The first Strictly Come Dancing 2022 contestants have been announced just one month before the 20th series of the popular BBC reality show hits screens.
It’s that time of year again!
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 will hit screens this September after a nine-month-long break, much to the delight of its devout fanbase.
This year will see the popular BBC reality series celebrate its 20th anniversary on the air, after an incredible 366 shows and a repertoire of TV awards. The first episode of Strictly 2022, which will be filmed on September 7, is expected to be broadcast on the weekend of September 10.
Despite its milestone birthday, the format of the upcoming contest will remain largely unchanged from previous seasons. The Strictly judges 2022 lineup will see Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse all reprise their seats on the panel, while Bruno Tolioni will once again be replaced by Anton Du Beke.
(Image credit: BBC/Strictly Come Dancing)
As per tradition, tickets to the launch show will be distributed randomly via a draw. Fans are invited to apply for a seat in the studio audience from now until 10 pm on August 7 through the official BBC website (opens in new tab).
As for the celebrity dancers, two famous names have already been released into the public domain. Will Mellor was announced as the first Strictly 2022 contestant on Thursday, with Kim Marsh being confirmed to join shortly after.
All the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 contestants confirmed so far
English actor Will Mellor was confirmed as the first of the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 contestants on Thursday. Best known for his role of him on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, the 46-year-old revealed that he’s ‘chuffed’ to be taking on the enormous ‘challenge’ after years of watching the glitzy show at home. He went on to credit his beloved mother, Shirley, as his main motivation for signing up.
“It’s my mum’s favorite show so she’s had it really tough over the last few years so I thought we’ll do this,” he said.
The Mancunian TV star, who has also appeared on Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, tragically lost his father, Bill, to cancer in April 2020. Left with a renewed mindset by the grief, he is now determined to “grab life” and “do things that frightens me a little bit.”
(Image credit: BBC)
Kym Marsh has been confirmed as the second Strictly Come Dancing 2022 contestant. Best known for her role as Ella as Michelle Connor on Coronation Street, the 46-year-old revealed that she considered joining the dance competition for “years” but was unable to sign a contract because “timings never worked out.”
“I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pajamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!” she gushed.
(Image credit: BBC)
While Kym has never been a professional dancer, she’s no stranger to the world of live gigs. The talented vocalist was previously a member of the band Hear’Say, which was created in 2001 on the ITV reality show, Popstars. The group regularly included simple choreography in their performances before their highly-publicized breakup in 2002.
Strictly Come Dancing 2022’s rumored contestants
With just two Strictly Come Dancing 2022 contestants confirmed, fans are desperate to know Kym and Will’s competition on the show’s highly-anticipated 20th series. Several celebrities have already been speculated to join the soap stars, with names like Helen Skelton, Tom Daley, and Dawn French all swirling in the Strictly rumor mill. Mike Tindall, Steph McGovern, and George Webster have also been thrown into the ring.