Strictly Come Dancing has signed more reality TV stars than ever before in its 20-year history, as the show grapples with a growing crisis. Love Island's Tasha Ghouri and TOWIE's Pete Wicks are among the latest contestants announced for the 2024 series.
Tasha, 25, who finished fourth on Love Island in 2022, is only the second former Islander to join Strictly, following Zara McDermott last year. Pete, who joined TOWIE in 2015, becomes the first star from the show to appear on the dancefloor since Mark Wright in 2014.
Sources say the BBC casting team, which has historically avoided relying heavily on reality personalities, has struggled to sign stars this year amid allegations of abuse against professional dancers. The show is under investigation after claims from Amanda Abbington and others, leading to Giovanni Pernice's departure and Graziano Di Prima's sacking.
The line-up also includes X Factor's JB Gill and comic Chris McCauseland, with Nick Knowles and Sam Quek reportedly yet to be confirmed. Only six women are in the cast this year, making up 40 per cent of the total, indicating a reluctance among female celebrities to take part.
