Meet All The Celebrities Tipped To Take Part

While there are still a lot of question marks hovering over this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing, one thing that has been confirmed is that it will be going ahead, and it’s been revealed that the first line-up announcement is not far away at all.

Three celebrities involved in the series – which will be shorter than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic – are to be announced during an appearance on The One Show on Tuesday night, with more to come in the next week.

The big question is, who’s been tipped to be taking part? 

Well, with rumours about the line-up coming in thick and fast, here’s a quick round up of possible names so far…

Jamie Laing

(Photo: SOPA Images via Getty Images)
(Photo: SOPA Images via Getty Images)

Jamie Laing has been rumoured for the 2020 series since last year, when he was forced to quit after injuring himself while recording the launch show. The Made In Chelsea star was then replaced by last-minute addition Kelvin Fletcher, who then went on to win the whole show.

Let’s hope for Jamie’s sake that there are no further bumps in the road that mean the show can’t go ahead as planned – it’d be awful for him to have his Strictly journey cut short for the second time in a row.

Caroline Quentin

(Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
(Photo: Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

Life Begins and Men Behaving Badly star Caroline Quentin was one of two stars reported by The Sun to be the BBC’s “top targets” for this year’s series of Strictly.

The tabloid claimed that Caroline had “wanted to do the show for years”, but this was the first time her schedule was able to accomodate it.

Bill Bailey

(Photo: Matt Crossick - PA Images via Getty Images)
(Photo: Matt Crossick – PA Images via Getty Images)

The other big name reported by The Sun to have been part of a “double signing” with Caroline Quentin is stand-up comedian Bill Bailey, best known to many as a panellist on Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

According to the tabloid, Bill “decided to take the plunge” after coronavirus restrictions meant his comedy commitments had been written off for the rest of the year.

Max George 

(Photo: Roberto Ricciuti via Getty Images)
(Photo: Roberto Ricciuti via Getty Images)

Formerly a member of The Wanted, Max George is one of the most recent stars tipped to have signed up for Strictly this year.

If he does end up on the line-up, Max will be following in the footsteps of his former bandmate Jay McGuiness, who won the show back in 2015.

Maya Jama 

(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)
(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)

Former Radio 1 DJ Maya Jama is someone who’s rumoured to have been on Strictly bosses’ wishlist for some time – she even said in 2018 that she’d turned it down as she was concerned viewers wouldn’t know who she was.

In April 2020, it was reported by The Mirror that producers had made a “six-figure offer” to get Maya, and only a few weeks later, she announced she was leaving Radio 1 as future commitments meant she didn’t have time to commit to her usual weekend show.

At the time, she joked on Instagram: “Lol on it if they add a dancehall section.”

Still, we reckon she could well be one to look out for.

Clara Amfo

(Photo: SIPA USA/PA Images)
(Photo: SIPA USA/PA Images)

Fellow Radio 1 DJ Clara has also been repeatedly linked to the series this year, but remained coy about the rumours during an interview with Metro. 

However, it seems she would be up for taking part, saying: “It’s an amazing show and I’d be honoured if they asked me, I’m just a fan of the show.

“I’ve got friends who’ve done it – Dev [Griffin] from Radio 1 did it and he was robbed. It’s such an amazing show but I’m just a fan.” 

Steph McGovern

(Photo: Kirsty O'Connor - PA Images via Getty Images)
(Photo: Kirsty O’Connor – PA Images via Getty Images)

It’s been well-documented that 2020 is the year Strictly bosses want to introduce their first same-sex partnership to the dance floor, with The Sun reporting in June that producers are hoping the pair will be formed of two women. 

The tabloid also revealed a list of women supposedly in the frame, which included Jessie J and Gillian Anderson and former BBC Breakfast star Steph McGovern, who would be the latest in a long line of the show’s presenters to do the Strictly. 

Phillip Schofield

(Photo: Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
(Photo: Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

The Daily Star reported This Morning presenter Phillip was in “top secret talks” to compete as part of one of the show’s same-sex couples, after coming out as gay earlier this year. 

