![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/p0p8rmz9.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPublished: 11 September 2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
John Nellis, Lawrence Robb, Dani Dyer, Graeme Hall, Dame Sarah Storey, Tabby Stoecker, Lacey Turner, Chris Appleton, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Delta Goodrem, Bethany Antonia, Melanie Walters, Cach Mercer, Jaime Winstone and Will Best (Image: BBC\/Ray Burmiston\/Artwork – BBC Creative) <\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to start dancing – Strictly\u2019s back. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take the helm, as a brand-new year in the ballroom begins.<\/p>\n
The show opens in spectacular style, with an incredible performance from the entire Strictly cast. Fifteen celebrities nervously wait to find out their professional partners and this year – there\u2019s a twist.<\/p>\n
Five new Pros make their entrance on the dancefloor and reigning champion, Karen Carney returns for an epic performance. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke return to the judging panel to keep a watchful eye over proceedings before the competition officially kicks off next Saturday.<\/p>\n
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Saturday 19 September from 7.25pm<\/p>\n
LW<\/p>\n
Meet Strictly’s 2026 Celebrity Contestants
\nDame Sarah Storey<\/p>\n
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Dame Sarah Storey (image: BBC\/Ray Burmiston\/Artwork – BBC Creative)<\/p>\n
What made you say yes to Strictly?<\/p>\n
It is a show I have wanted to do for a long time but every other year I have been competing in the autumn and so couldn\u2019t ever say yes. Now I have stepped down from competition it was the perfect time, so when the Strictly team contacted me I didn\u2019t hesitate to say yes please!\u00a0<\/p>\n
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?\u00a0<\/p>\n
A combination of nervous and excited! I am looking forward to working with the professionals and getting to know a whole new world that these incredible people have excelled in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What are you most looking forward to?\u00a0<\/p>\n
I am looking forward to learning from the professionals and getting to know a completely new group of people. I am also looking forward to getting into my glittery and fake tan era!\u00a0<\/p>\n
What are you most nervous about?\u00a0<\/p>\n
The whole thing! I think nerves are always a sign you care and are invested in giving your best. This is a different type of experience and competition to being an athlete though, because the preparation is completely led by others and as an athlete we are used to knowing our events inside out and having more understanding of what good looks like. It\u2019s completely out of my comfort zone to be on national tv doing a competition I know nothing about! But that\u2019s one of the reasons I am so excited too!\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gosh, I am spoilt for choice, but I was in the Ballroom for Karen and Carlos\u2019s Paso Doble last year and that was truly incredible, so getting to do a Paso Doble would be amazing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How did your family and friends react when you told them?\u00a0<\/p>\n
When the announcement happened I was working backstage at the English Youth Ballet\u2019s production of Swan Lake, which my daughter was performing in. I got a knock on the door of the dressing room I was looking after and when I opened it the company and crew were jumping up and down with excitement!<\/p>\n
My daughter said \u201cFinally!\u201d and my son said \u201cthat\u2019s a good plan!\u201d, while my Dad offered to teach me to dance \u00a0– which is hilarious as no one has ever seen him even do a dad dance! My husband knew all along, so he was in on the secret. I\u2019ve had so many messages of good luck too, it\u2019s been a fabulous reaction.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Is there anyone in particular \u2013 whether family or friend \u2013 who you\u2019re doing Strictly for?<\/p>\n
Not specifically but as my daughter is a very talented dancer and ballerina I know I\u2019ll be getting the most honest and brutal feedback!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Have fun, learn something new and find out more about the world of dance and the people I\u2019ll have the privilege to work with. I think it\u2019s good to challenge yourself, and there\u2019s no better place to do that than live on national TV!\u00a0<\/p>\n
What would be your dream song to dance to?\u00a0<\/p>\n
