'Strictly Come Dancing' 2022: Full celebrity line-up confirmed

The 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One with the launch show on 23 September and the first live show the day after on 24 September.

As always a roster of familiar faces, celebrities and sports people will be invited onto the dancefloor.

Strictly has now confirmed its line-up of professional dancers for the new series, as well as all of the celebrities taking part.

Read more: Strictly confirms 2022 launch show date – here's how you can get tickets

This is the full cast line-up confirmed by the BBC:

Helen Skelton

TV and radio presenter Helen Skelton is no stranger to a challenge - during her time on Blue Peter, she completed the Namibia Ultra Marathon, kayaked down the Amazon, cycled to the South Pole and crossed a high wire at Battersea Power Station.

Her TV work has also included Newsround, Countryfile, On The Farm and reporting from various sporting events, while on radio she's just been announced for BBC 5 Live's Sunday morning show.

Skelton said: “I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.”

James Bye

EastEnders star Bye will be hoping to follow in co-star Rose Ayling-Ellis' footsteps, who won the 2021 series.

He said: “I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes - in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.

"There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud.”

Bye plays Martin Fowler in the BBC One soap.

Hamza Yassin

Wildlife cameraman and presenter Yassin admits he has a lot to learn in the dance training room, but is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: “I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show. I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.

"My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ‘til you make it!”

Yassin is known for presenting Animal Park, Countryfile and the CBeebies series Let's Go For A Walk, as well as nature documentaries about his home nation, Scotland.

Fleur East

Fleur East was the twelfth celebrity contestant confirmed for the new series of Strictly.

After coming runner-up in series 11 of The X Factor, East has been a regular face in the world of music and broadcasting. As a singer she has released two albums, with European chart hit single 'Sax' reaching number three in the UK singles chart. After appearing on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2018 she became host of the Hits Radio Breakfast show which she hosts every weekday. She's also a regular presenter on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.

Fleur East said: “I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much.

"Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!”

Tony Adams

Former footballer and England legend Tony Adams was the 11th contestant announced for Strictly 2022.

Tony Adams MBE said: “To say I’m excited is an understatement - the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes.

"Am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to meet my partner - god help her - and start the dancing.”

The formidable centre-back’s football career spanned over 22 years, playing for both Arsenal and England. Having captained both, he is regarded as one of Arsenal’s greatest ever players and one of the all-time greats of English football.

Tony Adams MBE won 66 caps for England, appeared at four major tournaments and had 10 major trophy wins whilst is still the only player in English football history to captain a team to three top flight titles over three different decades.

Molly Rainford

The singer and actor was announced as the 10th contestant on CBBC's Newsround, where her young fans will have been excited to hear the news.

She said: “I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!”

Rainford stars in the CBBC series Nova Jones as the title character and was the youngest ever Britain's Got Talent finalist, gaining a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School from Simon Cowell.

Ellie Taylor

Comedian and actor Taylor says she's been struggling to keep the exciting news under her hat for months, often catching herself whistling the theme tune while walking down the street.

Speaking on Lorraine, she said: "I've been called many things but elegant was never one of them so I'm excited to see if I can find that elegance.

"I've wanted to do it forever and my mum wanted me to do it - she started crying when I told her."

Taylor is known for her appearances on The Mash Report, Mock the Week, Ted Lasso and Plebs.

Matt Goss

The Bros star will be performing without his brother Luke this autumn as he joins the Strictly cast.

He said: "I’m extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down...I can't even look at clips of Strictly right now because I'm so terrified."

Singer Goss is also known for the recent documentary Bros: After the Screaming Stops, which caught up with the brothers about their experiences in the group and life afterwards.

Tyler West

Radio DJ and former CBBC presenter West revealed his excitement at being signed up to the 2022 cast.

He said: I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp. It’s going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone.

"It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.”

West is best known for hosting weekday afternoons on KISS, but has also presented on CBBC, MTV News, BBC Three and fronts The MTV Movie Show.

Ellie Simmonds

The Paralympic swimmer and broadcaster called it a "genuine privilege" to be asked to take part in the show.

She said: “Oh my gosh!! I’m literally bursting with excitement!! It’s been soooo hard keeping this secret as I’ve wanted to tell everyone. I’m going on Strictly Come Dancing!! I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I’m absolutely petrified!

To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun. I’m counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It’s going to be a blast.

"I’ve been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it’s a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it’s a genuine privilege to be part of it.”

Simmonds has won gold medals at the Paralympics and World Championships, was the youngest person ever to receive an MBE at 14 years old, and now has an OBE.

Jayde Adams

The comedian, actor and presenter was the fifth cast member announced and admitted it was a long-held dream to take part in the show.

She said: “Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly. I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family.

"I’ve always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly). I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!”

Adams has appeared in comedies The Outlaws and Alma's Not Normal, and the Prime Video series Good Omens.

Kaye Adams

The journalist and Loose Women presenter was the fourth contestant announced for the series.

Adams, 59, will follow her co-star Judi Love onto the dance floor after the Loose Women star took part in the 2021 series, and their colleagues Frankie Bridge and Katie Piper have also previously taken part.

She said: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!”

Richie Anderson

Strictly superfan Richie Anderson will be part of an all-male partnership in this year's series, only the show's second ever after finalists John Whaite and Johannes Radebe in 2021.

The Radio 2 presenter who works with former Strictly contestant and presenter Zoe Ball was announced as the third contestant during their Radio 2 morning show.

Anderson said: “This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!

"Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism. I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand.

"It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”

Will Mellor

Will Mellor is the first celebrity contestant to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

The Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star, 46, will be one of the celebs on the dancefloor when the BBC ballroom show returns for its 20th series this autumn.

Mellor said he was "honestly so chuffed" to be taking part, after the news was announced on BBC Breakfast.

Read more: Bruno Tonioli's most outrageous moments as he bows out of Strictly

"Not going to lie, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about," he said.

He went on: "This is also my Mum's favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well.

"Bring it on!”

Mellor is known for many acting roles, including Hollyoaks, Line of Duty and Broadchurch, and he most recently appeared in Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell.

Kym Marsh

Kym Marsh was the second celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Marsh is well known for her role of Michelle Connor in Coronation Street, for which she won ‘Best Newcomer’ at both the National Television Awards and British Soap Awards. Kym has also had a successful music career, both in the band Hear’Say, which she won a place in after appearing on the show Popstars, and as a solo artist.

Kym Marsh said: “I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”

Recently Kym played the notorious Alex in the touring theatre production of Fatal Attraction. Currently a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live, Kym is soon set to star in the revival on BBC One drama Waterloo Road.

Female dancers hoping to get a celebrity partner later this year include Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal and Nancy Xu.

They'll be joined by male dancers Graziano Di Prima, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Giovanni Pernice, Johannes Radebe and Kai Widdrington who are also vying to win a spot in the main cast.

Other names in the mix include Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield.

Documentary-maker Louis Theroux is also rumoured to be a contender.

Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show in November, he shared: "I like to think I'm a good dancer.

"I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.

"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."

Watch: Giovanni Pernice thinks he's a more qualified judge for Strictly than Anton Du Beke