BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 couples confirmed: All the celebrities and their pairings

The much-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing 2024 pairings were unveiled after weeks of eager speculation.

On Saturday night (September 14), hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman introduced 15 celebrities to the iconic dancefloor, revealing their professional partners for the BBC show's milestone 20th series. Kicking off two decades of dazzling dance, the launch show was a spectacle of glitz, glamour and unforgettable performances.

In addition to unveiling the celebrity-pro dancer pairings, the launch show boasted five spectacular performances, including a lively routine from the professional dancers and cameos from the wider Strictly family, all encouraging viewers to hop on the Strictly bus. The show also celebrated Amy Dowden MBE's triumphant return to the ballroom with a special welcome back dance.

The reigning champions Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola delivered a fiery and passionate Paso Doble, while Clean Bandit and Anne-Marie provided a stunning music extravaganza. Professional dancers Lauren Oakley, Kai Widdrington, Jowita Przysta and Carlos Gu showcased a mesmerising dance routine, and the new Strictly celebrity class of 2024 dazzled viewers with a sequin-filled group number.

As the 2024 series gets underway, here's the full list of couples. Notably, pro dancers Kai, Lauren and Carlos are without a celebrity partner this year.

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

After finding out who he'd be dancing with, comedian Chris joked: "She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?" When asked by Claudia Winkleman to talk Chris through what to expect on Strictly, Dianne said: "Firstly, I am a big fan of yours. I’m so excited and honoured to be your partner. Secondly, I can’t answer that yet as I’m not sure myself how it’s going to work! But we are going to figure it out together."

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones

When asked by Claudia how he was feeling about finding out who is professional dancer is, GoCompare singer Wynne said "I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get. Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!"

Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu

Opening up about his pairing, former Coronation Street actor and X Factor winner Shayne said: "I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey. On Shayne’s competitive spirit, Nancy said: "Well I will try. Since that’s your goal, that’s my goal!"

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas

EastEnders hunk Jamie said about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year: "That’s what swung me hook, line and sinker - I don't quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole thirteen weeks." When Claudia asked Michelle about how she was feeling being partnered with a celebrity for the first time, she answered: "It's a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!"

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał

On his wardrobe choices for the show, former TOWIE star turned podcaster Pete quipped: "I'I’m in for a penny, in for a pound. I’m never going to be here again, am I?" When asked by Claudia if having Jowita by his side makes it all worthwhile, Pete enthusiastically responded: "Oh, 100%! The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it."

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe

Claudia asked Gladiators star Montell how happy she was with her pairing, to which she said: "How can you not be. I don't think there is a person on this earth who doesn't want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon." Claudia then asked what their team name was, Montell and Johannes replied: "Strictly Come Dancing, bringing the MoJo."

Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin

Tess Daly asked her what viewers can expect from her as a dancer, olympian Sam said: "I'm so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!” Nikita added: "Everybody spoke of Sam so well. She’s so lovely and she’s so caring, I cannot wait to start."

JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE

Claudia asked Amy what it was like being back in the Strictly Ballroom, Amy said: "I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing.” Claudia reminded JB that he had his sights set on Amy as his professional partner, JB grinned, "She’s brilliant, plus she’s got experience with pop stars, so I know I’m in good hands!".

Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones

Pop icon Toyah said: "I am channelling my inner Dolly Parton. I want to be totally glam the whole time. Glastonbury was fantastic but I have to say the atmosphere in here is better!" When asked by Claudia about how it feels to be partnered with Neil, Toyah said: "I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!" On Toyah’s plans to be "the first pensioner to abseil through this studio", Neil said: "I'm scared of heights but I’m up for it."

Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola

Actress Sarah said: "I am a [Strictly] superfan, I’d be taking it very seriously if I was at home! Depending on which WhatsApp group I was with, you wouldn’t be able to talk during the dances, that’s a very strict rule. You just have to be making lots of mental notes, lots of predictions!" When Claudia asked 2023 champion Vito if he thinks he can win again he said: "Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!"

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec

When asked about how delighted she was to be paired with Aljaž Škorjanec - who is back after a two year hiatus, Love Isnland Tasha said: "I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.” Aljaž said: "Enjoy and embrace every single step of it, honestly, because it's the most special show that you could ever do."

Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez

On her pairing, Morning Live star Punam said: “Oh I'm absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you've got so many years of experience. I can't wait to take you up north to bonnie Scotland.” Gorka said: “I can’t wait to go to Scotland, I love Glasgow...and I love haggis!"

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer

Claudia asked if he’s going to throw himself into the Strictly experience and football icon Paul didn’t hesitate saying: "Yeah, 100%. I’m going to have fun. If I’m not having fun, it’s not worth doing." Claudia asked Paul how thrilled he is to be paired with the longest-serving pro, Karen Hauer. Paul responded, “Yeah, I’m well happy. So pleased. You’ve put the two oldest together… and I’m one of them!"

Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova

Claudia asked Olympian Tom about his concerns regarding his delicate feet. Tom explained: "We don’t do any land stuff, no running or jumping, so I’ve never really gone against gravity in my sporting career. Running, jumping, and twisting are all totally new to me, so I’m slowly trying to build up strength in these delicate feet of mine!"

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk

Tess started by asking TV presenter Nick what made him want to take part in Strictly this year. When asked if he thought they would be a good match, Nick said: "Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder's van to race....we’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally."