Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Meet all the 15 celebrities taking part this year

7 August 2019, 15:53 | Updated: 7 August 2019, 15:56

Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Rumoured lineup, start date, judges, dancers and all the details
Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Rumoured lineup, start date, judges, dancers and all the details. Picture: BBC

By Rory O'Connor

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 will be back later this year, but who will be joining the lineup for the coming series?

Documentary presenter Stacey Dooley won last year's show alongside her professional dance partner Kevin Clifton.

Rumours for the 2019 show are already flying around - but who will take home this year's Glitterball trophy?

Here's all the latest juicy details and potential celebrities taking part in the 17th series:

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 start date: When does it return?

The 17th series is expected to launch this September.

Last year's series started on Saturday, September 8 - with the first live show airing two weeks later on Saturday, September 22.

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 lineup: Who is taking part?

The confirmed celebrities for series 17 are:

  1. David James

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: David James
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: David James. Picture: BBC

    Strictly Come Dancing's first signing of season is 49-year-old England football legend David James.

    David said: "I’m really excited to be on Strictly this year.

    "Not just competing against this year's stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons. I have some big shoes to fill."

  2. Chris Ramsey

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Chris Ramsey
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Chris Ramsey. Picture: BBC

    Comedian Chris Ramsey, 32, is the second celebrity to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2019.

    Chris said: "I’m both excited and absolutely terrified to be doing the show. You will not find me on the dance floor at parties, you will find me at the buffet table. All night.

    "At my wedding I danced with my wife; that one song took about six months practice, and I definitely stood on her feet a couple of times.

    "So I’m looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people… there better be a buffet after the live shows."

  3. Emma Barton

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Emma Barton
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Emma Barton. Picture: BBC

    Emma Barton currently plays Honey Mitchell in EastEnders. However, the 42-year-old will be swapping Walford for the Waltz as the third contestant announced for Strictly.

    Emma said: "As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening.

    "I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I've been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business.

    "So, I’m whipping off Honey's ‘Minute Mart’ tabard and diving right in to all the glitter and sparkle.

    "From Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor - I just can’t wait!"

  4. Saffron Barker

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Saffron Barker
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Saffron Barker. Picture: BBC

    Swapping YouTube for dancing shoes, social media star Saffron Barker is the fourth contestant to be announced.

    Saffron said: "I am really excited to go on the Strictly journey and am feeling very grateful for the opportunity!

    "I'm looking forward to learning all of the dances, finding out who my partner is, getting to wear the costumes and to just experience this once in a lifetime opportunity."

    The 19-year-old has more than four million followers across her combined social channels and averaging 15 million views a month on her YouTube channels.

  5. Catherine Tyldesley

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Catherine Tyldesley
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Catherine Tyldesley. Picture: BBC

    Actress Catherine Tyldesley is the fifth contestant to be announced for this year's Strictly.

    The 35-year-old actress is best known for playing Eva Price on Coronation Street from 2011 to 2018.

    Catherine said: "I’m thrilled to be a part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’m a huge fan of the show.

    "It’ll be my biggest challenge to date as I’m not much of a dancer, but I’ve always wanted to learn the skill and the time feels right!

    "I’m nervous as hell but super excited to work with such talented professionals. Hold onto your jazz shoes... mine is sure to be a bumpy/clumsy/fun ride!"

  6. Mike Bushell

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Mike Bushell
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Mike Bushell. Picture: BBC

    Sports presenter Mike Bushell has been announced as the sixth contestant taking part this year.

    Mike, 53, said: "I am so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

    "I’ve heard so many wonderful things from colleagues over the years so thrilled I’m now getting the chance.

    "I know I will completely throw myself into the whole experience and I’m sure will love it from start to finish.

    "I may have tried and profiled over 500 sports over the years in my Saturday morning BBC Breakfast slot but think the Strictly challenge could be the greatest. Bring on the glitter!"

  7. Karim Zeroual

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Karim Zeroual
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Karim Zeroual. Picture: BBC

    CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual was the seventh contestant to be announced.

    Karim, 25, 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!

    "The more flamboyant the better… sequins galore please!!"

  8. Emma Weymouth

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Emma Weymouth
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Emma Weymouth. Picture: BBC

    Emma Thynn, Viscountess Weymouth is a businesswoman, chef, model and philanthropist who makes regular appearances as a guest chef on James Martin's Saturday Morning TV show.

    Emma, 33, said: "I absolutely love watching Strictly every weekend and I can’t believe that I’m getting the chance to be on this series.

