AFTER an agonising wait, Strictly Come Dancing’s confirmed line-up for 2019 is finally out – and it’s a good one!
Meet the stars hoping to waltz their way to the top and follow in the footsteps of previous winners Natasha Kaplinsky and Alesha Dixon…
What is the confirmed line-up so far for Strictly 2019?
Strictly bosses have finally revealed the full line-up for the 2019 series.
And judging by the reaction on Twitter, fans are now even more excited for the series to start.
Here’s who we know for certain is taking part.
Anneka Rice
15
Anneka is a TV legend whose former hit show, Challenge Anneka, aired 30 years ago on the BBC.
And while producers had missed out on the opportunity to sign the 60-year-old in 2018, it was confirmed to be a done deal on Steve Wright In The Afternoon on BBC Radio 2.
She launched Challenge Anneka in 1989. It ran for five years before returning on ITV for four specials in 2006 and 2007.
Anneka, in a relationship with writer Simon Bell for 14 years, has three children from two previous relationships.
The Sun had previously confirmed that the presenter would be taking part.
“Strictly believe they’ve made a top signing in Anneka,” a TV insider gushed.
“She’s a TV institution and a familiar face to viewers who’ll be rooting for her. Anneka is in great shape and can’t wait to strut her stuff.”
James Cracknell
15
It was revealed on Good Morning Britain that James Cracknell will join the celebrity line-up.
Speaking about his upcoming Strictly adventure, the 47-year-old said: “I haven’t told my mum yet. We were told not to tell anyone! She’s probably going, ‘No what is he doing!'”
James is a British athlete, rowing champion and double Olympic gold medalist and will probably be the most fiercely competitive contestant in the show’s history.
He was appointed OBE for “services to sport” in the 2005 New Year Honours List.
Dev Griffin
15
Dev is best known for presenting on BBC Radio 1 after kicking off his career on children’s TV.
Speaking about his upcoming Strictly adventure, Dev admitted that he is determined to win this year’s series of the show.
He shared: “I just can’t believe I’m doing Strictly, it just doesn’t feel real yet!
“It’s going to be so much fun, but just to be clear, I’m not doing this to take part, I’m totally in it to win it!
Alex Scott
15
Former England and Arsenal defender, 34, has made an impressive transition from women’s football to television punditry, even managing to impress Graeme Souness on Sky Sports.
Now it is her turn to face the feedback from the Strictly judges.
Sportswomen have an average record on Strictly, with Olympic track and field athlete Denise Lewis doing the best, coming second way back in 2004.
Jamie Laing
15
Jamie is over the moon to be signed up for Strictly.
He had previously been rumoured to be appearing on the show – despite Strictly operating a “ban” on reality TV stars.
Jamie became famous after starring in Made in Chelsea, and has since appeared on Celebrity MasterChef, Celebrity Bake Off and Celebrity Hunted.
Will Bayley
15
It was revealed on Julia Hartley-Brewer’s talkRADIO breakfast show that Paralympic table tennis player Will Bayley is joining Strictly.
Will has an impressive record and is ranked world number 1 in his field.
He was also triumphant at the 2016 Summer Paralympics Games winning a gold medal.
Will was born with arthrogryposis which affects all four of his limbs.
Michelle Visage
15
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle said she was “over the moon” as she was revealed on the Lorraine show – after The Sun broke the story in July.
The former pop singer, 50, has become an LGBT icon after eight years on the outrageous drag queen competition — which has a cult following amongst millennials.
Countess Weymouth Emma Thynn
15
Emma is an English chef, model and philanthropist, who is a brand ambassador for Fiorucci.
She has also modelled for Dolce and Gabbana.
Born March, 19, 1986 the 33-year-old runs her own lifestyle website and has an online show, entitled Emma’s Kitchen.
She is married to Cawlin Thynn, the son of Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath and is a contributing editor of British Vogue.
Speaking about joining Strictly Come Dancing 2019 on Gaby Roslin’s BBC Radio London show, she said she was relieved that the cat was finally out of the bag after months of secrecy.
Karim Zeroual
15
Karim, 19, is a children’s TV presenter, who began his career as an actor, starring in CBBC’s fantasy series The Sparticle Mystery.
Of joining the series, he said: “To be offered the chance to take part in Strictly is dumbfounding, I’m pinching myself! I’m so excited to be Strictlified.
“I want the lot. The skimpiest of clothes, the widest of flares, the brightest of colours and the tallest Cuban heels a guy can find!”
Mike Bushell
15
BBC Breakfast’s Mike Bushell has joined the 2019 Strictly Come Dancing line up.
The news was confirmed on the morning show after The Sun previously revealed that sports presenter Mike, 53, who is notorious for making cock-ups live on TV, will be taking part.
Speaking about taking part he said: “It feels like a weird dream. I am flying the flag for dad dancers.”
He added: “I will try not to fall over. I am not underestimating the physical task.
“I feel sorry for who I am coupled up with!”
Catherine Tyldesley
15
Corrie actress Catherine, 35, is getting ready to don her dancing shoes.
Speaking about joining the dancing show she said: “I am so excited.
“I love to dance on a night out if I have had a couple of drinks, but I can’t actually dance.
“I think choreography is what I am going to struggle with. I am terrified.
“When I was at theatre school I always swerved dance classes because I was so big. It will be like therapy!”
Saffron Barker
15
The vlogger follows in the footsteps of fellow YouTuber Joe Sugg, who reached the final in 2018 with his now-girlfriend Dianne Buswell.
As of April 2019, Saffron has over two million subscribers to her YouTube channel, with her videos mostly focusing on beauty, fashion, lifestyle and music.
Saffron previously formed a girlband called Born2Blush with two childhood friends, starting their own YouTube channel in 2014.
They released their debut track 24seven in March 2015 – but they broke up soon after.
Emma Barton
15
Emma, 42, who is best known for her role as Honey Mitchell in the BBC One soap EastEnders, said she was “over the moon” when she got the call.
The actress said: “I’m the biggest fan. Now I’m thinking have I done the right thing by saying yes?”
She has stage experience, having played lead role Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in 2009 during her six year break from the soap.
She returned to EastEnders in 2014.
Chris Ramsey
15
Chris, 32, is a regular on stand-up and panel shows as well as hosts his own comedy programme.
In 2016 he presented I’m A Celebrity spin off Extra Camp alongside Joe Swash, Vicky Pattison and Stacey Solomon.
He admitted he was happy to finally be starring in something his young son can watch.
David James
15
Retired goalkeeper David, 48, revealed former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster encouraged him to take part after years of declining offers.
The football star played for clubs including Liverpool, West Ham and Man City over a 26 year career.
He was also England’s number one following the retirement of David Seaman, who himself went on to star in Dancing On Ice.
Who is hosting Strictly 2019?
The 2019 series will see the return of popular presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
And the evening show It Takes Two will also be back.
In April 2019 it was announced that Rylan Clark-Neal would be co-hosting with Zoe Ball.
Zoe took over the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in January, so has a big commitment there.
The judging panel will continue with Bruno Tonioli, Shirley Ballas, and Craig Revel Horwood.
However in April 2019, Darcey Bussell announced that she would be resigning as judge.
She is being replaced by Strictly pro Oti Mabuse’s sister Motsi.
When can I watch Strictly Come Dancing 2019 on BBC One?
Strictly Come Dancing is returning for its 17th series on BBC One in 2019.
It kicks off with the red carpet launch on Monday, August 26, 2019.
The series premiere will follow shortly after, but a date is yet to be confirmed.
The main show will air live on Saturday evenings with the results the following day on Sundays.