The one that gets me the highest score! Perhaps something by Kylie or Take That!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?<\/p>\n
I have no experience of being backstage before my own performance but based on pre race routines, I will be playing back the step sequence in my head I think. Pre race I would be concentrating on the shape of a course, so I suspect I will be focusing on the shape of the dance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How would your family and friends describe your dancing skills?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Limited!\u00a0<\/p>\n
What do you think will be more nerve wracking – competing for a gold medal or dancing live on TV?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Probably the dancing, because every time I have competed for gold I have had years of prep behind me!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Are there any transferable skills between competing at the Paralympics and taking part in Strictly?<\/p>\n
I should imagine the psychological skills to focus on the controllable parts of the process and attempt to remain calm will be transferable, as well as the work ethic and pain threshold. Dancing is physically demanding too, so I hope my physical fitness will transfer as well\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jaime Winstone<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/p0p8rsnb.jpg\")
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Jaime Winstone (Image: BBC\/Ray Burmiston\/Artwork – BBC Creative)<\/p>\n
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?<\/p>\n
I feel so excited! I feel like this is such a good time for me to do this. It\u2019s such a great opportunity to show a little bit more of who I am, but also show how much I love performing, dressing up, collaborating with people, and being part of a team. Obviously, I’m a bit nervous which I think is normal, and I’m aware that it’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I’m certainly up for the challenge!<\/p>\n
What made you say yes to Strictly?<\/p>\n
It just felt right! I have been asked before and I’ve always been working and busy or just being full-on mum, but I turned 40 last year and I’ve really got to just lean into this moment. A lot of people in my life know how much I love dancing \u2013 music and dance is such a big part of who I am. There were some clear signs that this should be my Strictly year – one of them being Madonna’s new album and its track with the lyrics \u2018everybody get up and dance\u2019. I took that as a personal sign as I’m such a huge Madonna fan \u2013 there’s not a room in my house without a disco ball!<\/p>\n
Another very clear sign came when I went to my friend Poppy Delevingne\u2019s birthday party a few months back, and Taylor Swift was there! I was just dancing as I do, and she came up to me out of nowhere and just said, \u2018Oh my lord, how do you dance so freely?\u2019. When someone of her calibre and status says that, it\u2019s a very clear sign!<\/p>\n
I’ve done every sort of gritty drama you possibly could do, and I usually play people quite a lot older than me, and I just thought: this is the time to step into a realm that I don’t know, which is the ballroom, and give it a real good go. If you’re going to do one, this is the most joyous, sparkly, and challenging one to do. Oh and another big reason is my Nan! My Nan is going to lose her marbles over this! \u00a0<\/p>\n
What are you most looking forward to, and what are you most nervous about?<\/p>\n
I am most looking forward to getting to know the new dances, testing my muscle memory, and understanding the characters and the essence behind the dance. I’m an actor, and I always go off music when I’m building a character, so this feels in my domain somewhat. Also, connecting with my dance partner, and obviously seeing how I perform live for the first time. I’ve done plays and I remember lines, but remembering footwork\u2026 I keep trying to say to myself, \u2018dancing is acting\u2019 \u2013 you remember where to stand, you remember where to go, you remember when to say your lines at the right time.<\/p>\n
I guess one thing I’m not looking forward to with my poor partner is that I can be a little bit of a daydreamer, and I do tend to add my own essence to things. Hopefully I won’t go too freestyle! As an actor, you often feel like you have to be in control of your performance all the time, so I’m nervous about allowing that trust to take over. Obviously I’m also very nervous about falling, but I’m still going to jump in the deep end and ask to be thrown around and do lifts if I can!<\/p>\n
Do you have a signature dance move?<\/p>\n
