Massive blow to Strictly Come Dancing as BBC show manages to sign just SIX women amid bullying scandal
STRICTLY will have the fewest female celebrities in the show’s history — sparking fears the bullying scandal has put women off signing up.
The Sun can reveal Gladiators star Fire — real name Montell Douglas, 38 — and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, 53, are the final stars to sign up for the BBC Saturday night dance contest.
But while they bring the total number of women celebrity dancers on the show to six, there are nine men taking part.
That means 40 per cent of celebrities in this year’s show are women, while in most years it has been roughly a 50/50 split between the sexes.
It comes in the wake of pro dancer Graziano di Prima being sacked for abusing partner Zara McDermott.
Colleague Giovanni Pernice is also being investigated following similar complaints from his partner Amanda Abbington.
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A TV insider said: “Looking at the figures, it’s hard to see how the ongoing controversy over bullying could not have affected the recruitment process for this year’s Strictly.
“At no point in the show’s history has there been such a small proportion of women.
"It probably wasn’t the landmark number they wanted, given the show is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
“The most serious claims of abuse and bullying have involved male pros and their treatment of female celebrity dance partners.
“There were signs that there might be fewer women celebs taking part, one of which was the fact Graziano wasn’t replaced by another male pro on the show, but it’s still something of a shock to see.
"It means the odds are against a woman making it to the final stages of the competition.”
Graziano was immediately dismissed when video came to light last month of him kicking partner Zara in rehearsals last year.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Giovanni’s behaviour behind the scenes is nearing the end and the findings are expected to be released soon.
Despite not knowing the outcome, the BBC has pressed ahead and this week started formally revealing which stars were taking part in the show, which kicks off next month.
Yesterday, Welshman Wynne Evans — the opera singer, 52, best known from the Go Compare adverts — was revealed by the Beeb as the ninth man to sign up.
They then confirmed singer Toyah Willcox, 66, was also in the line-up alongside Dr Punam Krishan, 38, the medical expert on BBC One’s Morning Live.
The last time there were just six women on Strictly was in 2020, when the Covid pandemic meant there were just 12 people taking part.
But that still meant half the contestants were women.
Former Olympic sprinter and bobsleigh athlete Fire is one of the biggest stars of Gladiators, which was originally a hit on ITV in the 1990s before being rebooted last year on BBC One, with Bradley Walsh and son Barney hosting.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are returning, with Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly at the helm.
Here The Sun takes a look at the full celebrity line-up ahead of the upcoming installment.
Chris McCausland
The Sun on Sunday revealed Strictly bosses had signed up blind comedian Chris last month.
It comes after the BBC dance competition featured deaf EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 — who went on to win the glitterball trophy.
Comic and CBeebies actor Chris, 46, lost his sight aged 22 due to a hereditary condition.
Producers are certain the 46-year-old CBeebies actor’s fun-loving personality will prove a hit with viewers — and he cannot wait to embrace the challenge.
His appearance on this year’s series will be another first for the boundary-pushing BBC ballroom show, after deaf EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, 29, triumphed in 2021.
Chris lost his sight completely by the age of 22 due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa, and has spoken about the hurdles he faces.
A source said: “Strictly Come Dancing bosses are delighted by the signing and think Chris will be great on the show. He has a hilarious sense of humour and an infectious personality.
“Producers are really keen to showcase disability on TV and are conscious of how important it is. Chris loves working and doing TV so it’s the perfect project. Chris has spoken openly of his sight issues and is determined to show it won’t hold him back on the ballroom dance floor.”
Jamie Borthwick
Jamie, who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, scored the highest possible mark of 40 in the Christmas show.
And it looks like he could take home the Glitterball Trophy for a second time.
Jamie, 30, who has starred in the BBC soap for 18 years, was paired with pro Nancy Xu.
It is not known who will be his partner in the autumn.
A TV insider said: “Although an EastEnders actor is on Strictly every year, this is the first time a performer on the festive special has gone directly into the competition.
“Producers and viewers were blown away by Jamie’s dancing.
"It’s not clear yet whether he will take a break from the soap or if he’ll juggle dance rehearsals with doing scenes for the soap.”
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS presenter Nick is to take part after months of talks.
Nick put a clip of his footwork on Instagram in March last year — with one fan commenting: “I see Strictly Come Dancing on the horizon.”
It was understood that he had been in talks with the BBC for months and recently came to an agreement to join the show.
A source said: “Nick has always loved Strictly and he is so excited.
“He’s got a great personality, is incredibly driven and competitive and is up for giving anything a crack. He’s going on the show to entertain and to win. He’ll give it his best shot.”
Pete Wicks
Pete, 36, is the best friend of Zara McDermott’s boyfriend Sam Thompson – who earlier this month revealed she had been kicked by professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, leading to his sacking.
It is the first big break into primetime television for Pete, who found fame on ITV reality show Towie in 2015.
A source said: “Pete has joined the Strictly line up and is excited to get started.
“He isn’t much of a dancer but that’s what the BBC loved about him. They wanted the show to feel more like it did in the beginning.
“Pete is also going to attract younger viewers who have followed his career since Towie.”
Previously Pete has appeared on Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and The Real Full Monty – where he stripped naked for charity.
He was spotted in the audience last year after Zara, 27, competed on the show with Graziano.
The Sun revealed on July 13 that Graziano, 30, had been sacked by the BBC following allegations made by Zara.
During rehearsals, he kicked her and is accused of shouting: “My dead grandma could dance better than you.”
Tom Dean
Tom was born on May 2, 2000, and is a competitive freestyle swimmer.
Born in London to parents Jonathan and Jacquie, Tom has two sisters and two brothers.
He started swimming when he was young after his mum decided to take all five children for lessons, but by eight years old he was doing it competitively.
He put his mechanical engineering degree on hold in his quest to reach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he won two gold medals.
After his storming success he was made an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours.
Tom then went on to win seven more medals at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, followed by a further four at last year's World Championships.
He's been tipped to become one of the big names of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tom will be competing in the 200m individual medley event, hoping to add a further gold to his tally from the 2020 games.
Paul Merson
Footie favourite Paul is hoping to show off some dazzling footwork after signing for Strictly.
The Arsenal legend, 56, now a Sky Sports pundit, has overcome drink, drug and gambling addictions.
A source on the BBC show said: “Paul will be a popular addition.”
But insiders warned the show — currently probing claims of bullying and abuse — risks a backlash as Merse was once cautioned by police for assaulting his wife.
A source said: “Footballers always do well with fans, whether they can dance or not. But he also has a past, having had to battle addictions to drugs, booze and gambling.”
The 56-year-old, who played for Arsenal for 11 seasons and earned 21 England caps, has opened up on his troubles in a number of TV documentaries.
Toyah Willcox
We revealed Punk singer and mod movie star Toyah had signed up for this year’s Strictly in June.
The 66-year-old got the ballroom bug after watching her broadcaster pal Angela Rippon, 79, in the live studio shows last year.
“I do understand how hard they work. I’m friends with Angela Rippon and she was extraordinary.”
She added: “But they’re rehearsing 10 hours a day every day. And then on Saturday, they do two shows. As I went there, they invited me to watch them do the live show. Then at nine o’clock, they film the Sunday show, and I’m thinking, ‘Could I do this?’
“But, you know, the whole world wants to do Strictly, I wouldn’t say no.”
Tasha Ghouri
Tasha shot to fame on the 2022 series of Love Island alongside her boyfriend Andrew Le Page.
The pair moved in together just a few short months after leaving the villa and later purchased their first home.
She was the show's first deaf contestant and has had a cochlear implant, a small electronic device that allows wearers to process sound and speech, since she was five years old.
Last year, she released her very first book and now Tasha is hoping to strike a deal with Netflix to turn it into a show.
She also works as brand ambassadors for L'Oreal Paris, Simmi Shoes and Ann Summers.
Sam Quek
Sam Quek rose to fame Team GB's hockey team when she won a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Since that magical moment, Quek has become a reality TV star - appearing on I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016 and Celebrity Masterchef in 2020.
Famously on I'm a Celebrity, she split her trousers and wowed fans in the jungle shower.
She was a captain on long-running quiz show Question of Sport.
The sportswoman is married to Tom Mairs and had their first baby Molly in March 2021.
Shayne Ward
X Factor winner Shayne, 39, has been a hit on stage and will now try his luck on the dancefloor.
The multi-talented star has gone on to have a successful acting career after releasing his fourth and final album to date, Closer, in 2015.
A source said: “Shayne is a previous winner of an audience-voted talent show so will have high hopes of doing it again. He is excited to begin training.
“He has some dancing experience so could be a contender for the glitterball trophy.
“He also has a whopping fan base from his years as a Coronation Street hunk.”
He starred in Coronation Street as factory boss Aiden Connor from 2015 to 2018, leaving the ITV soap in a heatbreaking hour-long suicide storyline episode.
He is now appearing in Channel 5 crime drama The Good Ship Murder with ex-Corrie co-star Catherine Tyldesley.
JB Gill
JLS singer JB Gill joined presenters Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle on ITV's This Morning for the big reveal.
The One Shot hitmaker said: “I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and loved it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me.
"I’m raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys.
"From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs - I’m here to embrace it all!”
JB danced with Ola Jordan in the 2012 festive instalment.
Wynne Evans
WELSH opera singer Wynne Evans is best known for being the 'Go Compare man'.
He joined Strictly host Tess Daly's husband Vernon Kay on BBC Radio Two to announce his signing.
The 52-year-old won Celebrity MasterChef last year and is regularly heard on the radio.
"I love the glitz, the glamour and all of that so I'm well up for it," said Wynne.
"I can't believe it [is happening] because it's all cloak and daggers.
