Strictly is BACK! The celebrity and professional pairings are REVEALED as BBC show returns for 20th anniversary series after year of scandal

It’s time to get your glitter and dancing shoes ready as Strictly is officially back for the 20th anniversary series. 

After a year plagued by scandal amid the BBC‘s misconduct investigation, the show returned with all the bells and whistles on Saturday night as loyal viewers tuned in. 

With 15 new celebrity couples set to take to the dancefloor, the pairings were revealed during the launch show as the series officially kicked off. 

Pulling out all the stops for a huge colourful sparkly opening, Strictly fever was in the air as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcomed in the new series. 

Tess exclaimed: ‘This year we celebrate 20 years on your TV screens and if that opening is anything to go by we are in for quite a ride.’

So who are our celebrity pairings?  

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

Strictly‘s first ever blind contestant Chris McCausland is partnered with Dianne Buswell. 

Australian dancer Dianne, 35, joined the BBC show in 2017 and has reached the final twice, in 2018 and 2023 with Joe Sugg and Bobby Brazier respectively. 

Liverpool-born comic Chris, 47,  lost his eyesight in his early 20s due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa and has not watched Strictly before. 

He previously said: ‘I’ve never seen the show for obvious reasons. I can’t even go back and watch it to see what it involves, how intricate the dances are.

‘All we can do is figure it out as we’re going along because I need to be in it and doing it to see what works and what doesn’t.’

Chris has described the training process as a ‘learning curve’ for him and Dianne , and hopes to make people laugh when he hits the Strictly dancefloor. 

Ever the comedian, upon being paired with Dianne, Chris joked that Dianne will soon free to jet off on her holidays as they won’t be in the competition long.

He quipped: ‘She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!’

When asked to tell her blind partner what he can expect during their Strictly experience, Dianne remarked: ‘Firstly, I am a big fan of yours. I’m so excited and honoured to be your partner. 

Commenting on how she will adapt training to fit his disability she said: ‘Secondly, I can’t answer that yet as I’m not sure myself how it’s going to work! But we are going to figure it out together.’

Chris added: ‘Yes, we’re going to figure it out together. We’re going to make mistakes and have a laugh about them. Then we’re going to turn up here and show you all of the mistakes that we’ve learnt!’ 

Asking Chris if there is anything he is worried about, the comedian replied: ‘All of it!’

He joked: ‘You got to the final last year, that won’t be happening this year!’  

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas

Actor Jamie Borthwick is paired up with Michelle Tsiakkas.

Michelle, 29, joined the show in 2022 but this is the first year she has a celebrity partner and no doubt will be keen to show everyone what she can do.  

Jamie, 30, has appeared in BBC soap EastEnders as Jay Brown for nearly 20 years and will familiar to Strictly fans after he competed in the Christmas Special last year. 

He proved his skills at the time and was crowned champion alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu.

Jamie previously said: ‘I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say.’ 

The soap star added during the launch show that his experience in the Christmas special ‘swung me hook, line and sinker’ with Jamie quipping that he didn’t know how he ‘managed to win’ the show.

On his chances this time around, he said: ‘This is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole thirteen weeks.’

However, Michelle was more optimistic about their Strictly stint, telling Claudia: ‘It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!’

Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu

Shayne Ward is partnered with Nancy Xu as he swaps the mic for the dancefloor. 

Nancy, 33, joined Strictly in 2019 but had to wait two years before being given a celebrity partner. 

Shayne, 39, shot to fame in 2005 when he won the second ever series of The X Factor. He will join fellow X Factor star JB Gill, from the band JLS, on Strictly.

Although his first and second album charted at number one and number two respectively, his third album received a lukewarm reception and disappointing sales.

Moving into the world of acting, the star joined the cast of Coronation Street as Aidan Connor from 2015 to 2018, a decade after he won the singing competition.

Speaking about taking part in the show he said: ‘I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life,’ Shayne said.

‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!’

On dancing with Nancy, Shayne told Claudia: ‘I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey.’

Meanwhile, Nancy could resist making reference to Shayne’s winning X Factor song, telling the host of Shayne’s competitive spirit: ‘Well I will try. Since that’s your goal, that’s my goal!’

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones

Wynne is best known for his operatic skills but he will now swap the singing for the dancefloor. 

Katya has been part of the lineup since 2016 and has choregraphed some of the most iconic dances on the show, including Ed Balls’ famous Gangnam Style. 

She also won the show with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and made it all the way to the quarter final last year with Nigel Harman before he had to withdraw due to injury. 

Throughout Wynne’s 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums, has been a principal at most of the major opera houses around the world and has given over 200 performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London. 

Wynne told Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2: ‘I couldn’t believe it because its like cloak and daggers. You’re given a code name and you audition and meet the celebs and it is my favourite thing.’

‘The waltz, the classic ballroom I’m looking forward to. I did a lot of opera and I think that would suit me.’

‘The stuff I’m nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I’m kind of a bit nervous about that but I’m taking inspiration from Bill Bailey. I’m going to throw myself into it.’

On being paired with Katya, the star told Claudia: ‘I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get. 

‘Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!’

Claudia then asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, with the dancer excitedly replying: ‘I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!’

The duo then revealed that their first dance is going to be the Samba to Help Yourself by Tom Jones. 

JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE

JLS star JB Gill will take to the dancefloor with Amy Dowden MBE. 

Amy, 34, has been part of the Strictly family since 2017 but was forced to miss last year’s season as she battled breast cancer. 

Although she won’t get the official ‘all clear’ for five years, she is delighted to be returning to the dancefloor after a check up in February reported ‘no sign of the disease’.

JB, 37, is keen to show off his moves again on the dancefloor after he previously appeared on – and won – the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2012, where he was partnered with pro Ola Jordan.

There has been some criticism over JB’s casting however, due to his dance experience. 

In 2017, JB appeared alongside wife Chloe Gill – who is a professional dancer – in ITV show Dance Dance Dance, with the couple finishing up in third place.

JB even previously told how Chloe gave him a helping hand with his training for Strictly’s Christmas show, remarking: ‘She wants me to do well, and she’s very much in my corner.

‘I remember when I did the Christmas special, she was great in rehearsals because she was really championing me and helping me to work out little bits that I didn’t find natural. It’s good to have that support.’

Speaking about his dance partner during the show, the performer gushed: ‘She’s brilliant, plus she’s got experience with popstars, so I know I’m in good hands!’

Meanwhile, Amy couldn’t hide her joy at being back on the dancefloor amid her cancer battle.

She shared: ‘I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JB  to have the best time and fall in love with dancing.’

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe

Gladiator Montell Douglas is partnered with Johannes Radebe. 

Johannes, 37, has been a fan favourite since he joined the show in 2018, although he was not allocated a celebrity partner in his first year. 

Montell, 38, is no stranger to competing at a high level, having competed in the summer and winter Olympics as a sprinter and bobsled athlete respectively. 

She previously said: ‘Strictly’s been at the absolute top of my list from the beginning of time, I always said there was one show that I could do.

‘When I was little I really wanted to dance – I completely had to stop dancing to commit to being an athlete, and the Olympic Games. But now I’ve hung up my sprinting shoes, got some heels and some glitter and I’m just excited to get out there!’ 

And that excitement extended to being paired up with Johannes, with Montell gushing: ‘How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!’

The duo certainly appeared to be getting on like a house on fire, having already thought up a fun team name ‘ ‘MoJo’ – to take them through the competition.

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał 

TOWIE’s Pete Wicks is taking to the dancefloor with Jowita Przystał. 

Jowita, 30, is relatively new to the series, joining in 2021, but managed to win her debut season with Hamza Yassin.