However, this was shot down by his spokesperson, who insisted to Radio Times that the claims were completely “untrue”, adding: “He is not in talks with the BBC.”

Myleene Klass

(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)
(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)

It’s not just us who could have sworn Myleene Klass had already done Strictly Come Dancing, right? Well, she hasn’t, but it’s looking like 2020 could well be her year.

The Daily Star reported in May that Myleene was near the top of producers’ hit-list, having already made a stir on shows like I’m A Celebrity and, of course, Popstars.

And speaking of Popstars…

Nicki Chapman

(Photo: Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
(Photo: Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)

Yes, that same Daily Star report also named Nicki Chapman as a potential celebrity contestant on the upcoming series.

The showbiz outlet claimed producers were keen on seeing Nicki and Myleene competing against one another, with the former having been a judge when the latter was a contestant on Popstars, eventually making it through to the winning group, Hear’Say.

Sophie Hinch 

(Photo: Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
(Photo: Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)

Perhaps better known under her online moniker Mrs Hinch, Sophie is the vlogger responsible for making thousands of viewers around the UK think differently about cleaning (and getting them to stock up on Zoflora, of course).

Having already attracted YouTube stars over the last two years, The Mirror reported that bosses were keen to continue the trend in 2020, with Mrs Hinch’s name cropping up as one that the BBC was especially keen on signing.

Michelle Keegan

(Photo: Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
(Photo: Mike Marsland via Getty Images)

Well, it wouldn’t be a Strictly rumours round-up without a mention for Michelle Keegan, would it?

The former Coronation Street star has literally been rumoured for Strictly every year since she quit the soap (six years ago!), and true to form, she was “tipped” for the upcoming series back in April.

However, a source has since told The Sun that she’s not interested, as she has “more pressing things in the pipeline”.

Angellica Bell

(Photo: Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
(Photo: Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)

Former CBBC presenter and regular One Show host and contributor Angelica has been linked to Strictly a number of times before, but has so far never joined the line-up. 

However, she recently addressed the rumours in an interview with The Sun, saying cryptically: “I like challenges, so who knows?

“I can’t imagine ever learning steps but I like clubbing and think I’m quite a good dancer. But that doesn’t mean it will translate to Strictly.”

Katie McGlynn

(Photo: Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)
(Photo: Ian West – PA Images via Getty Images)

Like Michelle, Katie McGlynn has repeatedly been linked with a spot on Strictly, as well as its ITV rival Dancing On Ice, since stepping down from her role as Sinead in Corrie.

The Mirror reported that Katie had been linked with a spot on this year’s line-up, after impressing viewers with her turn on the celebrity version of The Greatest Dancer for Sport Relief.

Joe Wicks

(Photo: Comic Relief via Getty Images)
(Photo: Comic Relief via Getty Images)

One of the true stars of lockdown, Joe Wicks has been keeping the nation fit and raising thousands for the NHS in the process.

We wouldn’t be at all surprised if he was to capitalise on his surge in popularity and sign up for one of the most-watched shows on TV, with The Sun claiming he was at the centre of a bidding war between Strictly and I’m A Celebrity.

However, The Body Coach has since confirmed to Metro that he won’t be signing up this year, pointing out that “the same rumour [has circulated] every year for three years now”.

Michelle Ackerley

(Photo: Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
(Photo: Karwai Tang via Getty Images)

According to The Sun, Michelle Ackerley could be following in the footsteps of fellow CBBC star Karim Zeroual by participating on the show. 

She is known to kids and adults alike, hosting Art Ninja on the BBC’s children’s network and presenting The One Show and Watchdog.

She’s also no stranger to reality TV, having competed on Celebrity Masterchef a couple of years ago.

Alan Carr

(Photo: PA)
(Photo: PA)

After Alan was strongly rumoured to be joining the Strictly line-up last year, he told the Loose Women that 2020 could finally be the year he signs up.

He said at the time: “I will do it, but next year. I’ve got a busy year. They cornered me and they said, ‘Would you do it?’”  

