Paralympic sprinter Jonnie Peacock, magician’s assistant Debbie McGee and singer Alexandra Burke were confirmed as the final three celebrities taking part on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The trio were announced as the last three contestants on Monday night’s The One Show, and all gushed of their excitement to hit the dance floor.
Most notable on the line-up is GB sprinter Jonnie, 24 – who marks the first ever disabled contestant as a Paralympic athlete, telling hosts Alex Jones and Matt Baker that he’s hoping to ‘change the stigma’ of the series.
Run to the finish: Paralympic sprinter Jonnie Peacock (above) was confirmed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing on The One Show on Monday
Here come the girls: Jonnie joined magician’s assistant Debbie McGee (L) and singer Alexandra Burke (R) in the final three celebrities on this year’s line-up
Confirming three celebrities on the line-up, GB sprinter Jonnie was confirmed to be hitting the floor – and the first ever Paralympic athlete to take part.
Speaking of his history making, he excitedly told Alex and Matt: ‘This is the first time they’ve got a disabled person, so I think it will be really good, and I hope we can change some of the stigma.’
The athlete went on to explain how he will partake in the show, and revealed he may have to have a special leg made – but joked it was his dancing ability that was more of a concern.
Making history: The sprinter, 24, is the first ever Paralympic athlete to be taking part on the beloved BBC show, and admitted he hopes to ‘change the stigma’ of the series
Proud: Speaking of his history making, he told Alex and Matt: ‘This is the first time they’ve got a disabled person, so I think it will be really good, and I hope we can change some of the stigma’
He said: ‘A professional came to check out the restrictions of my sprinting leg, but I think she realised quickly it was me that was the restriction!
‘I don’t know if i’ll be able to use my sprinting leg but I might have to get something made for more intricate dances such as the jive.’
However, he went on to joke that he has never been a good dancer and does not expect to win – instead wanting the experience of learning a new skill.
Busting a move: The athlete revealed he may have to have a special leg made for certain faster dances – but joked it was his dancing ability that was more of a concern
Get into the groove: He joked on the show: ‘I’m always last person on the dance floor as I’m either paralytic, or stood by the bar! So I wanted to challenge myself’
He added: ‘I’m always last person on the dance floor as I’m either paralytic, or stood by the bar! So I wanted to challenge myself. Experiences like this help you grow as a person.’
The sprinter is best known for bagging the gold medal for the T44 Men’s 100m at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 games.
A number of sporting giants, including Mark Ramprakash, Darren Gough, Greg Rutherford and Louis Smith have appeared on the show in the past, but Jonnie is the first Paralympian to be signed up.
Man of the hour: Jonnie, from Cambridge, bagged the gold medal at both the London 2012 (above) and Rio 2016 Paralympic games in the T44 Men’s 100m
However back in 2014, Strictly did air a Sport Relief special, which saw four Paralympic athletes hit the floor – blind footballer David Clark, javelin thrower Nathan Stephens, wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft, and sitting volleyball player Martine Wright.
The British ‘blade runner’, who had his right leg amputated below the knee when he was five after contracting meningitis, added that he hopes to change perceptions of disability.
He said: ‘The opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability to take part in Strictly’s main show was too good to turn down.
Inspiration: The ‘blade runner’, who had his right leg amputated below the knee when he was five after contracting meningitis, added that he hopes to change perceptions of disability
‘I’ve got no previous dance history outside of the occasional “worm” at a mate’s party and I know this will be a challenge and a new experience. I can’t wait to see what I can achieve and how far I can push myself.’
Cheering him on during the Saturday night live shows is likely to be his girlfriend of five years, Sally Brown, who is also a Paralympic runner.
It is understood the athlete – who also won the 100m at the Birmingham Athletics Grand Prix last weekend – wants to be treated the same as his rivals and has made no special requirements regarding his coaching.
Dynamic duo: Cheering him on during the Saturday night live shows is likely to be his girlfriend of five years, Sally Brown (above), who is also a Paralympic runner
However, those closest to Peacock will be all too aware of the risks of taking part in the contest, with the intense dance training putting extra pressure on his stump.