"You go for an audition, then you're given a code name which is my favourite part of the whole thing."
The opera singer said he's most looking forward to doing the waltz - but is dreading the jive.
Wynne said: "The stuff I'm more nervous about is doing something like the jive because I represent every portly middle-aged father who jumps and could set a minor tsunami off in North London.
"I'm kind of a bit nervous about that, but I'm taking inspiration from Bill Bailey."
Dr Punam Krishan
TV doctor Punam Krishan is a regular on BBC's Morning Live’and BBC Radio Scotland.
Alongside being a practising NHS GP, Punam regularly reports on health news as a broadcaster on TV, radio and national newspapers and has also written her own children’s book with additional books in the pipeline.
She said: “This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show.
"I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now.
"This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.”
Montell Douglas AKA Fire
Montell Douglas joined the BBC reboot of Gladiators as she took on the alter ego of Fire to show off her power and strength.
The 37-year-old previously competed in the Olympic Games, making sporting history to become the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
She is a former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, and held the British woman's record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds, smashing the previous record which was unbeaten for 27 years.
In 2010 Montell won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race in Delhi as well as holding a European Under-23 Silver Medal in 100m.
Sarah Hadland
Actress Sarah, 53, is best known as Stevie Sutton in beloved BBC sitcom Miranda but has starred in countless other shows including The Job Lot, Waterloo Road and That Mitchell and Webb Look.
She has even appeared in 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace and will next appear in BBCThree comedy Daddy Issues.
If Miranda ever returns to screens, Sarah is sure to be there.
She previously told us: "I speak to the Miranda cast all the time.
“I feel lucky to have done a job that has given me a good friend for life.
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“I’d love to do another series, but it’s up to Miranda because she writes the show. Never say never!"
Sarah will be officially unveiled soon.
Strictly's full scandal so far
Strictly Come Dancing's scandal has been growing over the past few months, with several major players speaking out about what went on. Here are the key moments of what's happened so far
16th May: Giovanni Pernice sensationally quits Strictly Come Dancing after nine years on the show.
17th May: Giovanni becomes the centre of an official investigation after three former partners – believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh – make complaints to the BBC.
16th June: Giovanni releases an official statement vowing to clear his name and denies any wrongdoing.
8th July: Strictly confirms Aljaz Skorjanec will return to the series, replacing Giovanni, after initially quitting the show two years ago.
10th July: Amanda Abbington launches fresh legal proceedings to get the rehearsal footage from her time with Giovanni, after allegedly he refused to release the videos.
13th July: Graziano Di Prima is axed from Strictly for "gross misconduct" after footage of his treatment of Zara McDermott is brought to the attention of the BBC.
Graziano quickly broke his silence, apologising for his behaviour in a statement and saying he "deeply regrets it", adding his "intense passion and determination to win might have affected his training regime."
15th July: Strictly bosses implement new duty of care protocols, including having a chaperone present throughout all rehearsals.
16th July: Zara McDermott speaks out publicly for first time. She states while the production team were "amazing to work with", she found the rehearsal room "completely different", confirming there's footage of "certain situations".
19th July: Anton Du Beke is put under the spotlight for his "1970s attitude" and treatment of female celeb stars, particularly after allegedly referring to 2009 partner Laila Rouass as a "p***" after getting a spray tan.
21st July: Paralympian Will Bayley, who has limb condition arthrogryposis, revealed he was encouraged to leap from a table during a dance routine, despite fears. The stunt caused an injury that forced him to withdraw from the show.
22nd July: MasterChef's Gregg Wallace admits he broke down in tears and got a nasty stress rash on his face during his time on Strictly in 2014.
22nd July: Despite ongoing issues, the Strictly professional cast begin rehearsals for this year's series.
23rd July: Celebrity agent Melanie Blake claims she was sexually assaulted by an unnamed pro dancer while backstage on the show, and claims she witnessed ageism, rudeness and a rough treatment to the point of injury.
23rd July: Strictly is forced to beef up security after 'an intruder scales the wall of the rehearsal studio'.
23rd July: BBC boss Tim Davie breaks his silence on the ongoing allegations against Strictly, saying he is 'deeply sorry', adding: "Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew have been part of it and had a brilliant experience.
"At the same time if someone thinks there was something wrong or they want to talk about their experience then of course we want them to raise that with us. Be in no doubt we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate."
24th July: Strictly 2023 star Krishnan Guru-Murthy holds a bombshell interview with Amanda Abbington on Channel 4 news, where she claims she was bullied, with some of the 'humilation being of a sexual nature'.
27th July: Laura Whitmore releases a statement regarding her Strictly experience, saying "I thought my experience was specific to me but I’ve since learned I was wrong".
She adds she is not part of the official complaint, but has come forward to support Amanda with the BBC, alongside others.
28th July: Laila Rouass speaks out against the accusations regarding Anton Du Beke, saying she "never felt pressured" by him and "personally insisted on six to seven hours training a day".