Let's dance!

It's time to shine for the Strictly stars of 2024...

- HANNAH DAVIES

STRICTLY COME DANCING

Saturday, 7.20pm, BBC1 Entertainment

Let the joy and sparkle of Saturday nights begin, as 15 new stars begin their Strictly journeys! The 20th-anniversary launch show pairs the celebs with their pro partners, and sees Amy Dowden return to the ballroom following her breast-cancer diagnosis to perform a stunning quickstep alongside her fellow pros.

There's also a routine from 2023 winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola and a fast-paced group dance, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman add their usual twinkly humour as hosts.

With the show live-signed for the first time via BBC iPlayer and the Red Button, our weekends are looking fab-u-lous once again. So meet the famous faces getting ready to rumba...

JB Gill

37, JLS star and presenter

'I'm saying "yes" to everything. Coral shirts, yellow shirts, sequins...bring it on!'

Paul Merson

56, ex-England footballer

'I'm so far out of my comfort zone, even with some of the costumes!'

Sam Quek

35, Team GB hockey player

'I'm not used to all the make-up and sequins. But I'm ready for the adventure!'

Jamie Borthwick

30, EastEnders favourite

'I had a ball doing the Christmas special. The one thing I'm not doing is fake tan!'

Sarah Hadland

53, Miranda star