s the most wonderful time of the year for Strictly fans, as the show heads back to our screens for its 21st series.
As ever, a fresh batch of intrepid celebrities are set to take to the floor to show off their best tango face, try and squeeze a 10 out of the judges and generally keep us glued to the screen on a Saturday night.
This year’s line-up is looking as good as ever, as the search for the successor to reigning champion Hamza Yassin begins.
But who has been confirmed for the series so far?
Here’s who you’ll be watching on the dancefloor this autumn…
Amanda Abbington
Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington was confirmed as the first celebrity to be taking to the dancefloor this year.
The 49-year-old, who admitted to being ‘incredibly competitive’, was unveiled as a contestant on The One Show, and could barely hide her excitement at taking part.
‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly,’ she said. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things!
‘Plus, I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about. I’m really looking forward to the training too, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you. I can’t wait to start!’
Angela Rippon
TV presenter and former newsreader Angela Rippon was the second celebrity to be confirmed for the series.
Angela’s career spans over 50 years, having presented a wide variety of programmes from hard news and current affairs, to quiz shows and magazine programmes for broadcasters across the world.
Angela, who at 78 is the oldest contestant ever to take a spin around the Strictly dancefloor, already has ties to the series, having previously hosted Come Dancing, the show that inspired it.
‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me,’ she said.
Layton Williams
Bad Education star Layton Williams was the third celebrity to be announced for this year’s show.
The actor, who plays Stephen Carmichael in the BBC comedy, is also known for hisWest End career, having played the title roles in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie – and he was also the voice over artist on the UK’s first gay dating show I Kissed A Boy.
After the news was announced during Friday’s The One Show, Layton told 2022 contestant Richie Anderson that he would love to be partnered with a male professional.
He said: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.
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