DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, former England footballer Paul Merson and Olympic hockey gold medallist Sam Quek have been confirmed as the final contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2024.
TV presenter Knowles, ex Arsenal forward Merson and Morning Live host Quek were rumoured to be joining the BBC One competition, which has been mired in controversy because of complaints from former contestants.
They were revealed on the BBC’s The One Show on Monday.
Knowles, who was the 13th celebrity named, said: “I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure.
“I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything … and try not to embarrass my kids of course.”
The 61-year-old has had a long career at the BBC and is known for long-running renovation programme DIY SOS and former gameshows Who Dares Wins, which ended in 2019, Break The Safe and 5-Star Family Reunion.
He has also took part in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2018, and hosted travel programmes including the The Mighty Mississippi With Nick Knowles on Channel 5.
Outside presenting, he co-wrote 2016 action comedy Golden Years, and released his debut album Every Kind Of People – comprising covers of some of his favourite songs – in 2017.
Merson, who made his name with the Gunners, was the 14th contestant announced.
He spent 12 years at Arsenal, and had spells at Aston Villa, Walsall, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth, as well as earning 21 caps for England during his career before moving into punditry at Sky Sports.
He has been open about his struggles with drug, alcohol and gambling addiction, as well as his battle with depression.
Merson, 56, who managed Walsall between 2004 and 2006, said: “Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on.
“I’m ready to swap the pitch for the ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the glitterball trophy.”
Former Team GB hockey star Quek was named as the 15th and final contestant.
She will be taking to the dancefloor alongside her fellow Morning Live star Punam Krishan, the resident doctor of the morning show who had already been announced
Quek, 35, who won 125 international caps for the England and Great Britain women’s hockey teams and became an MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to hockey, has moved into broadcasting.
She has been a team captain on A Question Of Sport, and in 2023 co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
The Liverpudlian presenter appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016, and Celebrity Masterchef in 2020.
Quek said: “As a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting.
“I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and quickstep into the shoes of a performer. It feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.”
Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick, Olympian Tom Dean, singer Shayne Ward and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland are all taking part in the latest series.
The show will also welcome its first blind contestant, in comedian Chris McCausland, who will compete alongside JLS star JB Gill, Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, singer Toyah Willcox, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and reality TV star Pete Wicks.
The results of an investigation, launched by the BBC following allegations made about former Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice by ex-participant Amanda Abbington, has not yet been published.
Pernice denies the allegations.
On July 16, the BBC said it would introduce new welfare measures, including a chaperone who will be present “at all times” during rehearsals.
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima left the show.
He told the Daily Mail at the weekend that he “wasn’t meaning to kick” his 2023 dance partner Zara McDermott and did not know from where the Love Island star’s allegations had come from.
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