Strictly Come Dancing's celebrity contestants were spotted arriving for their first rehearsals on Thursday as two new stars for the 20th series were unveiled.
Actors Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland joined Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and comedian Chris McCausland at a London studio, where they were warmly greeted by the pro dancers.
A beaming Shayne shared a hug with a crew member, as the pro dancers also arrived to welcome their new cast of celebs.
A car full of sparkly costumes were also seen being unloaded by the crew, ready for the first celeb fittings.
Meanwhile EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympic swimmer Tom Dean were the tenth and eleventh celebs confirmed on Thursday.
Strictly Come Dancing's celebrity contestants were spotted arriving for their first rehearsals on Thursday as the lineup for the 20th series continues to be unveiled
Katya Jones and the other professional dancers arrived to greet their new celeb partners
Jamie, who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, has joined the lineup after scoring the highest possible mark in the Christmas show last year.
Speaking on Radio 1 Jamie gushed: '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. I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom.'
Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer Tom, 24, meanwhile had already let slip his involvement in the show after his team came first in the freestyle relay in the Summer Olympics last week.
Brimming with excitement after Team GB's big win, Tom accidentally announced he was set to appear on the upcoming series of the BBC dance show.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Tom made history as the first British man to win a gold medal for the men’s 200m swim freestyle in over 100 years, going on to win a further gold medal in Tokyo.
Most recently, Tom brought home his third gold medal for Team GB from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the team 4 x 200m freestyle relay.
Tom admitted he had broken rules by letting slip the news early, saying on Thursday: 'I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing.'
Meanwhile EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Olympic swimmer Tom Dean were the tenth and eleventh celebs confirmed on Thursday
Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer, 24, Tom had already let slip his involvement in the show after his team came first in the freestyle relay in the Summer Olympics last week
Corrie star Shayne and Miranda's Sarah dashed from the ITV Lorraine studio to the rehearsal, after being unveiled in the lineup earlier on Thursday.
Sarah, 53, made her name as Miranda's sidekick Stevie in the celebrated BBC sitcom, as well as being one of the original cast members of the multi award winning series Horrible Histories.
The comedy star has also had roles in Waterloo Road and That Mitchell and Webb Look as well as 2008 Bond movie Quantum Of Solace.
Sarah gushed: 'I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!'
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.
Coronation Street and X Factor star Shayne Ward looked in great spirits as he arrived, just hours after confirming his signing to the show
Love Island star Tasha Ghouri looked a little nervous as she wheeled her essentials inside the London studio
Blind comedian Chris McCausland was greeted by the dancers and pros. Chris is making history as the first blind star of the series
Miranda actress Sarah Hadland was greeted with a warm hug
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.
Shayne made his last appearance as Aidan Connor on 7 May 2018.
And the star has already had some dance practice as he also competed on Dancing On Ice back in 2013.
He most recently appeared in a Channel 5 drama called The Good Ship Murder, alongside his former Corrie co-star Catherine.
'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!'
Strictly Come Dancing fans have furiously slammed this year's lineup as 'the worst to ever exist'.
Sarah, 53, looked gorgeous in a bight blue jumpsuit for a smiley arrival
A car full of sparkly costumes were also seen being unloaded by the crew, ready for the first celeb fittings
The celebs are taking part in their first fittings and rehearsals this week before the show launches in September
Chris was accompanied by a guide as he arrived at the London studio for his first Strictly experience
Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and TOWIE's Pete Wicks were both unveiled as part of the new series, joining comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill, 80s rocker Toyah Wilcox, Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishnan and singer Wynne Evans.
Despite the fact that this year's lineup is still being announced, many fans have already made their feelings known, complaining that they 'don't know half' of the stars taking part.
The BBC show is currently embroiled in controversy over how the professional dancers teach the celebs, with multiple accusations emerging of bullying and abusive behaviour.