Reality TV veteran Pete, 36, raised eyebrows this week when he was spotted getting very cosy with Jowita at the National Television Awards on Wednesday night.

Pete’s involvement in the BBC show shocked viewers given his close friendship with Zara McDermott, who was physically and verbally abused by her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima on last year’s series.

Yet Pete insisted it hadn’t stopped Zara supporting him as he told MailOnline: ‘Zara loves the show, and she’s been a massive support so she will probably be my number one fan.’

When it was suggested Zara could teach him some moves, he quipped: ‘It’s my partner that’s going to teach me everything so I’m just excited to get going.’

And Pete was certainly keen to embrace the full Strictly experience as he said of the glittering costumes: ‘I’m in for a penny, in for a pound. I’m never going to be here again, am I?’

On whether being teamed up with the lovely Jowita makes it all worth it, Pete enthused: ‘Oh, 100%! The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.’

However, while he was sure on his partner, the TV star appeared a little puzzled over his upcoming dance after Jowita revealed they’ll be doing a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe.

With a baffled look on his face, the long-haired lothario asked: ‘What’s a Paso Doble?’ 

Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin

Sam Quek MBE is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin. 

Nikita, 26, joined Strictly in 2021 and last year reached the final with Layton Williams.

Olympic hockey player Sam, 35, recently weighed in on the show’s bullying scandal, insisting there are ‘two sides to the truth’. 

Notably, Giovanni Pernice is being probed after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, while Graziano Di Prima was sacked over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals.

Asked whether it made her wary of signing up for the programme, Sam told MailOnline: ‘It’s 20 years of Strictly. It didn’t cross my mind at all. I think, no disrespect, everyone has a different experience and I don’t know what their experience was – there’s two sides to the truth.

‘For me, I’m here for every reason I just said. It shouldn’t take the shine off Strictly. It’s a fantastic programme. Everyone loves it for the energy, Saturday night, it brings people together. It’s just a positive show.

‘Sometimes in life there is always a negative experience, and yes let’s deal with that, but that doesn’t take away the positives.’

Despite her positive stance, during the launch show, Sam revealed how petrified she was to be taking to the dancefloor, telling Claudia: ‘I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!’

Offering some kind word to his new partner, Nikita said: ‘Everybody spoke of Sam so well. She’s so lovely and she’s so caring, I cannot wait to start.’ 

Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones

Toyah Willcox will hit the dancefloor with Neil Jones. 

Despite being part of the Strictly family since 2016, Neil, 42, has only had a celebrity partner twice. 

At 66, Eighties pop star Toyah is the oldest contestant taking part in this year’s Strictly but is prepared to ‘go beyond her comfort zone’ and ‘push herself beyond her limitations’.

When asked by the press if the recent scandals surrounding the BBC One show had made her second guess signing up, The It’s A Mystery singer said: ‘It made me take what’s come very seriously.

‘What’s happened in the last year is because this show is one hundred percent committed to dance. And you have to go beyond your own personal comfort zone.

‘And that’s always been very very obvious. And I know for me what’s been going on this year, I have been thinking, well can I push myself beyond my own limitations. For me it’s now or never. Simple as that. That is what has made me commit to the show.’

On her upcoming Strictly journey, Toyah told everyone: ‘I am channelling my inner Dolly Parton. I want to be totally glam the whole time …Glastonbury was fantastic but I have to say the atmosphere in here is better.’ 

And the popstar was just as enthusiastic in her praise for Neil, as she enthused: ‘I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!’

Neil meanwhile was gearing up for some action after being asked what he made of Toyah’s plans to  be ‘the first pensioner to abseil through this studio’. Neil said: ‘I’m scared of heights but I’m up for it.’

Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez

BBC Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan is partnered with Gorka Márquez. 

Gorka, 34, has been on the show since 2016 and while he has reached the final three times, he is yet to lift the Glitterball Trophy. 

