James R | On 16, Aug 2021

The line-up of contestants taking to the floor for 2021’s Strictly Come Dancing has been revealed, and Adam Peaty, Nina Wadia and Robert Webb are leading the line-up.

Peaty is fresh from winning at the Tokyo Olympics, while Nina Wadia is known for not only starring in Goodness Gracious Me but also EastEnders, while Robert Webb will be recognised from Peep Show and Channel 4’s Back.

Produced by BBC Studios, Strictly will return to BBC One for its 19th season this autumn, once again bringing glitter and glamour to Saturday and Sunday nights. And while the air date is some way off from being confirmed, all 15 celebrities taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing have now been revealed.

Here are the dancers:

Adam Peaty

Adam Peaty MBE is an Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth British swimming champion.

Adam says: “I think this will come as a surprise to a lot of people, but I’m so excited to finally share the news that I’ll be joining Strictly this year. I’m really looking forward to doing something totally different and challenging myself away from the pool. I’m hoping my competitive nature is going to compensate for my dancing abilities!”

Nina Wadia

Nina Wadia OBE is an actor.

Nina says: “I’ve always danced like nobody’s watching, so if we blindfold the judges I could actually win Strictly 2021.”

Robert Webb

Robert Webb is an actor and author.

Robert says: “I am ludicrously excited to be taking part in Strictly this year. It’s a big, generous, joyful show and I can’t wait to get packed into a spandex onesie and fired from a glitter cannon directly at Claudia Winkleman. At least I think that’s what happens. My goal is to try and survive from week to week without causing serious injury to myself or innocent bystanders. I know it’s going to be a challenge. To do well in this competition is a test of character, although mainly it’s a test of dancing.”

Judi Love

Judi Love is a comedian and presenter.

Judi said: “I think I am still in shock that I will be part of this amazing show. I’ve watched it for many years and admired the phenomenal abilities of these dancers and celebrities that have taken part and dedicated themselves to learning a new craft. I’m truly looking forward to pushing myself in something that I could have only dreamed of doing and now it’s actually coming true!! I can’t lie I’m soooo nervous but excited at the same time!!”

Ugo Monye

Ugo Monye is a broadcaster, sports pundit and former England rugby player.

Ugo Monye says: “What a dream come true! Strictly is the biggest entertainment show on TV and I can’t wait to show everyone I’ve got more than just dad dancing moves. My two beautiful daughters never had a chance to see me on the rugby pitch, so to know they can watch me waltzing and twirling every week is really special to me. I love an outfit at the best of times, so bring on the sequins!”

Rose Ayling-Ellis

Rose Ayling-Ellis is an actor.

Rose said: “To be the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing is sooooo exciting.. and a little bit scary. It is the hardest secret I have ever had to keep so it feels amazing to finally have this out in the open! I hope I will do the deaf community proud and break down more barriers. But I am also very excited to learn an incredible new skill and even better I get to learn whilst wearing beautiful dresses made especially for me!”

Greg Wise

Greg Wise is an actor, writer and producer.

Greg says: “My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly five years ago in a glitter ball coffin. This is for her. My gorgeous Diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this. I will channel her, as her bro can’t dance – but I’m thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh…”

Tilly Ramsay

Tilly Ramsay is a chef, social media influencer and CBBC presenter.

Tilly said: “I’m so excited and grateful to be joining the Strictly family! I’m always up for fun new challenges and this will be my biggest adventure yet. I’m going to put my heart and soul into this and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on and show my Dad how it’s really done. Bring on the glitz, glamour and sequins!”

Katie McGlynn

Katie McGlynn is an actress.

Katie McGlynn says: “It’s been so hard keeping it a secret, but I can finally say that I’m getting ready to shake my shimmy and become part of the Strictly family! I’m really not a dancer, but I’m so excited to learn a new skill on this crazy journey and cannot wait to slip into some sequins along the way. Although I do get to have so much fun as an actress, a lot of my roles have involved quite serious and challenging storylines, so I’m fully ready to let my hair down and do something different, even if it is completely outside of my comfort zone. I can’t promise that I’ll be the best, but I’m going to give it 110% on the dance floor! As long as I don’t fall over I’ll be happy.”

Dan Walker

Dan Walker is a presenter, writer and broadcaster.

Dan says: “I am definitely excited, a little bit worried, mostly terrified and a small part of me is considering going into hiding! My kids have only ever asked me to go on two shows – Saturday Mash Up and Strictly. I did Saturday Mash Up this summer so… it’s time to embrace the sequins.”

Sara Davies

Sara is an entrepreneur and television personality.

Sara Davies says: “My Mam and Dad are going to be so excited. I’m really nervous because so far the producers keep asking me if I can dance. Truth be told – I haven’t got a clue! I’ve not danced since I did ballet lessons when I was little. The business world has taught me that tenacity, drive and determination deliver results, I hope that I can bring that to the dancefloor. And I’m excited to see the impact of all those hours of training on my mum-tum!”

AJ Odudu

AJ Odudu is a TV presenter.

AJ Odudu says: “I am beyond chuffed that I am going to be on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and I’m so glad I can finally tell my mum. Her face will be a picture, she’s going to be over the moon! I absolutely love the show and am fully committed to making the most of every second of the Strictly experience. Bring it on!”

Rhys Stephenson

Rhys Stephenson is an actor and children’s TV presenter.

Rhys says: “I am BUZZING to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021. I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation. I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig’s glare! I am READY!”

John Whaite

John Whaite is a chef, TV presenter and cookery author.

John says: “I’m so grateful, excited, and nervous to be joining the Strictly 2021 family. I’ve been wearing sequins and jazzy attire since I was three years old and can’t wait to hurl myself, full throttle, around the most glamorous dance floor on earth. What’s more exciting for me, is that I’m going to be one half of the first all-male partnership, which is a great step forward in representation and inclusion. Whoever it is I’m paired with, I hope they are up for a challenge as I want our routines to include lots of spectacular lifts!”

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