Lorraine: Two new Strictly stars announced
Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland have been announced as the latest stars to shimmy onto the dance floor for Strictly Come Dancing 2024. The news was confirmed by Christine Lampard on Thursday's Lorraine.
As they sat down to chat with the ITV host, Miranda actress Sarah admitted: "I can finally tell my mum because she's watching at home and she doesn't know I am doing it."
She went on: "Every year she says, 'Do you think you'll do it this year?' and now I can say 'Yes, I will'."
"It's been a long time coming," Christine continued. "And you feel the same way, Shayne?"
The pop star replied: "It has always been there and my kids are watching at home, hello. I am just super excited, I have watched it for so many years and had such admiration for anyone who has taken part. It is not easy but I've always loved watching them progress to the next stage.
"But for me, honestly I have always felt like I was nervous to do it, like I couldn't do it or I wasn't good enough and I don't know why I had that thought. But now many years later and many years of my partner Sophie saying, 'You can', I feel in my gut it is the right time."
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When speaking about her upcoming stint and how her acting career might help, Sarah went on: "Hopefully the helpful bit will be getting into character for the style of the dance, definitely something I am not so confident in and getting used to performing live which is a big thing."
The BBC is progressively unveiling the fresh roster of celebrities set to compete in a bid to become ballroom champions, starting with Chris McCausland who was revealed as the first contestant on Monday 5 August.
While gracing the sofa on This Morning, comedian Chris shared the news and conveyed his thoughts to presenters Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson: "If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing."
He added: "I don't dance, I haven't danced, I can't dance, I can't see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Ok, don't answer that...!"
JLS star JB Gill was also announced as part of the 2024 Strictly line-up by Josie and Craig on This Morning.
On Vernon Kay's BBC Radio 2 show on Tuesday, Wynne Evans, Toyah Wilcox, and TV doctor Punam Krishan were confirmed.
While Thursday's Kiss FM Breakfast show saw hosts Perri and Jordan announcing Pete Wicks and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.
The suspense is still on for the celebrities eagerly anticipating to discover their professional dance partners. The professional lineup returning this year includes Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
After a two-year break, Aljaz Skorjanec is making a comeback to the ballroom for the 20th anniversary of the nation's favourite show.
The BBC has announced that this year's series will be particularly memorable as it marks its 20th birthday. A unique one-off programme will also be aired on BBC One and iPlayer, offering a trip down memory lane with 20 years of unforgettable entertainment, iconic performances, and heart-warming interviews with past celebrity stars, professional dancers, and judges.
Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV.