Earlier this year German Paralympic runner Heinrich Popow took part in Germany’s version of Strictly, Let’s Dance – but had to bow out of the contest due to a swelling on his stump.
Additionally, 11-time Paralympic gold-medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson spoke out during last month’s World Championships about the difficulties amputees face in avoiding injury.
Strain: However, those closest to Peacock will be all too aware of the risks of taking part in the contest, with the intense dance training putting extra pressure on his stump
‘For amputee sprinters, it’s very difficult,’ she told the BBC. ‘If you have any bruising or the slightest mark on your stump you can’t train.
‘It changes everything you do. As an amputee, you have bone and soft tissue without the joints and bits protecting it. Long-term, that’s tough on the body. That area of skin can be really hard to heal – you could be out for six months or a year.’
Joining Jonnie on the line-up was Debbie McGee – who has been confirmed just one day after rumours emerged she had signed up, in her late husband Paul Daniels’ memory.
Next in line: Joining him on the line-up was Debbie McGee – who has been confirmed just one day after rumours emerged she had signed up, in her late husband Paul Daniels’ memory
Big fan: The star, 58, could not contain her excitement, stating: ‘When Paul was on the show I was really jealous, so when they rang and asked whether I wanted to do it it was a 100% yes’
Excitedly dancing to greet Alex and Matt, the 58-year-old could not contain her excitement, stating: ‘When Paul was on the show I was really jealous, so when they rang and asked whether I wanted to do it it was a 100% yes.’
Having already started rehearsals, the blonde then confessed that she had been ‘having a ball’ so far, but that her dancing still needs some work.
She laughed: ‘During the first day of rehearsal I trod on people’s toes, so I hope I don’t do that on Strictly!
Iconic: Debbie is best known as the assistant and romantic partner of magician Paul Daniels (above) who rose to fame following their series The Paul Daniels Magic Show in 1979
RIP: Paul himself appeared on Strictly back in 2010, and Debbie is believed to be taking part on the show now in his memory – following his death to a brain tumour last year, aged 77
‘It’s so exciting. It’s very nerve-wracking but we’ve all had a ball already and everyone really gets on, they couldn’t shut us up!’
Debbie is best known as the assistant and romantic partner of magician Paul Daniels.
The pair met back in 1979 at rehearsals for his show in Great Yarmouth, and the pair went on to star in their own BBC series The Paul Daniels Magic Show later that year, which rocketed them to national fame.
Having a (glitter) ball: Speaking of her first rehearsal, she said: ‘It’s so exciting. It’s very nerve-wracking but we’ve all had a ball already and everyone really gets on, they couldn’t shut us up’
Graceful: In her youth, Debbie trained a ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet School, and was even the artistic director of her own ballet company for three years
Paul himself appeared on Strictly back in 2010, and Debbie is believed to be taking part on the show now in his memory – following his death to a brain tumour in March last year, aged 77.
A source told The Sun of her appointment: ‘Debbie has wanted to do the show for years.
‘She has told friends she is doing it for Paul and is going to take it incredibly seriously. She wants to put the fun back in her life for the first time properly since he died.’
She’s ready all-white! Alexandra Burke completed the line-up, squealing with delight as she emerged in the One Show studios in a stylish white suit
Ready for the challenge: She said: ‘It’s so different, I’m a singer not a dancer! Any dancing I’ve done is completely different to this, so it will be such a challenge for me’
In her youth, Debbie trained a ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet School, and was even the artistic director of her own ballet company for three years.
Rounding up the star-studded line-up was singer Alexandra Burke, who squealed with delight as she emerged in the One Show studios in a chic white suit.
While she has forged a successful career in pop, the 28-year-old admitted she had never done anything like Ballroom and Latin, meaning the series will be a ‘huge challenge’.
No stranger to the stage: Alexandra won The X Factor back in 2008, and is currently touring the UK in Sister Act – choreographed by Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood
Chic: Alexandra certainly exuded the glamour needed for Strictly as she left the BBC studios after the announcement, in a stylish white suit
Sterling effort: She tied her look together with shimmering silver court shoes, which added height to her already statuesque frame
Fit for the job: Alexandra showed off her enviably slender figure in the skimpy bralet and trouser combo – proving to be fit as a fiddle ahead of her appearance on the show
Grateful: The brunette happily signed autographs after her appearance
Feeling good: Alexandra appeared over the moon as she waved excitedly at cameras
She said: ‘It’s so different, I’m a singer not a dancer! Any dancing I’ve done is completely different to this, so it will be such a challenge for me.’
Adding that she is ticking off an activity on her bucket list by appearing on the show, she continued enthusiastically: ‘I have wanted to be a part of the show for such a long time, so it really is a dream come true.’
Alexandra rose to fame as a singer – having won The X Factor back in 2008, and going on to achieve a number one album and three number one singles.
Main man: Jonnie looked equally excited about the appearance as she headed home after the show, casually clad in black jeans and a blue shirt
Equal treatment: It is understood the athlete wants to be treated the same as his rivals on the show, and has made no special requirements regarding his coaching
Glam girl: Debbie proved she was still in tip top shape in a slinky black dress, which hugged her frame to its fishtail hem
Monochrome magic: Debbie could not contain her excitement as she beamed for cameras in the dress, which featured flattering white panels down each side
Co-ordinated: She tied her look together with matching black and white heels, and a bright pastel bag
Say cheese! The blonde happily took photos with fans outside the studios following her announcement
However the beauty recently turned her attention to theatre, and is currently touring the UK in Sister Act – choreographed by Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Discussing whether he will be stricter on her because of this, she admitted: ‘He’s going to be brutal!
‘He was like that just directing the show. He’s going to be horrendous to me I’m sure! But as long as its constructive criticism, I am ready for it.’
Debbie, Jonnie and Alexandra completed the full Strictly line-up on Monday – following the confirmation of Charlotte Hawkins and Chizzy Akudolu earlier that day.
Power trio: The newly-announced contestants happily posed together outside the studios
Suits you! Anton du Beke also appeared on the show to discuss the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, and appeared in good spirits at the new appointments
Doing the honours: The final contestants were announced by One Show hosts Matt Baker and Alex Jones (above)
Glam: Former Strictly star Alex Jones dazzled in metallic pink trousers and matching loafers
Slender: She showed off her sensational figure in the ensemble, just six months after welcoming her son Teddy
Shimmying to success! Debbie, Jonnie and Alexandra completed the Strictly line-up on Monday – following the confirmation of Charlotte Hawkins (L) and Chizzy Akudolu (R)
Journalist and anchor Charlotte, 42, announced that she was competing for the glitterball trophy on the upcoming 15th series on Good Morning Britain.
After teasing audiences with a big announcement since the beginning of the show, Charlotte enthusiastically revealed: ‘The breaking news is we can announce the 11th contestant to join ‘Strictly’ is … me!’
Speaking of the exciting upcoming project, Charlotte told her co-host Richard Arnold: ‘Nobody knows, I’ve kept it a secret from literally everybody. I’m really sorry to my friends and my family. Surprise!’
Breaking news: The anchor and journalist announced the that she was competing for the glitterball trophy on the upcoming 15th series on Good Morning Britain on Monday
Speaking of the exciting upcoming project, Charlotte told her co-star Richard Arnold: ‘Nobody knows, I’ve kept it a secret from literally everybody. I’m really sorry to my friends and my family. Surprise!’
‘I did a bit of ballet’: Charlotte then admitted that she could have an advantage over other contestants thanks to her prior dance experience
She also sought advice from her other colleague Kate Garraway – who finished eighth out of 14 contestants on the show – who stated: ‘What we need to know Charlotte is, “Are you going to do well?”
‘I was a disgrace, Richard was better. Susanna was amazing. She wasn’t working with us at the time though. Can you fly the flag for ‘Good Morning Britain’?”‘ she quizzed the stunning blonde.
Charlotte then admitted that she could have an advantage over other contestants thanks to her prior dance experience.