Strictly veteran Katya Jones made an entrance in her sports bra and personalised baseball shirt ensemble
Pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova made sure to fuel up with a coffee ahead of a long day in the studio
Professional Michelle Tsiakkas looked gorgeous in her skimpy floral dress
Johannes Radebe was in great spirits as he juggled a Starbucks and his dance essentials
Dianne Buswell flashed a smile as she prepared to meet the celeb stars of the show
Lauren Oakley had a big wave for photographers before heading inside
Crew carried multiple garment bags and bags inside, stuffed with Strictly costumes
Posts to X included: 'That finalised Strictly lineup may be the worst to ever exist. I can't sit through 10 weeks of Sam Quek and Pete Wicks. I can't;'
'Is it unkind to think perhaps quite a few high profile people have dropped out of Strictly this year...? The line-up has the unmistakeable feel of a b-list;'
'This Strictly lineup so far is really giving last minute replacements of bigger celebrities who have dropped out because of all the allegations...;'
New contestant Pete Wicks, who was announced on Wednesday, is close friends with Zara McDermott , who starred on the 2023 series of Strictly
Pete has landed a spot on the Strictly line-up amid shocking reports Zara performed on the show with a 'fractured' leg following an injury in training and needed painkillers to get through ten-hour rehearsals.
The latest revelation comes after professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, admitted to kicking Zara during their sessions, causing him to be sacked from the BBC series.
Scandal continues to surround the new series. New contestant Pete Wicks, who was announced on Wednesday, is close friends with Zara McDermot , who starred on the 2023 series of Strictly (Pete pictured right with Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson)
Pete has landed a spot on the Strictly line-up amid shocking reports Zara performed on the show with a 'fractured' leg following an injury in training
It follows claims his abusive behaviour was caught on video, in clips Zara stated were 'incredibly distressing to watch.'
A source told MailOnline: 'Zara is so happy for Pete landing the Strictly gig. Her experience on the show was so individual – she hopes no one will go through the same again.
'She knows that Pete will have an amazing time and could even impress the judges, he's incredibly hardworking and a good person, and will thrive in the environment, which can be intense, but he performs best when he's challenged and under pressure.
'Zara doesn't want anything that happened to her to taint his Strictly journey and backs Pete even if it is a bit close to home.'
Blind comedian Chris McCausland was the first celeb contestant of the 2024 series, to be uveiled, appearing on This Morning on Monday to announce the news
Later on This Morning JLS star JB Gill was the second celeb confirmed
Punam Krishnan is an NHS GP and is one of the resident doctors on the BBC's Morning Live
Wynne Evans is best known for his operatic skills. Throughout his 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums
Toyah Willcox has amassed thirteen top 40 singles, recorded twenty-five albums, written two books and appeared in over forty stage plays
Tasha Ghouri is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community after appearing on ITV’s Love Island in 2022
Strictly are unveiling the lineup for their 20th series all week, but on Tuesday night it appeared the full celeb cast had been leaked.
Alongside the confirmed names, DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, 61, is reportedly putting on his dancing shows and appearing in the hit series this year.
After months of talks with bosses, sources claim he is 'willing to give anything a crack'.
A source told The Sun: 'Nick has always loved Strictly and he is so excited.
DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, 61, is reportedly putting on his dancing shows and appearing in the hit series this year
Arsenal legend Paul Merson, 56, is hanging up his footballing skills to swap for the dance floor after signing for Strictly.
The Sky Sports pundit is reportedly joining the new series after overcoming drink, drug and gambling addictions.
The Sun reports Sam Quek, who rose to fame on Team GB's hockey team, is also a potential Strictly signing.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson, 56, is hanging up his footballing skills to swap for the dance floor after signing for Strictly
The Sun reports Sam Quek, who rose to fame on Team GB's hockey team, is also a potential Strictly signing
Gladiators star Montell Douglas is also rumoured. The 37-year-old has competed in the Olympics
The Olympic medallist has previously appeared on I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016 and Celebrity Masterchef in 2020.
Gladiators star Montell Douglas is also rumoured. The 37-year-old has competed in the Olympics and made history as the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter competition.
She is a former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, and held the British woman's record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds.
STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: 'If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.'
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Profession: GP and broadcaster
Punam says: 'I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.'
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: 'I'm super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.'
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: 'Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.'
Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: 'I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.'
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer
Tom says: 'Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing'
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: 'A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me - I didn't do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.'
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: 'The stuff I'm nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don't really want to do the jive, I'm nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: 'I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true.'
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: 'I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.'
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: 'I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!'
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