Strictly Come Dancing 2021 line-up: Celebrity contestants confirmed - FULL LIST
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021's line-up has is well under way to be announced, with the contestants getting prepared to take to the dance floor in the coming weeks. But who exactly is taking part this year? Express.co.uk has everything you need to know.
Strictly: Sara Davies confirmed as part of celebrity lineup
Strictly Come Dancing is back and with the coronavirus pandemic still having an impact on the world, it will be a welcome relief for fans of the show to escape the news on a Saturday evening. With the BBC programme making its annual comeback and Tess Daly, 52, and Claudia Winkleman, 49, back on hosting duties, the list of celebrities who will be taking part has officially been announced. The famous faces will compete against each other to get their hands on the Glitterball Trophy and take the title from reigning champion, Bill Bailey, 56, and Oti Mabuse, 30. As promised, show bosses have delivered on the line-up for this year's all-star competition, which will be judged by Shirley Ballas, 60, Craig Revel Horwood, 56, Motsi Mabuse, 40, and Anton Du Beke, 55. There were some big names rumoured to be signing up and in the coming days, it will be revealed whether some or all of them have joined the show's stellar cast. Meet the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
Ugo Money is the 15th and final contestant to be revealed.
Ugo was confirmed on The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan.
Ugo is a broadcaster, sports pundit and former England rugby player but this autumn he is swapping the pitches for the dance floor.
Having begun his rugby career at Harlequins back in 2002, Ugo then went onto make 241 appearances for the club.
He scored 89 tries and won a Premiership, making his England debut in 2008.
Since retiring in 2015, Ugo has become a respected face and voice in the world of sports presenting, hosting rugby coverage for BT Sport and ITV as well as the BBC 5 Live Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
In July 2021, it was announced Ugo would be one of the new team Captains on BBC One's A Question of Sport.
But now he turns his hand to dancing and he says it’s a “dream come true”.
My two beautiful daughters never had a chance to see me on the rugby pitch, so to know they can watch me waltzing and twirling every week is really special to me.
“I love an outfit at the best of times, so bring on the sequins!” He added.
Judi Love is the 14th contestant to be revealed
Judi was confirmed on ITV's Loose Women
The television personality and comedian joined the lunchtime panel show in 2020 and is no novice to competitions as she took part in last year's Celebrity MasterChef.
On joining the line-up, she said: "I think I am still in shock that I will be part of this amazing show.
"I’ve watched it for many years and admired the phenomenal abilities of these dancers and celebrities that have taken part and dedicated themselves to learning a new craft.
"I’m truly looking forward to pushing myself in something that I could have only dreamed of doing and now it’s actually coming true!
"I can’t lie I’m soooo nervous but excited at the same time!" Judi added.
Adam Peaty is the 13th contestant to be revealed
Adam was confirmed on BBC Radio One.
Adam Peaty MBE is one of the biggest names in world swimming and was one of the standout stars of this year’s Olympics, where he made history by becoming the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title.
He said of joining the series: “I think this will come as a surprise to a lot of people, but I’m so excited to finally share the news that I’ll be joining Strictly this year.
“I’m really looking forward to doing something totally different and challenging myself away from the pool.
“I’m hoping my competitive nature is going to compensate for my dancing abilities!”
Adam won gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics and then again in Tokyo 2020 in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke.
As well as his three gold and two silver Olympic medals, he is an eight-time World Champion, a sixteen-time European Champion and a three-time Commonwealth Champion.
Rose Ayling-Ellis is the 12th contestant to be revealed
Rose was confirmed on EastEnders' social media.
Rose make soap history when she joined EastEnders playing the first deaf character and now she is set to make Strictly history too.
The actress plays Frankie Lewis on the popular BBC One show, Mick Carter's (played by Danny Dyer) daughter.
Speaking about joining the line-up, Rose said: "I’m really excited but I feel like now it’s out, there’s no going back."
And as for being the first deaf contestant, she added: "I feel like… finally! About time, but I can’t believe it’s me that’s doing it.
"I’m so excited and I think it would be great to break the stereotype that people think deaf people can’t enjoy music and learn to dance."
Nina Wadia is the 11th contestant to be revealed
Nina was confirmed on ITV's Lorraine
Nina is an OBE recipient, actor and producer and is best known for playing the role of Zainab Masood on EastEnders.
The soap star has also starred in several other shows, including Death in Paradise, Goodness Gracious Me, Open All Hours spin-off Still Open All Hours and has also been included in major blockbuster films.
Speaking of joining the cast, she said: "I've always danced like nobody's watching, so if we blindfold the judges I could actually win Strictly 2021.”
Greg Wise is the 10th contestant to be revealed
Greg was confirmed on ITV's This Morning
Greg is an English actor, producer and writer, with some of his best-known roles being in Sense and Sensibility, The Crown, Cranford and Walking On The Sunshine.
The star of the stage and screen is also the husband of actress Emma Thompson, 62.