I do a lot of stuff with my hands. I am quite up into the voguing scene. I’ve always said the three things that describe me are; I’m a mother, I’m an actor, and I’m a raver. I’m not a controlled dancer, I’ve never done a dance lesson in my life and I’ve never done a routine, so I’m quite excited to see how I get on with that.<\/p>\n
How did your family and friends react when you told them, and did they give you any advice?<\/p>\n
My mum screamed! She absolutely loves it. My dad was kind of like, \u2018oh my lord\u2019 [laughs], but everybody’s very, very excited, my mother-in-law the most out of them all as she\u2019s such a huge fan. I think everybody responded like \u201cyou’re going to win it!\u201d \u2013 the blind confidence of your family and friends is always just so humbling and so beautiful. The women in my family were definitely more responsive than the men! [laughs].<\/p>\n
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?<\/p>\n
I really want to gain the knowledge of traditional dance. Music is such a huge part of our cultures, and we’re so lucky enough to be brought up in a world where music is just everywhere in all its different styles. I would love to incorporate this experience into my world and hopefully go and do something professionally in dance or musical theatre or film.<\/p>\n
I hope I take some amazing dance moves with me that I’ve never had the opportunity to learn, and I hope I make a lot of friends! Since I was a little girl and I watched Strictly Ballroom, I fantasised about being a dancer and wearing the clothes and dipping my toe into this world where it’s just so glittery and tanned and camp!<\/p>\n
What would be your dream song to dance to?<\/p>\n
I\u2019d love a tango to \u2018Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon\u2019 by Neil Diamond. In movie week, Grease or Pretty Woman would be iconic! Also, doing some sort of Kate Bush inspired dance to \u2018Running Up That Hill\u2019 would be amazing. I’d love to do something Madonna inspired; she’s such a queen, and I’ve always seen myself matching that energy of \u2018Material Girl\u2019 \u2013 that would just be epic!<\/p>\n
Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?<\/p>\n
I know Dani Dyer, and she is such a mega babe \u2013 she\u2019s so sweet and so easy to get along with. I’ve worked with her dad, and our dads have worked together, and our kids have bonded, so I feel like I’m in really good company. Also Lacey Turner, who I worked with on a Dominic Savage film, and I obviously did a couple of episodes of EastEnders where I played Peggy Mitchell. There seems to be a really good girl gang taking part. I\u2019m excited to meet new friends!\u2029<\/p>\n
Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?<\/p>\n
I lead quite a chaotic lifestyle in terms of schedule, so I do a lot of meditation and breathing. You just need to have that calm time. Also, I surround myself with fabulousness. At home my husband doesn’t let me decorate the place like a complete boudoir, so wherever I go I tend to take a suitcase full of feather boas and glittery stuff!<\/p>\n
You\u2019re no stranger to the big screen – which one of your film credits do you think would be the best to translate into a dance for Movie Week?<\/p>\n
Probably \u2018Made In Dagenham\u2019, because you could do a 60s-inspired dance. It\u2019s about a big protest and female empowerment; the music in the 60s was so cool, and you could do a lot with the look. And because I did \u2018Babs\u2019, Barbara Windsor\u2019s biopic, how good would it be to do a \u2018Carry on Camping\u2019 dance? Or maybe a \u2018Love Rosie\u2019 waltz? That would also be cute.<\/p>\n
Shaun Wright-Phillips<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/p0p8rt9b.jpg\")
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Shaun Wright-Phillips (Image: BBC\/Ray Burmiston\/Artwork – BBC Creative)<\/p>\n
How do you feel about joining Strictly 2026?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s something that\u2019s definitely out of my comfort zone, but overall I\u2019m really looking forward to it!<\/p>\n
What made you say yes to Strictly?<\/p>\n
I wanted to challenge myself and learn something new.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What are you most looking forward to?<\/p>\n
Stepping into a new arena and learning new skills. I\u2019m also really excited to meeting some amazing people along the way.<\/p>\n
