Strictly 2024's rumoured lineup as This Morning star and Hannah Waddingham hotly tipped

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is already sparking excitement with whispers of potential contestants, and Hannah Waddingham's name is being floated as a hot favourite for the BBC show. Although autumn feels like a lifetime away, speculation is rife about who will be stepping onto the dance floor for the 22nd series.

The beloved BBC dance extravaganza is said to be working on its star-studded lineup already, and while we're still on tenterhooks for the official reveal, the rumour mill is churning with talk of celebrities eager to follow in the footsteps of last year's champions, Coronation Street's Ellie Leach and her professional dance partner Vito Coppola, who triumphantly lifted the Glitterball trophy after a season of breathtaking performances.

But it's not just the celebs that fans are eagerly awaiting news on the roster of professional dancers set to grace the stage is also shrouded in mystery. Amidst this anticipation, Giovanni Pernice's future on the show hangs in the balance amidst murmurs of his "too intense" training style, highlighted by his recent stint with actress Amanda Abbington.

Let's dive into the swirling rumours and take a peek at some of the names tipped to dazzle us with their moves on this year's Strictly Come Dancing....

Hannah Waddingham

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, who dazzled audiences as a co-presenter at the Eurovision Song Contest and wowed at this year's BAFTAs, is reportedly in talks with BBC chiefs to join the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Sources close to the situation reveal that Hannah, who shares a friendship with judge Anton Du Beke and his wife Hannah, is giving the offer serious thought.

An source disclosed to The Mirror: "Hannah would be an incredible signing for Strictly this year, and so far things are looking very positive. She loves the show - she has heard so much about it from Anton and Hannah, as she is a close friend to both - and is keen to do it. It's just a question of whether or not it's possible to fit it into her schedule - obviously it's a very big commitment, and she is incredibly in demand at the moment."

They added: "Hannah is fast approaching national treasure status, and the Strictly bosses know she'd be a smash hit with fans. So they are doing everything they can to make it work on their side, and hoping that they can encourage her to sign on the dotted line - it would be a real coup for them to get her on board."

Jill Scott

Ex-England football ace Jill Scott, despite swirling rumours, did not feature in the 2023 series of Strictly. Having already conquered the jungle as the Queen in the 2022 edition of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

Could this be the year she trades her jungle boots for dancing shoes?

Gino D'Acampo

This Morning chef Gino D'Acampo, a firm favourite with the public, has been approached multiple times to join the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. His hectic work commitments have led him to decline in the past, but fans are wondering if this could be the year he accepts the glitterball challenge.

Louis Theroux

The ever-curious documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux hinted at a potential stint on the BBC dance floor last year. While chatting on the Jonathan Ross Show, he confessed: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins. And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."

Sophie Morgan

ITV's Loose Women presenter Sophie Morgan is being tipped as the perfect contestant for Strictly due to her soaring popularity. There's also buzz that she might make history as the first wheelchair user to compete in the famed dance contest.

Alan Carr

Comedian Alan Carr has regularly hinted at receiving invites to strut his stuff on Strictly. On his podcast, Life's A Beach, he candidly shared his reluctance: "I get asked to do Strictly every year. I get asked about what I think about same-sex dancing and I say no. Their eyes light up and go 'oh my god' and I say no because I'd get a lob on if I dance with Aljaz or Gorka."

Rosie Jones

Comedian Rosie Jones has previously expressed her admiration for former Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, who she says inspired her. Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV. In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me! " Could Rosie follow in her footsteps?

Vicky McClure

Could Line of Duty and Trigger Point actress Vicky McClure be ready to swap her intense dramas for the Strictly dance floor?

Known for her physical roles and ability to handle pressure, could she be the star to take home the glitterball trophy in 2024?

Perri Kiely

If Perri Kiely decides to join Strictly, he'll already have plenty of experience under his belt. The Diversity star admitted to Digital Spy that he'd love to participate in the show, saying: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."

Tom Malone Jr.

Former Gogglebox star Tom Malone Jr, who left the Channel 4 show in 2021, has also expressed interest in Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."

Munroe Bergdorf

Trailblazing model Munroe Bergdorf has set her sights on becoming the first transgender contestant to grace the Strictly Come Dancing stage. Opening up on the Make It Reign podcast, she expressed her ambition: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."

Tommy Fury

After flaunting his fancy footwork on the spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer, fans are clamouring for Tommy Fury to strut his stuff on the Strictly dance floor. Despite the public's pleas, the Love Island heartthrob hasn't yet decided to take the plunge.

Will he finally succumb?

Michelle Keegan

Following the runaway success of her Netflix hit Fool Me Once, actress Michelle Keegan is hot property, with fans eager to see her compete in Strictly Come Dancing. Her spouse, Mark Wright, who reached the final in 2014, hinted at the possibility, saying: "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."

Andrew Ridgeley

Last year, Wham! sensation Andrew Ridgeley let slip his eagerness to join the Strictly ensemble, yearning to learn the art of dance from the pros. Could this be the moment he steps into the spotlight?