First look at Strictly Come Dancing 2024 stars in costume as BBC release new pictures amid ‘bullying’ scandal
STRICTLY stars have officially put on their glitz ahead of the 20th anniversary – as the show tries to put its ‘bullying’ probe behind them.
While this year has seen the BBC favourite swarmed with controversy, the dancing competition is intent to carry on with a clean slate ahead of the new series.
And with the new series comes a brand new photoshoot displaying this year’s contestants in their dazzling outfits for the first time.
The light and breezy pastel colour palette gives off a fresh and funky vibe, with the beaming celebs ready for action when the show kicks off next weekend.
Love Island star Tasha Ghouri – who is currently bookies favourite to win the series – leads the cast in a turquoise blue mini dress with fluffy blue peplum to twirl in.
Towie star Pete Wicks, famed his tattoos and penchant for leather jackets, has been kitted out in white sequin trousers and a bedazzling white unbuttoned shirt.
Rocker Toyah Willcox has managed to maintain a punky edge with a bright pink and purple colour clash ensemble, while Shayne Ward looked dapper in a pink suit.
Wynne Evans, looked worlds away from his Go Compare adverts, trading in his portly operatic alter-ego for a slimmed down look in a lavender suit.
DIY SOS star Nick Knowles has shown off his fun side by wearing a baby blue suit, adding some dynamic colour with a bright pink shirt and bright red flower for a buttonhole.
Sarah Hadland, who is beloved as Miranda Hart’s ditzy best mate in sitcom Miranda, has shown off her killer figure and enviable legs in a short glittery magenta outfit with feathered shoulder pads.
JLS star JB Gill still manages to be Mr Cool of the group, wearing a leather co-ordinated jacket and trousers for his picture.
Sam Quek looked cool as ice in a rich blue, while EastEnders Jamie Borthwick cut a casual figure in a salmon pink outfit.
Dr Punam and Paul Merson matched and looked lovely in lemon, while funnyman Chris McCausland looked smart and smooth in a mint green suit.
Completing the gang is Gladiators star Montell Douglas, who dazzles in a samba-inspired pink and gold dress.
Time will tell who has the moves to get the glitterball trophy, with the launch night happening next Saturday on BBC One.
Fans of the series will also find out who the celebs will be partnered up with for the first time.
Strictly Scandal So Far
While the BBC are hoping this year’s series goes off without a hitch, they have been forced to add new duty of care procedures into rehearsals.
After an official complaint was lodged against Giovanni Pernice in May by his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington, a probe into the professional dancers’ conduct has been ongoing.
This has led to the series implementing chaperones in the rehearsal rooms with the celebrities and dancers while they prepare for each week.
While the results of the probe are yet to be announced, it is believed the BBC are eager to put the situation to bed before the series kicks off.
As a result it’s expected the investigation’s findings will be revealed some time in the next week.
Meanwhile, Giovanni, who quit the show ahead of the news of complaints coming to light, has announced he has found new work on the Italian version of the show.
Making the announcement on Saturday afternoon, Giovanni thanked fans for their ongoing support, revealing the news in both English and Italian.
He is expected to join the upcoming series of the show.
Giovanni also maintains his innocence and has vowed to clear his name of the allegations made by Amanda, who branded his teaching style ‘disastrously unworkable’ and ‘bullying’.
Graziano Di Prima, who was fired for ‘gross misconduct’ after footage from a rehearsal with Zara McDermott came to light as part of the investigation, is also fighting back.
He’s launching his own official complaint against the BBC, lawyering up to prepare a claim for unfair dismissal.