What are you most nervous about?<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t get overly nervous in general, but this is obviously something that\u2019s really new to me. I\u2019m not saying I won\u2019t be nervous at all, but I\u2019m here to do the best I can and I have people who are rooting for me, so what will be will be! Right now I feel pretty relaxed – but ask me the same question 10 minutes before the first live show and I might have a different answer! [laughs] \u00a0<\/p>\n
How did your family and friends react when you told them?<\/p>\n
Everyone was crazy excited, I\u2019ve received a really nice amount of support so far. And then all of a sudden my inbox was filled with friends and family trying to get their live show ticket orders in!<\/p>\n
Is there anyone in particular \u2013 whether family or friend \u2013 who you\u2019re doing Strictly for?<\/p>\n
I know my mum is over the moon that I’m doing it. I guess it will be nice for my kids to see their dad moving some shapes on TV too!<\/p>\n
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?<\/p>\n
To meet some amazing people and have as much fun as possible learning and dancing.<\/p>\n
Have you had any advice from any former contestants?<\/p>\n
Yes – from last year\u2019s winner Kaz (Karen Carney), in fact. She said to just dive straight into it and don’t hold back, so I\u2019ll take that advice. I\u2019m going to go for it and do the best I can.<\/p>\n
Will you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?<\/p>\n
I never really had any rituals throughout my football career, as I like to not overthink things and just go with the flow – but let\u2019s see how I feel when I get to the studios.<\/p>\n
How would your family\/friends describe your dancing skills?<\/p>\n
I dread to ask them – but I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll be giving me as much feedback as the Strictly judges! They\u2019re used to seeing me dance at parties, but this will be the first time they\u2019ve seen me dance while sober!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melanie Walters<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/p0p8s0cj.jpg\")
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Melanie Walters (Image: BBC\/Ray Burmiston\/Artwork – BBC Creative)<\/p>\n
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?<\/p>\n
The best mix of excited and nervous. I can\u2019t wait to find out who I\u2019ll be dancing with, and to then finally get going and start learning some routines!<\/p>\n
What made you say yes to Strictly?<\/p>\n
It was a little bit of \u201cnow or never\u201d really. I\u2019m not getting any younger! It just felt like the right time to dive into something like Strictly, which is something completely outside my normal life and my comfort zone.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve no formal dance training to speak of, my involvement in musicals and pantos have been as a character actress not a dancer, but I have always loved to dance. We\u2019re talking disco, not clubbing! This is such an opportunity to push my boundaries and learn some beautiful routines and show them on live television!<\/p>\n
What are you most looking forward to and what are you most nervous about?<\/p>\n
I\u2019m most looking forward to meeting my dance partner and I hope we have a really good connection and a really happy time together. I cannot wait to learn all the techniques that come with Ballroom. I have very little experience in that style of dance so it will be a great challenge. Of course, I am also excited to see what fabulous outfits I am going to be wearing! I\u2019m nervous about my head saying \u201cyes I can do that move\u201d, but my body disagreeing!<\/p>\n
Do you have a signature dance move?<\/p>\n
Not a clue how you would describe it… I think it might be called \u201cfreestyle\u201d.<\/p>\n
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?<\/p>\n
There\u2019ve been too many brilliant routines to choose one, but in general as a viewer I love a waltz, a quickstep and a tango! Those are the ones I\u2019m especially hoping to do on the show.<\/p>\n
How did your family and friends react when you told them?<\/p>\n
My friends were just absolutely delighted. My family and I are so close and they are always so supportive of whatever I do – even though they don\u2019t understand why I do it!<\/p>\n
Is there anyone in particular \u2013 whether family or friend \u2013 who you\u2019re doing Strictly for?<\/p>\n
I\u2019m primarily doing Strictly for myself and everybody who is over 60. For all us women in particular who are in their 60s, who have a chance to seize an opportunity but shy away from taking it – fearing they\u2019re too old. We\u2019re always learning and growing at whatever age. There\u2019s no such thing as being \u2018past it\u2019, things may become different as we get older but we\u2019re no less valid.<\/p>\n
