As Strictly 2024 announcements have been coming thick and fast this past week, fans have expressed disappointment in the calibre of stars taking part, branding the show a ‘flop’.
Others have blasted the line-up as ‘shocking’ and repeatedly asked, ‘who?’ when a new contestant was revealed.
However, there’s still a lot of love out there, as devout Strictly viewers have defended the BBC flagship show and its castings.
Following the announcement of Gladiators star and Olympian Fire – real name Montell Douglas – Instagram users took to the comments to throw support behind her.
‘I think she will be really good!! I can’t wait to watch her!! 😍😍’, wrote ame.lia3641.
wellinever commented: ‘Congratulations! Can’t wait to see you compete. Let’s go Fire 🔥🔥🔥’
Instagram user imogenalanah_ also vented: ‘Everyone’s complaining about the line up, am I the only one who knows everyone or something? or are people just expecting Margot Robbie and Ryan Reynolds to show up🤭?’
mikecampbell22 agreed: ‘People complain EVERY year until the show gets going. It’s ridiculous honestly 😂😂’
Fire was the 12th celeb confirmed for this year’s Strictly, joining the likes of Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Sarah Hadland, and Jamie Borthwick.
She’s also the second Olympian taking part this series, alongside Tom Dean.
In 2023, Montell Douglas was unveiled in the BBC One series of Gladiators, but she’s also a multi-talented sports star who has competed as an Olympic Bobsledder and Team GB Sprinter.
In 2010, the athlete won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race. She also held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint.
Her appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics in the Bobsledding team etched her name into sporting history as she became the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
So, we don’t think stamina is going to be an issue for her…
