Strictly Come Dancing 2024 bombshell as three huge new stars announced

Strictly Come Dancing has unveiled three additional celebrities set to hit the dance floor for the 2024 series. DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, Olympic hockey champion Sam Quek, and footballing icon Paul Merson are the latest stars confirmed to join an already glittering line-up that includes Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Toyah Willcox, and JB Gill, among others.

The trio was officially revealed on The One Show, although two had been previously spotted at rehearsals, sparking rumours of their participation.

Nick humbly referred to himself as the "least talented" in his family due to his siblings' industry experience. He expressed both humour and determination regarding the competition, stating he's "going to go for it," despite joking about his hope not to "wouldn't roll another ankle."

Discussing his entry into the contest, Nick shared: "I'm so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure. I've spent my whole life learning new skills and I've never been afraid of a challenge there's life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one being taught how to dance! I'll give it my everything ... and try not to embarrass my kids of course."

Paul was the second celebrity to be announced on The One Show on Monday, expressing relief that he could finally share the news as he "doesn't like lying", despite having confided in his mother days earlier. Sam was the last star to be unveiled, with one of the show's hosts travelling to her home in Wirral for the big reveal, reports the Mirror.

Nick and Paul were spotted at rehearsals alongside Chris McCausland, Sarah Hadland and Love Island's Tasha. They were quickly ushered through a side door in an attempt to maintain their anonymity.

Other celebrities confirmed by the BBC include EastEnders' Jamie Borthwick, Pete Wicks from The Only Way Is Essex, and Shayne Ward, known for both Coronation Street and The X Factor.

Joining them on the show will be Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishan, performer Toyah Willcox, Go Compare advert icon Wynne Evans, Olympian Tom Dean and JLS star JB Gill. Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, also known as Fire, will also be participating.

This follows last week's announcement on Lorraine that Shayne Ward and Sarah would be joining the Strictly line-up. Shayne, 39, who shot to fame after winning The X Factor in 2005 and later starred as Aidan Connor on Coronation Street until 2018, expressed his excitement about joining the show: "I'm buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life! " Meanwhile, Sarah, 53, best known for her role as Stevie Sutton in Miranda, exclaimed: "I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! ".

Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the show, where professional dancers Giovanni Penice and Graziano Di Prima have been dismissed following allegations of misconduct - which Giovanni refutes - a host of celebrities have now been confirmed for the 2024 line-up this autumn.