Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to screens this autumn, but the recently announced line-up has already drawn criticism from some fans. While the show typically features soap stars, TV presenters, singers, and sports stars, this year's cast includes several celebrities from less traditional backgrounds.
Reality TV Stars and Unusual Choices
Two Love Island winners, Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer, are taking part this year. The dance show first featured a star from the reality dating series in 2023 and has included one every year since, but this is the first time it has featured two.
Other notable additions include celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton and Graeme 'The Dogfather' Hall, a dog expert who occasionally appears on This Morning. Both have sparked mixed reactions online.
Fan Reactions
Following Graeme's announcement on 5 August, many viewers questioned who he was, with one person accusing the BBC of 'scraping the bottom of the barrel'. Another slammed the line-up as 'boring', writing: 'Genuinely who even are half the people doing strictly this year, apart from like three people this is the most boring lineup ever'.
A third fan commented: 'This has got to be one of weakest line ups'. Similar sentiments were expressed after Chris Appleton's announcement, with one person joking: 'Looking forward to Katie Price's cleaner joining the line up'.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some viewers expressed excitement about discovering new faces. One wrote: 'I only know 5 people so far this year but I'm sure I'll love the others once they start getting their groove on.' Another said of Chris's announcement: 'Now THIS is a fun signing to Strictly!!'
A fourth fan noted: 'TBH I do not expect to know all those taking part. Sometimes a celeb you know nothing about can turn out to be an excellent contestant. Joe Sugg was a new name and face to me and he was brilliant.'
Support from Celebrities
The cast has also received support from the celebrity world. Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause commented on Chris Appleton's signing, saying: 'So exciting-you're gonna kill it', suggesting American audiences might be interested in watching the series to see him dance.
Ray Winstone also commented on his daughter Jaime Winstone's announcement, saying: 'Ray Winstone: At least you can dance better than your dad, good luck darling, enjoy yourself.' He is likely to appear in the audience, adding further star power to the show.
Full Line-up
The full line-up includes: EastEnders' Lacey Turner, Love Island stars Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer, singer Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Big Brother host Will Best, Paralympian Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, House of the Dragon's Bethany Antonia, footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, and 'The Dogfather' Graeme Hall.