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?<\/p>\n
I am truly just doing it to learn a fantastic new skill and hopefully have an absolute blast doing it. Dancing is so freeing and such a good way of expressing yourself. To have this opportunity to learn how to dance properly, from the professionals, on the most brilliant dance floor possible is almost too good to be true. I\u2019m getting a weekly masterclass – unbelievable! I just want to dive into Strictly heels first and give it 100 percent.<\/p>\n
What would be your dream song to dance to?<\/p>\n
My favourite song is always in the moment. I hear a song and depending on my mood it\u2019s the best song ever and I\u2019ll listen to it about 10 times in a row there and then, and will swan around the living room to it as if I\u2019m on Strictly, and then the next day or week I\u2019ll hear something completely different and the same thing will happen again.<\/p>\n
A bit like the weather, it\u2019s constantly changing. I\u2019m excited for all the new favourite songs I hope I\u2019ll get to have on Strictly.<\/p>\n
Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?<\/p>\n
I know I\u2019ll end up having one, but what it will be will depend on what I do that first week. So, I\u2019ll need to make sure it\u2019s not too lengthy or complicated as I will have to do it every week from there on in!<\/p>\n
How would your family and friends describe your dancing skills?<\/p>\n
I quite honestly can say I don\u2019t think my family have ever seen me dance enough to comment. My friends think I\u2019m quite a good mover though!<\/p>\n
One of your most iconic roles over the years is Gwen in Gavin & Stacey, do you think Gwen would be able to flip an omelette while doing the Cha Cha Cha?<\/p>\n
I think Gwen could do absolutely anything whilst simultaneously making an omelette. If Gwen was a contestant on Strictly, I think it\u2019s safe to say all the contestants, crew, hosts, and judges would be well fed.<\/p>\n
She would be given extra training by Nessa (who taught Shirley Ballas all she knows) and Bryn would take over her wardrobe, in his element choosing the sequinned dresses for her. After making Nessa\u2019s wedding outfit, she would probably make a few of her own…<\/p>\n
Chris Appleton<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/p0p8ry2m.jpg\")
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Chris Appleton (Image: BBC\/Ray Burmiston\/Artwork – BBC Creative)<\/p>\n
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s an incredible opportunity, and I\u2019m genuinely honoured to be part of the 2026 class alongside some incredible celebrities and dancers who I can\u2019t wait to meet! I\u2019ve always believed in pushing yourself and embracing new challenges, so this felt like the perfect chance to do exactly that.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m especially excited to join the Strictly family this year in particular, and to meet Emma, Johannes and Josh as they host the show for the first time.<\/p>\n
What made you say yes to Strictly?<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve loved watching Strictly for as long as I can remember, so when the opportunity came along, it felt like one I couldn\u2019t pass up. I\u2019ve always believed in saying yes to new challenges, especially the ones that push you outside your comfort zone. That\u2019s something I\u2019ve always done throughout my career, however dancing is something completely different for me, and that\u2019s exactly what makes it so exciting.<\/p>\n
One thing I\u2019m not a stranger to is showbiz glam, so I\u2019m really excited to wear the incredible outfits and try out different looks each week!<\/p>\n
What are you most looking forward to?<\/p>\n
I really cannot wait to get stuck into the live shows. There\u2019s something really special about performing in front of an audience, especially when it\u2019s on live TV! It\u2019ll definitely be nerve-wracking, but I think that\u2019s what makes it even more exciting. I\u2019m also so excited to meet my dance partner! The dancers on Strictly are always legendary and I can\u2019t wait to see who I\u2019ll be working alongside and learning from.<\/p>\n
What are you most nervous about?<\/p>\n
I keep having a recurring dream that the show begins, and I\u2019m out there on the dancefloor in front of the studio audience and cameras\u2026 and suddenly I forget all my moves. So fingers crossed that doesn\u2019t happen!<\/p>\n
Do you have a signature dance move?<\/p>\n
Definitely the dad dance. I\u2019m not sure how much I\u2019ll be able to bring that one out, or if it\u2019s something anyone should see\u2026<\/p>\n