Speaking ahead of the big TV reveal, which is already shaping up to be quite the star-studded affair, Charlotte revealed: ‘I am so thrilled to be one of the contestants on Strictly this year! I’ve always been a big fan of the show’
Holding onto a pair of slippers, the Chichester born beauty continued: ‘It is a dream come true to be taking part and I’ll be following in the footsteps of my Good Morning Britain colleagues’
She revealed: ‘I did dancing as a child. I did a bit of ballet. I do a bit of dancing round the kitchen with my two year old, but I don’t know if that counts?’
Speaking ahead of the big TV reveal, which is already shaping up to be quite the star-studded affair, Charlotte revealed: ‘I am so thrilled to be one of the contestants on Strictly this year! I’ve always been a big fan of the show.
Clearly enthusiastic, the Chichester born beauty continued: ‘It is a dream come true to be taking part and I’ll be following in the footsteps of my Good Morning Britain colleagues.
‘I’m looking forward to stepping out from behind the news desk to cha-cha-cha my way across the dancefloor!’
TV personality: Charlotte boasts quite a successful career to date after starting her broadcasting profession at ITN in 1999
Exciting: Charlotte couldn’t contain her delight as she posed for snaps
‘Breaking my own news!’ Charlotte also took to Twitter to speak of the exciting upcoming TV project
Charlotte boasts quite a successful career to date after starting her broadcasting profession at ITN in 1999.
Since then she’s worked for ITV Meridian, anchored Sunrise Live at the Olympics and presented coverage of the Diamond Jubilee and Royal Wedding.
She has also worked at Sky News for seven years on Sunrise with Eamonn Holmes.
Meanwhile, Chizzy, who played heart surgeon Mo Effanga on the hospital drama Holby City, was announced on Strictly Come Dancing’s official Twitter account, alongside a dazzling picture of herself.
‘Drumroll’: Meanwhile, Chizzy, who played heart surgeon Mo Effanga on the hospital drama Holby City, was announced on Strictly Come Dancing’s official Twitter account, alongside a dazzling picture of herself
Next in line: Chizzy, 43, was heavily rumoured to be part of the line-up
The 43-year-old TV favourite was heavily rumoured to be part of the line-up and an inside previously revealed to the Mirror: ‘She has millions of fans from Holby.’
Chizzy started on the popular series in 2012, before making her exit in June this year.
Following her character’s departure, with her love interest Mr T and son Hector in tow, the actress revealed to What’s On TV: ‘I love the show and I love Mo, but I felt it was time to spread my wings a bit. I guess I just felt the pull away from the show.
Popular: An insider revealed to the Mirror that Chizzy, who played heart surgeon Mo Effanga on the hospital drama: ‘She has millions of fans from Holby’
End of an era: Chizzy started on the popular series in 2012 (pictured in 2015), before making her exit in June this year
Shaping up nicely: Charlotte joins a star-studded line-up so far – including JLS’ Aston Merrygold (L) and The Saturdays’ Mollie King (R)
Getting his groove on: Reverend Richard Coles has also signed up for the show, and is preparing to hit the dance floor with his best shapes
Doing it for the boys: Comedian Brian Conley (L) and TV chef Simon Rimmer (R) have also been confirmed
Funny girl: Comedian Susan Calman admitted she couldn’t wait to ‘reveal all the moves she’s been practising in the kitchen to the nation’ on the show
‘There are other things being made and I didn’t want to feel like I was missing out.
The group complete this year’s star-studded line-up – including The Saturdays’ Mollie King, TV chef Simon Rimmer, comedians Brian Conley and Susan Calman, and JLS’ Aston Merrygold.
Joe McFadden, Reverend Richard Coles, Gemma Atkinson, Ruth Langsford and Davood Ghadami have also been confirmed for the new series.
Meanwhile Latin and Ballroom champion Shirley Ballas has been drafted in to replace head judge Len Goodman, who bid farewell to the show last year.
Dancefloor battle: Actress Gemma Atkinson (L) and This Morning’s Ruth Langsford (R) are also confirmed amongst others to show off their dance skills
East End to West End: Davood Ghadami, of EastEnders fame, is also set to polish his dancing shoes for the beloved BBC series
Just what the doctor added! Meanwhile Holby City’s Joe McFadden will no doubt provide some eye candy on this year’s series