Fingers crossed they’ve managed to persuade him this time. 

Catherine Tate 

(Photo: Newspix via Getty Images)
(Photo: Newspix via Getty Images)

Probably the most surprising stars on this list, sketch comedian Catherine Tate was named as one of the celebrities being eyed by Strictly bosses back in April.

The Mirror reported that because of Catherine’s existing profile in the UK, they were willing to fork out to get her on the line-up.

Iain Stirling

(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)
(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)

Love Island’s narrator has got a bit of time on his hands after both the summer and winter series of the ITV2 reality show were cancelled, but The Sun reported Strictly bosses were hoping to fill his schedule by signing him up. 

He’d also be able to get some dance tips from his girlfriend and Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore, who took part on the 2016 series of Strictly. 

RuPaul

(Photo: PA)
(Photo: PA)

RuPaul was one of the first names attached to this year’s series back in April after the success of Drag Race co-star Michelle Visage on Strictly in 2019. 

However, with travel restrictions to and from the US currently in place and filming on various series of Drag Race needing to be rescheduled, who knows if Ru would even be able to take part now. 

Tamzin Outhwaite

(Photo: SIPA USA/PA Images)
(Photo: SIPA USA/PA Images)

After Tamzin’s EastEnders character was killed off in spectacular fashion in dramatic scenes last year, could her next TV role see her taking to the dancefloor?

The Sun reported that she was in “advance talks” to appear on Strictly, with a source saying that she’s “excited” at the prospect, given her performance background. 

However, reports have since linked her to a spot on the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! line-up instead. 

Tim Lovejoy

(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)
(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)

Tim appears to have caught the Strictly bug from his Sunday Brunch co-host Simon Rimmer. 

According to The Sun, he’s keen on giving the show a go after watching his mate on the show in 2017. 

Zoe Sugg

(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)
(Photo: David M. Benett via Getty Images)

Undoubtedly one of the most famous YouTubers in Britain – with make-up lines and books to her name, not to mention an actual Madame Tussads waxwork – Zoella is another star whose name has repeatedly been linked with a spot on the Strictly line-up.

It looks as though this is the year we could finally see her on the dance-floor, though, following in the footsteps of her brother, Joe Sugg, who made it to the final in 2018, and now hosts his own Strictly podcast.

Holly Hubert

And if the rise of YouTube vloggers as celebrities is something that makes you feel old, then allow us to introduce you to Holly Hubert. Or Holly H as she’s known to her 16.7 million TikTok followers.

The Mirror has claimed bosses are keen to sign up stars from different social media platforms in a bid to keep younger viewers interested, with the 23-year-old TikTok star among those they’re interested in.

Given her moves in the video above, we think we’re in for some real entertainment, if nothing else.

Tilly Ramsay 

In keeping with the previously-mentioned social media stars, Tilly Ramsay is another name that has been mentioned as a potential Strictly signing.

A source told The Sun that Tilly was “in talks” with the BBC for this year’s series, having made a name for herself on YouTube and with her own CBBC cooking shows.

Of course, to many, she’s best known as the 18-year-old daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, and we wouldn’t fancy being the judge who had to critique Tilly’s dancing in front of her dad…

Jane Goldman

(Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
(Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

But Tilly isn’t the only one of this year’s rumoured Strictly stars with a famous connection.

Screenwriter Jane Goldman is known for penning films like Kick-Ass, various instalments in the X-Men series and Disney’s upcoming remake of The Little Mermaid.

In May, Jane – who is married to broadcaster Jonathan Ross – was tipped to be be in “advanced talks” to sign up for Strictly by the Daily Mail, but she has now denied that this is the case.

MORE STRICTLY:

Socially Come Distancing: Is A Corona-Era Edition Of Our Beloved Strictly Something We Really Want To Watch?

Strictly Come Dancing Confirmed For 2020 With Shorter Series, Following Pandemic Doubts

Strictly Come Dancing 2020: From Coronavirus Changes To Line-Up Rumours, Here’s Everything We Know

This article originally appeared on HuffPost UK and has been updated.

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