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?<\/p>\n
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett\u2019s Jive in 2004! It\u2019s known as one of the greatest routines of all time and rightly so. Jill absolutely smashed it with a perfect score of 40, so if I can get anywhere close to that it\u2019d be incredible.<\/p>\n
How did your family and friends react when you told them?<\/p>\n
They were absolutely thrilled. I think they\u2019re even more excited than I am! Everyone has been so supportive from the moment I told them. Strictly is such an iconic show that so many people have grown up watching, so getting the chance to be part of it is really special. They\u2019ve all been encouraging me every step of the way, and I know they\u2019ll be cheering me on throughout the competition.<\/p>\n
Is there anyone in particular \u2013 whether family or friend \u2013 who you\u2019re doing Strictly for?<\/p>\n
My kids and my mum were definitely the most excited. They\u2019ve always loved Strictly, so when I told them I was doing the show, they couldn\u2019t believe it. Seeing how happy and supportive they were made saying yes feel even more special. I\u2019m so excited to see my family in the audience cheering me on.<\/p>\n
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?<\/p>\n
I\u2019m hoping to come away having learned a completely new skill and with memories that will stay with me forever. I want to enjoy every moment, challenge myself, embrace the experience and hopefully surprise myself with what I\u2019m capable of.<\/p>\n
Have you had any advice from any former contestants?<\/p>\n
My friend Chrishell has done Dancing with The Stars in the US. The best piece of advice she gave me was to just have fun and enjoy every bit, because it goes so quickly.<\/p>\n
What would be your dream song to dance to?<\/p>\n
One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston.<\/p>\n
Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before?<\/p>\n
I haven\u2019t, but I\u2019m looking forward to meeting everyone and making new friendships along this journey! It was so exciting seeing the announcements and finding out who I\u2019d be dancing alongside. It\u2019s going to be so fun meeting some of the iconic names from our screens and people I\u2019ve grown up watching too.<\/p>\n
Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?<\/p>\n
Calling my kids will definitely be my number one ritual. They will encourage me and help me to get into the zone and focus on what I\u2019m about to do, as well as just remembering to have fun. I know I\u2019ll be thinking of them when I\u2019m out on the dancefloor.<\/p>\n
How would your family\/friends describe your dancing skills?<\/p>\n
Any friends and family who have danced with me at parties or at home, I\u2019d say would hopefully describe my dancing skills as always having fun! However, my kids might say otherwise.<\/p>\n
You have friends who have taken part in Dancing with the Stars in the US. What made you want to take part in Strictly instead?<\/p>\n
I have friends who’ve taken part in Dancing with the Stars in the US, but for me, Strictly felt like the right fit. Being from the UK, there’s something really special about taking part in such an iconic British show – it genuinely feels like coming home to my roots.<\/p>\n
Having my family here as well makes it even more meaningful, because they’re so excited to support me throughout the whole journey. I can\u2019t wait to be in London and head back home to Leicester too.<\/p>\n
Graeme Hall<\/p>\n
![\"Graeme](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/p0p8rvyf.jpg\")
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Graeme Hall (Image: BBC\/Ray Burmiston\/Artwork – BBC Creative)<\/p>\n
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?<\/p>\n
More excited than I\u2019ve ever been to get stuck into something. I\u2019m feeling quite apprehensive, but I imagine that\u2019s normal.<\/p>\n
What made you say yes to Strictly?<\/p>\n
I love dancing. I did a little dancing as a hobby years ago, but had to stop when I had a stroke. I recovered fully after a heart operation, but I haven\u2019t danced for years.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m a huge Strictly fan. We always watch in our house and try predicting what the judges (especially Craig) are going to say. I\u2019ll be more anxious than ever to know what he and they think this year!<\/p>\n
What are you most looking forward to?<\/p>\n
Wearing a tail suit. When does a chap ever get to dress up in a tail suit these days? I love the elegant look. I\u2019m known for my tweed and cravats, but Strictly takes \u2018dapper\u2019 to a new level, doesn\u2019t it? Oh, and the sparkles. In for a penny…!<\/p>\n