Speaking on joining the line-up, he said: "My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly five years ago in a glitter ball coffin.
"This is for her. My gorgeous Diva sister, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this.
"I will channel her, as her brother can’t dance but I’m thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh."
Matilda Ramsay is the 9th contestant to be revealed
Matilda was confirmed on ITV's This Morning
Matilda is the daughter of renowned chef Gordon Ramsay and has featured in several of her own cookery programmes.
The youngster also has over nine million followers on TikTok, a social media platform that she posts on.
Alongside her father Gordon, the Strictly contestant uploads videos of herself dancing and she has said she know a "little bit" when it comes to choreography.
On joining the line-up, she said: "I’m so excited and grateful to be joining the Strictly family!
"I’m always up for fun new challenges and this will be my biggest adventure yet! I’m going to put my heart and soul into this and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on and show my Dad how it’s really done!
"Bring on the glitz, glamour and sequins!”
Dan Walker is the 8th contestant to be revealed
Dan was revealed on BBC Breakfast.
The journalist is best known for being a host of BBC Breakfast and was the host of Football Focus before leaving the role earlier this year.
The sports fanatic recently oversaw proceedings here in the UK for the Tokyo Olympics.
Of joining the cast, the broadcaster said: "I am definitely excited, a little bit worried, mostly terrified and a small part of me is considering going into hiding!
"My kids have only ever asked me to go on two shows… Saturday Mash Up and Strictly.
"I did Saturday Mash Up this summer so… it’s time to embrace the sequins.”
Katie McGlynn is the 7th contestant to be revealed
Katie was revealed on BBC Breakfast
Former Coronation Street star Katie is the "super excited" to be taking part in the competition after leaving the ITV soap in 2019 and joining Hollyoaks this year.
The soap actress also starred in BBC's Waterloo Road and The Syndicate.
Speaking of joining this year's cast, the actress said: "It’s been so hard keeping it a secret, but I can finally say that I’m getting ready to shake my shimmy and become part of the Strictly family!
"I’m really not a dancer, but I’m so excited to learn a new skill on this crazy journey and cannot wait to slip into some sequins along the way.
"Although I do get to have so much fun as an actress, a lot of my roles have involved quite serious and challenging storylines, so I’m fully ready to let my hair down and do something different, even if it is completely outside of my comfort zone.
"I can’t promise that I’ll be the best, but I’m going to give it 110% on the dance floor! As long as I don't fall over I'll be happy."
Sara Davies is the 6th contestant to be revealed
Sara Davies was revealed on Good Morning Britain
Dragons’ Den star Sara was announced as the next competitor on Strictly Come Dancing with the youngest ever dragon thrilled to have signed up.
A businesswoman, her company Crafter’s Companion, which she started as a student, now employs almost 250 people worldwide and has earned her the affectionate nickname of the Crafting Queen.
Speaking of signing up, she said: “My Mam and Dad are going to be so excited. I’m really nervous because so far the producers keep asking me if I can dance. Truth be told – I haven’t got a clue!
“I’ve not danced since I did ballet lessons when I was little. The business world has taught me that tenacity, drive and determination deliver results, I hope that I can bring that to the dancefloor.
“And I’m excited to see the impact of all those hours of training on my mum tum!”
Rhys Stephenson is the 5th contestant to be revealed
Rhys was announced on CBBC'S Newsround.
Rhys Stephenson has been confirmed as the fifth celebrity to sign up to Strictly 2021.
The actor and children’s TV presenter will be hitting the dance floor when the series returns later this year.
He said: “I am BUZZING to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021. I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation.
“I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig’s glare! I am READY!”
John Whaite is the 4th contestant to be revealed
Matt Lucas revealed John will be making Strictly Come Dancing history as he becomes part of the first male same-sex partnership.
He said of signing up: “I am so excited, I’m very, very nervous, I’m shaking inside but I can’t wait to get going. I was born to be on that dance floor.”
John has presented various TV shows and currently has a weekly cooking segment on Steph’s Packed Lunch.
He has written for a variety of newspaper and magazine publications on the topics of food and mental health, and has published five cookery books. John also runs his own cookery school, John Whaite’s Kitchen.
John said: “I’m so grateful, excited, and nervous to be joining the Strictly 2021 family. I’ve been wearing sequins and jazzy attire since I was three years old and can’t wait to hurl myself, full throttle, around the most glamorous dance floor on earth.
"What’s more exciting for me, is that I’m going to be one half of the first all-male partnership, which is a great step forward in representation and inclusion.
"Whoever it is I’m paired with, I hope they are up for a challenge as I want our routines to include lots of spectacular lifts!”
AJ Odudu is the 3rd Strictly Come Dancing contestant
AJ was announced on The One Show.
TV presenter AJ Odudu will be hoping to impress the judges as she takes to the Strictly dancefloor later this year.
Best-known for her work on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother and ITV's Apocalypse Wow, AJ looked over the moon when she was unveiled as one of the first contestants on The One Show.