Dr Punam’s hectic schedule sees her work Monday to Thursday as a GP in an NHS practice in Glasgow before travelling down to Manchester for her stint as the resident doctor on BBC Morning Live.

Yet Dr Punam, 41, recently revealed that rather than cushioning her under-pressure feet, she is wearing her dancing shoes during the working day to break them in.

She said: ‘Obviously you know that I am training in the evenings for all things Strictly at the moment and the feedback that I’ve had after my first day of training has been that I really need to break in my dancing shoes in order to prevent them being as sore as they were and to also stop blisters.

‘So, I’ve had to get a little bit creative and work with the time that I’ve got. I’ve had to bring them to work with me. So, as you can see they’re really high. Not very comfortable at all. Very tight.

‘And when you’ve been dancing in them for a few hours I can’t tell you how sore the toes are. So, I’m just going to be rockin’ my scrubs and my sandals.’

On being paired with Gorka, Punam told Claudia: ‘Oh I’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience. I can’t wait to take you up north to bonnie Scotland.’

Gorka appeared more excited about his trip to Scotland more than the dancing as he excitedly said: ‘I can’t wait to go to Scotland, I love Glasgow…and I love haggis!’

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec

Love Island star Tasha Ghouri is taking to the dancefloor with Aljaž Škorjanec. 

Aljaž, 34, is returning to the BBC show two years after he quit following a eight-year stint as a professional. 

The decision to bring him back has raised eyebrows after it was claimed he allegedly got ‘very drunk’ on a night out on tour two years ago which led him being involved in a ‘very serious, pretty shocking altercation’ with a female. 

Meanwhile, Tasha, 26. has also come under fire from fans because she’s a trained dancer, having competed in a number of major dance events and featured in music videos. 

Tasha appeared on Love Island and became the first star to appear on the show with a cochlear implant, which is an electronic device she had fitted aged five.

The star’s parents learned she was deaf when she was 12 months and growing up Tasha underwent years of speech therapy.

She says the disability has become her ‘superpower’ and before going on Love Island vowed to become an inspiration to the deaf community, like her idol, former Strictly champion Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Despite the controversy surrounding her dance partner, Tasha went on to say that she’s ‘absolutely ecstatic’ to be paired with Aljaž.

She added: ‘He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.’

Offering words of advice, Aljaž said: ‘Enjoy and embrace every single step of it, honestly, because it’s the most special show that you could ever do.’

Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola

Sarah Hadland is taking to the dancefloor with Vito Coppola. 

Vito, 31, has had an excellent record since he joined the show in 2022, reaching the final his first year with Fleur East and winning last year with Ellie Leach. 

Actress Sarah, 53, is another contestant with dance experience, having started her training from the age of three and dancing in West End productions of Cats and Grease.

Sarah, who made her name as Miranda’s sidekick Stevie in the celebrated BBC sitcom admits that she is a ‘superfan’ of the show and can understand why contestants who are dance trained, like her, come in for criticism.

Speaking in 2015 she said: ‘I enjoy watching people make a journey, but equally it is nice to see people who have had training and are good. I know people get very irate about it, but you do want them to be a certain level of ability cos it’s nice to watch people who are really good. ‘

She added: ‘I think the dream is what they’ve got, which is some celebrities who obviously have done a bit of training but so what, they’re fabulous to watch, and equally there are people like Jeremy Vine who I will vote for every week because for me he epitomises what dance is, which is someone going out there regardless of their ability and loving it, which he clearly is.

‘So how can I not enjoy it and be enthused to dance myself cos I just think ‘that’s fantastic!’

The TV star noted on the launch show that as a ‘superfan’, she’d be taking her Strictly experience very seriously if she were watching at home.

She explained: ‘Depending on which WhatsApp group I was with, you wouldn’t be able to talk during the dances, that’s a very strict rule. You just have to be making lots of mental notes, lots of predictions!’

On whether he could win again, reigning champ Vito added; ‘ Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!’