What are you most nervous about?<\/p>\n
I\u2019m most nervous of the nerves themselves, messing up a routine on the night and letting my partner down. I\u2019m a bit of a perfectionist. \u2018If a job\u2019s worth doing it\u2019s worth doing right\u2019 is something I say a lot and I\u2019ll work hard to get it right but there\u2019s no accounting for stage fright. Strictly is way out of my comfort zone!<\/p>\n
Do you have a signature dance move?<\/p>\n
I\u2019m confident I can walk down the famous Strictly staircase looking the part. I reckon I\u2019ll be good at that, but as for actual dancing, no signature moves I\u2019m afraid. I was rather good with The Funky Gibbon (by The Goodies) at the school disco in 1975. Does that count…?<\/p>\n
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?<\/p>\n
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz\u2019s quickstep to Sing, Sing, Sing. So fast, so sharp, so elegant. Very Fred Astaire!<\/p>\n
And JB Gill\u2019s Viennese Waltz to Let\u2019s Go Fly a Kite 2024. It literally looked like he and Lauren were flying. Lauren\u2019s the favourite female pro in our house! I also loved their Samba to Mas Que Nada. I\u2019ve no idea how I\u2019m going to move my hips and chest like JB, but I\u2019ll give it a go!<\/p>\n
How did your family and friends react when you told them?<\/p>\n
They were over the moon for me. I was quite taken aback. I heard from old friends I haven\u2019t spoken to for a while too. There was a bit of mickey-taking from my mates, it has to be said. My fellow Yorkshireman, the chef James Martin, laughed his head off when he heard: \u201cYou have no idea what you\u2019re letting yourself in for!\u201d he said. James made the semi-final in 2005, which is something he was quick to remind me of. The gauntlet has been thrown down!<\/p>\n
In my spare time I race a 1960s MG sports car in a speed hillclimb and sprint championship. I\u2019ve been leading the overall championship from the start of the season in April, but there\u2019s a good chance I might not win ultimately as I\u2019ll miss the last couple of events due to Strictly. Hey ho! The other drivers have been lovely \u2013 one saying that if I lose because of Strictly, I\u2019ll be \u201cthe best overall champion the championship never had\u201d. I was very touched. Recently, I spun the car 360 degrees in practice, trying too hard. One of my championship colleagues wasted no time in describing it as \u201ca pirouette Shirley Ballas would be proud of\u201d. Very funny…<\/p>\n
Is there anyone in particular \u2013 whether family or friend \u2013 who you\u2019re doing Strictly for?<\/p>\n
My mum. She\u2019s 90 on 6th September this year. We lost my dad a few years ago and she still lives in the bungalow where I was born in Selby, North Yorkshire.<\/p>\n
She met my dad, literally on the dance floor, in the late 1950s. They danced jive, as everyone did then, but also waltz and \u2013 my mum\u2019s favourite \u2013 quickstep. Apparently, they would fly around the dancefloor, quickstepping their way past everyone else. I would love to make her proud.<\/p>\n
One of my dad\u2019s sayings was \u201cDo your best. No one can ask any more of you\u201d. Good advice, isn\u2019t it? I\u2019ll 100% be doing my very best on the dancefloor for my mum and in memory of my dad.<\/p>\n
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?<\/p>\n
Strictly Come Dancing is a life experience that money can\u2019t buy. I think of it this way: This is series 24 and there are 15 celebs. Do the maths: that\u2019s not a lot of people in the whole wide world who have been given this opportunity to learn something so joyous from the best in the business. How lucky am I…?! I\u2019m going to enjoy every single minute of it, work hard and hope it lasts for many weeks.<\/p>\n
What would be your dream song to dance to?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s so hard to choose one but as an avid Strictly viewer, I know the music choice really makes the performance (There\u2019s also the small matter of dancing, telling the story etc!). I\u2019d love to waltz to a classic such as Moon River, or a cheeky Cha Cha to Rufus Thomas\u2019 Walking the Dog because, sooner or later, I HAVE to dance to a dog song, right…?<\/p>\n
How would your family\/friends describe your dancing skills?<\/p>\n
I think they might say it was erm… surprising. I\u2019ll let everyone else judge whether that\u2019s surprisingly good or otherwise, ha ha!<\/p>\n
Watch this space for more from the Strictly Class of 2026…<\/p>\n
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