Strictly Come Dancing 2020 lineup: All the celebrities revealed ahead of start date

2 September 2020, 16:33 | Updated: 4 September 2020, 15:06

The brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens later this year.

Darcey Bussell performs the 'jive' on Strictly Come Dancing

The 18th series of the award-winning entertainment show will put the sparkle back into Saturday and Sunday nights this autumn... but who will be taking part?

Here's all 12 contestants that have been revealed and everything you need to know about them:

1. Jacqui Smith

   

   Rt Hon Jacqui Smith was the twelfth and final celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

   The former Home Secretary and political broadcaster, 57, said: "I was speechless with excitement at being asked to join Strictly – and that’s very rare for me.

   "Fifty years ago, I got a bronze medal for Scottish Highland Dancing and it feels about time to return to dancing.

   "I couldn’t be in better hands with the Strictly team and I’m going to throw myself into the challenge. Watch out!"

   The former politician is best known for being the UK’s first female Home Secretary in 2007.

   Jacqui is now the Chair of the largest NHS trust in England in Birmingham and a Children’s Trust in Sandwell.

   She has become a regular political commentator on TV and radio.

2. HRVY

   

   HRVY was the eleventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

   HRVY [Harvey Leigh Cantwell] said: “Being on Strictly is going to be such an amazing experience and I’m so thankful to be taking part this year.

   “I think my mum is more excited that she’ll be able to see me every Saturday night now.”

   The 21-year-old popstar has over a billion combined streams to his name and a social following of over 10 million globally.

   He has sold out two UK and European tours and has shared the stage with Jonas Blue at Smooth’s sister station Capital’s Summertime Ball and Jingle Bell Ball.

   Born in Kent, HRVY first rose to fame after uploading his music videos to Facebook.

   He signed to Virgin EMI in 2017 and his debut album is out this year. He has previously presented on CBBC's Friday Download.

3. Maisie Smith

   

   Maisie Smith was the tenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

   Actress and singer Maisie is best known for playing the role of Tiffany Butcher-Baker on soap EastEnders.

   Maisie, 19, said: “Get me in those sequins, I can’t wait to dive into the Strictly fancy dress box this winter! This is a dream come true.”

   Maisie made her acting debut playing a young Elizabeth in feature film The Other Boleyn Girl alongside Scarlett Johansson and Eddie Redmayne.

   That same year, Maisie stormed into Albert Square as Tiffany, daughter of Bianca and now member of the long established Butcher family.

   Maisie has won numerous awards for her portrayal of Tiffany including Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actress at the British Soap Awards and Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards.

   Maisie has also released two singles in 2016 and 2017 under an independent record label.

4. Jamie Laing

   

   Jamie Laing was the ninth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

   Jamie is a television personality and entrepreneur who secured a place in last year's competition, but suffered an injury before the very first show and did not compete.

   Jaimie, 31, said: "Here we go again, hopefully this time I can last long enough so my mum can see me dance.

   "The reason I’m doing it, is to make my mum proud but all I did last year was make her even more disappointed. Let’s change that this year, can’t wait!"

   Jamie has appeared in TV series Made in Chelsea since 2011.

   Jamie is an ambassador for the YoungMinds organisation and regularly supports children’s charity Barnardos and their work in fundraising events to help vulnerable children.

   As well as his media presence, Jamie is also a successful businessman, having founded the sweets brand Candy Kittens in 2012.

5. JJ Chalmers

   

   JJ Chalmers was the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

   JJ is a television presenter, a former Royal Marine and Invictus Games medallist.

   He said: "My whole life is defined by facing challenges. Whether it's becoming a Royal Marine Commando, recovering from my injuries sustained in Afghanistan to competing in The Invictus Games.

   "Now as a TV presenter I'm lucky enough to witness some of the greatest sporting contests in the world.

   "Strictly is a whole different ball game in respect to the challenges I will face but I'm up for an adventure and at least my mum will know where I am!"

   JJ suffered life-changing injuries following an IED explosion in Afghanistan. After years of rehabilitation, JJ went on to compete in the 2014 Invictus Games where he captained the Trike Cycling team and took home three medals.

   He went on to bag a studio presenter role for the 2016 Rio Paralympics and has anchored coverage of the Invictus Games since 2017.

6. Bill Bailey

   

   Comedian, actor and musician Bill Bailey was the seventh contestant confirmed to be taking to the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor this autumn.

   Bill, 55, best known for his work on TV shows QI, Black Books and Never Mind the Buzzcocks has admitted his dance history is a “little patchy”.