    "I know it will be such an amazing experience from start to finish. I can’t wait for the dancing and the fabulous outfits!"

  9. Will Bayley

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Will Bayley
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Will Bayley. Picture: BBC

    World Table Tennis Paralympic champion Will Bayley was the tenth celebrity to be announced.

    The 31-year-old said: "I’m so proud to be on the show, it’s my family’s favourite show.

    "I have no dance experience at all, but I hope I can do well.

    "I want to inspire people with a disability - that would mean a lot to me. I want to prove to people I can do this."

  10. Michelle Visage

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Michelle Visage
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Michelle Visage. Picture: BBC

    Michelle Visage is an American singer, television host, radio DJ, and media personality.

    The 50-year-old is best known for her role as a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race, her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother and appearing as a judge on the first two seasons of Ireland's Got Talent.

    Michelle said: "Getting to do Strictly in my favourite place on Earth is an actual DREAM! I'm so excited to show that being 50 doesn't mean life stops.

    "Things may not work like they did when I was 20, but 50 also means 'FABULOUS!'

    "There are plenty of women like me out there who still 'got it' and we still 'plan to use it!' so slap on the sequins, point me to the dance floor and watch me Paso my Doble!"

  11. Jamie Laing

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Jamie Laing
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Jamie Laing. Picture: BBC

    Jamie Laing has appeared in television series Made in Chelsea since 2011.

    The 30-year-old also founded the sweet brand Candy Kittens in 2012.

    He said about the news: "I am beyond thrilled to be asked to be on Strictly, the only person potentially more thrilled is my mother.

    "I have finally become the son she hoped for!"

  12. Alex Scott

    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Alex Scott
    Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Alex Scott. Picture: BBC

    Alex is a pundit, presenter, former professional footballer and previously won the 2018 Sports Relief version of the show.

    Alex, 34, said: "I am absolutely buzzing to be signed up to Strictly. It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do and I can’t believe I’m finally going to be part of it.

    "I’m super excited, but also terrified at the same time. The football pitch is a bit less glam than the ballroom, but I’m ready to try the sequins and dresses! Bring it on!"

  13. Dev Griffin

    Dev Griffin
    Dev Griffin. Picture: BBC

    Dev is best known as a TV and radio presenter. He also reached the final of Celebrity MasterChef, hosted the BAFTA TV Awards and recently appeared on Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins.

    He said of joining the show: “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! I can’t wait to meet my partner and start practicing.”

  14. James Cracknell

    James Cracknell
    Picture: BBC

    James Cracknell OBE, is a former rowing World Champion and double Olympic Gold medallist.

    James won Olympic Gold in both the 2000 Sydney Games alongside Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent, and at the 2004 Athens Games.

    He said: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of Strictly this year.

    "Having spent so many years mucking around in a rowing boat with big men in tight lycra, it’s time I learned a new skill. I need to apologise to my kids in advance for the embarrassment.”

  15. Anneka Rice

    Anneka Rice
    Picture: Getty

    The 15th and final celebrity announced to take part is none other than TV legend Anneka Rice.

    Anneka is best known for presenting various TV and radio shows including Treasure Hunt and Challenge Anneka.

    She said: “I haven’t danced since I was 7 and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated.

    "My family and friends haven’t seen me dance since, not at a wedding or round a handbag so it’s going to be a challenge for my partner.  In fact I’ve asked for two, one on each side. I can’t see myself in a long frilly dress either.

    "But I’m feeling recklessly excited. Strictly has always been my Autumn’s entertainment and now I’m part of it! My children will probably leave the country”.

Which professional dancers will be returning?

Three new professional dancers joined the show for the 2018 series, but this series will not include Pasha Kovalev after he announced his exit.

The series also welcomes new professional Nancy Xu.

Here is the full list of 2019 dancers:

AJ Pritchard

Aljaž Škorjanec

Amy Dowden

Anton Du Beke

Dianne Buswell

Giovanni Pernice

Gorka Marquez

Graziano Di Prima

Janette Manrara

Johannes Radebe

Karen Clifton

Katya Jones

Kevin Clifton

Luba Mushtuk

Nadiya Bychkova

Neil Jones

Oti Mabuse

Nancy Xu

Some of the Strictly Come Dancing professionals
Some of the Strictly Come Dancing professionals. Picture: Getty

Which judges will be returning?

Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood are all returning this year.

Darcey Bussell announced that she will be departing the show, and she will now be replaced by Motsi Mabuse, the sister of Oti!