But her elation would be nothing compared to her mum's who she revealed she hadn't told about the stint: "The secret’s out at last! Surprise, mum. Surprise!"
when Alex asked if she really hadn't told her, AJ replied: "No, she didn’t know, she’s at home right now, fuming, that I’ve dragged her all the way from Blackburn to London and (she said) you’re off out!"
Robert Webb is the 2nd Strictly Come Dancing contestant
Robert was announced on The One Show.
Comedian and actor Robert Webb is no stranger to BBC dance contests having secured glory in Let's Dance for Comic Relief.
The star's best-known for his work alongside fellow writer David Mitchell thanks to the pair's work on Peep Show, Back, and That Mitchell and Webb Look.
"It’s very very exciting but with a slight undertone of quivering terror," said of his feelings about signing up.
Tom Fletcher is the 1st Strictly Come Dancing contestant
Tom was announced on The One Show
McFly band member Tom Fletcher is hoping to follow in wife Giovanna's footsteps following her I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! victory last year by bagging a reality TV title of his own.
"I’m so pleased the news is out, it’s been so hard keeping it a secret," Tom told Alex Jones and Amol Rajan. "It’s been so hard keeping it a secret (since Christmas)."
Addressing a possible stumbling block, he added: "I feel naked without a guitar so that’s going to be something to get over."
What are the bookmakers saying?
STRICTLY COME DANCING CHAMPIONS THROUGH THE YEARS
2004 winner: Natasha Kaplinsky
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to win the BBC dancing series, which originally aired in July of 2004. She was partnered with Brendan Cole. They finished 39 points ahead of competitor Christopher Parker.
2004 winner: Jill Halfpenny
Jill Halfpenny was the second star to impress the judges with her dancing skills. Partnered with Darren Bennett, the pair beat off competition from Julian Clary and Denise Lewis in December of 2004.
2005 winner: Darren Gough
Cricketer Darren Gough won the third series of Strictly. He and partner Lilia Kopylova wowed audiences but never once finished at the top of the leaderboard.
2006 winner: Mark Ramprakash
Mark Ramprakash was the fourth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He was partnered with Karen Hardy and they were the first couple to restart a routine after their initial attempt saw Mark’s microphone get caught in Karen’s dress.
2007 winner: Alesha Dixon
Before becoming a Strictly judge, Alesha Dixon won the nation’s hearts and the Glitterball Trophy during the fifth series. She was partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler.
2008 winner: Tom Chambers
Holby City star Tom Chambers was partnered with Camilla Dallerup when he won the sixth series. He performed the Foxtrot and Salsa in the final week.
2009 winner: Chris Hollins
BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins and his professional partner Ola Jordan surprised viewers when they beat Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe in the final. They wowed with the Foxtrot, Charleston, Lindy Hop and Showdance.
2010 winner: Kara Tointon
Kara Tointon was the eighth celebrity to win Strictly. She danced with Artem Chigvintsev and failed to receive 40 points throughout her time on the show.
2011 winner: Harry Judd
Former McFly star Harry Judd was the ninth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He didn’t top the leaderboard until week seven but then scored 40 points twice in the final.
2012 winner: Louis Smith
The 10th series of the BBC show was won by Olympian Louis Smith. He danced his way to victory with professional partner Flavia Cacace. He faced competition from Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Danni Harmer in the series finale.
2013 winner: Abbey Clancy
Model Abbey Clancy won series 11 of Strictly alongside partner Alijaz Skorjanec. She was called a “spectacular dancer” with “wonderful posture” by former head judge Len Goodman.
2014 winner: Caroline Flack
Love Island host Caroline Flack took to the dance floor in series 12 where she scooped the Glitterball Trophy with Pasha Kovalev.
2015 winner: Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness surprised viewers when he won the 13th series of the BBC dancing competition with Aliona Vilani. When he learned he’d won, he told host Tess Daly: “I feel spaced out - it’s really weird.”
2016 winner: Ore Oduba
Ore Oduba won the 13th series of the BBC dancing competition with Joanne Clifton. The sports presenter broke down in tears after beating Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp.
2017 winner: Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden was victorious with professional dance partner Katya Jones. The Holby City star beat off competition from fan favourite Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson and Alexandra Burke.
2018 winner: Stacey Dooley
Documentary-maker Stacey fought off competition to make it to the Grand Final of Strictly Come Dancing with professional dance partner Kevin Clifton last year. When they won, Kevin described her as “the most wonderful person".
2019 winner: Kelvin Fletcher
Late to the Strictly Come Dancing party, Kelvin signed up after Jamie Laing was forced to pull out with an injury. But that didn’t stop the Emmerdale actor from dancing up a storm with professional partner Oti Mabuse.
2020 winner: Bill Bailey
Musician and comedian Bill became the oldest celebrity to win the competition and gave Oti her second consecutive win. The star defied the odds to take the crown and quickly became a fan favourite on the show.
Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to return later this year on BBC One.