   Speaking about his upcoming turn on Strictly, Bill said: “In these strange times we’re living through, it feels right to do something different and take on a new challenge. So I am delighted to be a part of this year’s unique Strictly Come Dancing.

   “My late mum Madrin would have loved it - I hope she’ll be watching.

   “I haven't been to stage school and learnt to dance. I haven't lived for the dance... I'm not really Lord of the Dance. I'm caretaker of the dance,” he joked.

   “It's going to be quite a challenge but then that's what this is about, taking on a new skill.”

7. Nicola Adams

   

   Nicola Adams OBE was the sixth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

   The 37-year-old is a double Olympic gold medallist boxer.

   Nicola said: "I’m really excited to be joining this year’s incredible line-up for Strictly Come Dancing. I’m a huge fan of the show and am thrilled to be part of something that holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts.

   "People might know me from work in the ring, but I'll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dancefloor too.

   "I also wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing; and it’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry."

   Nicola became the first female amateur boxer to win an Olympic gold medal at London 2012 and became double Olympic champion following her second gold medal win in Rio 2016 as well as being the first boxer in history to retain an Olympic title.

   Having also become World Amateur Champion in May 2016, Nicola secured a grand slam of titles, and is the only female boxer in the history of the sport to have won every major title available to her; Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth.

   In recognition of her services to boxing and unprecedented achievement, Nicola was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list. She was made an OBE in the 2016 New Year’s Honours list.

   She recently retired from the sport with an undefeated record and held the WBO female flyweight title in 2019.

8. Clara Amfo

   

   Clara Amfo was the fifth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

   The 36-year-old radio DJ and television presenter said: "As we know this year has been a real challenge and escapism through dancing is something I know we all enjoy, so to be taught by a pro and live a fantasy is something that I can’t wait to fully embrace, see you on the dancefloor!"

   Clara Amfo is a broadcaster best known for her radio and TV work.

   Clara is part of the BAFTA TV Awards presenting team. She is also a regular on the red carpet, hosting European and world film premieres.

9. Ranvir Singh

   

   Ranvir Singh was the fourth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

   The 43-year-old journalist and presenter is best known for being the Political Editor for Good Morning Britain and the anchor for ITV’s Tonight and newsreader on ITN.

   Ranvir said: "The initial feeling of being confirmed for Strictly is one of complete terror – feels like embarking on a rollercoaster, where you really want to do it but you are equally scared.

   "Hopefully after the first dance I will feel exhilarated rather than sick!"

   Ranvir has fronted several factual series including Eat, Shop, Save, and has co-presented The Martin Lewis Show Live.

   The presenter has also recently fronted Loose Women.

10. Max George

    

    Max George was the third celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

    The 31-year-old singer and actor said: "Buzzing to be on Strictly this year. Not really one for the dance floor, but I take a lot of comfort in the fact that Jay McGuiness set The Wanted’s bar so low...."

    Max found success as a member of The Wanted, with the band scoring two number one singles in the UK, and reached the top three in the US Billboard charts.

    After The Wanted took a break, Max moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and starred in the sixth season of Glee as Clint. More recently he has returned to music as a solo artist.

11. Jason Bell

    

    Jason Bell was the second celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

    The broadcaster and former NFL player said: "Strictly is the epitome of British television and this year, more than ever, I’m so proud and humbled to be participating.

    "Strictly was the first show I ever watched when I moved to the UK and I’m a massive fan.

    "My six-year-old daughter never got the chance to see me run out on the field at an NFL game but she is very excited about me taking to the dance floor. I hope I can do her proud."

    The 42-year-old former professional American footballer played as a cornerback/safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys.

    He then played for the Houston Texans, where he was named a recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, one of the league's highest honours.

    He finished his professional career with the New York Giants.

    Jason now co-hosts a podcast with fellow NFL alum Osi Umenyiora. Alongside Osi, he also presents the NFL Show.

12. Caroline Quentin

    

    Caroline Quentin was the first celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

    The 60-year-old actress and presenter said: "I am thrilled and terrified in equal measure to be taking part."

    Caroline is known for a wide range of acting roles including Maddie in Jonathan Creek, DCI Janine Lewis in Blue Murder, plus star roles in Kiss Me Kate, Life Begins and Life of Riley.

    The TV star is best known for starring as Dorothy in hit sitcom Men Behaving Badly.

    Caroline has also presented a number of documentaries, as well as two very successful series of Extraordinary Homes. She recently performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2019.