Stage stars join Strictly Come Dancing line-up

The initial flurry of names joining Strictly Come Dancing has been revealed.

Alex Kingston, who has a range of theatre and TV roles on her credits list, was confirmed this evening. Kingston was last seen on stage in the RSC’s production of The Tempest in early 2023, with other credits including An Enemy of the People at Nottingham Playhouse and Admissions at Trafalgar Studios. TV credits include Doctor Who and A Discovery of Witches. 

In a statement to the BBC, Kingston said: “Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!”.

Also confirmed today is TV personality and presenter Dani Dyer, who starred in Nativity! the Musical back in 2018 at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith. Also confirmed are Gladiators star any Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey as well as former professional footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Dyer added: “Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.”

Strictly Come Dancing is a UK reality show where celebrities partner with professional dancers to perform ballroom routines. A panel of judges and public votes decide who stays. The new series begins this autumn.

Expect more names shortly.

Update: It’s now been revealed that Balvinder Sopal, EastEnders and My Beautiful Laundrette star, has also joined the line-up, as well as Drag Race star La Voix, former England rugby union player and captain Chris Robshaw, model, actor and influencer Ellie Goldstein and British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star George Clarke. 

Also newly confirmed is businessman Thomas Skinner, TV presenter Vicky Pattison and Neighbours star Stefan Dennis.

The final line-up will include Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, sports presenter and Lioness Karen Carney, and broadcaster Ross King.