Strictly Come Dancing 2020 Line-Up: Meet This Year's Celebrity Contestants

16 October 2020, 14:55

The Strictly Come Dancing 2020 line-up has been announced. Picture: PA

Strictly Come Dancing 2020 is going to be an entirely different series, but which celebrities are on the line-up? Here’s who will be in the new series...

Strictly Come Dancing 2020 has a number of changes to its format, but the celebrity line-up of contestants is set to be as big as ever.

The show has revealed who is on the 2020 Strictly line-up, with pop star Max George from The Wanted and boxing champion Nicola Adams OBE among the celebrities, as well as Jamie Laing – who had to drop out of last year's series due to an injury.

Who is taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year? Here are all the names of stars confirmed.

Who is on the Strictly Come Dancing 2020 line-up?

Jacqui Smith

The UK's first female Home Secretary and Political Broadcaster Jacqui Smith was unveiled to be the 12th Strictly contestant.

"I was speechless with excitement at being asked to join Strictly – and that’s very rare for me. Fifty years ago, I got a bronze medal for Scottish Highland Dancing and it feels about time to return to dancing. I couldn’t be in better hands with the Strictly team and I’m going to throw myself into the challenge. Watch out!”.

HRVY

HRVY, real name Harvey Leigh Cantwell, is this year's Strictly pop star with songs including 'Unfamiliar' and 'Talk to Ya'.

The 21-year-old, who has performed at Capital's Summertime Ball and Jingle Bell Ball, said of his upcoming dance challenge: “Being on Strictly is going to be such an amazing experience and I’m so thankful to be taking part this year. I think my mum is more excited that she’ll be able to see me every Saturday night now.”

Maisie Smith

EastEnders' Tiffany Butcher actress and TikTok star Maisie Smith has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2020, after showing off her impressive dance moves for the past year on social media.

Maisie grew a huge following on TikTok this year after putting on a number of routines by herself and with her mum.

"Get me in those sequins, I can’t wait to dive into the Strictly fancy dress box this winter! This is a dream come true," she said.

Jamie Laing

One year after he had to bow out of Strictly due to sustaining an injury in the launch show, Made in Chelsea star Jamie is back for 2020.

He said of his return: "Here we go again, hopefully this time I can last long enough so my mum can see me dance. The reason I’m doing it, is to make my mum proud but all I did last year was make her even more disappointed. Let’s change that this year, can’t wait!"

JJ Chalmers

Former Royal Marine and Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers is a TV presenter with an inspiring backstory after he sustained life-changing injuries in an explosion in Afghanistan.

He went on to compete in the Invictus Games, where he found a love of presenting after becoming a spokesperson for the event, and now presents on BBC Sport.

JJ said of his upcoming ballroom challenge: "My whole life is defined by facing challenges. Whether it's becoming a Royal Marine Commando, recovering from my injuries sustained in Afghanistan to competing in The Invictus Games. Now as a TV Presenter I'm lucky enough to witness some of the greatest sporting contests in the world. Strictly is a whole different ball game in respect to the challenges I will face but I'm up for an adventure and at least my mum will know where I am!”

Bill Bailey

Comedian, musician and actor Bill Bailey, best known for shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks, is also on the Strictly Come Dancing line-up this year.

Bill said "it feels right to do something different and take on a new challenge" during these strange times.

Nicola Adams OBE

Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams is set to make history with her Strictly Come Dancing appearance, amid reports she'll be paired with a female professional dancer.

The 2020 same-sex couple is a groundbreaking move for The BBC, and Nicola appeared to confirm the rumour when she tweeted: "The calm before the storm," one day before it was confirmed she'll be in this year's ballroom.

Ranvir Singh

GMB’s Ranvir Singh is joining Strictly Come Dancing

Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh is on this year's Strictly line-up, following in the successful footsteps of co-star Susanna Reid who was runner-up with Kevin Clifton in 2013.

She said of her excitement for the new series: "The initial feeling of being confirmed for Strictly is one of complete terror – feels like embarking on a rollercoaster, where you really want to do it but you are equally scared. Hopefully after the first dance I will feel exhilarated rather than sick!

Clara Amfo

Radio DJ Clara Amfo, 36, said she "can't wait to embrace" the Strictly experience.

The radio host and TV presenter said: "As we know this year has been a real challenge and escapism through dancing is something I know we all enjoy, so to be taught by a pro and live a fantasy is something that I can’t wait to fully embrace, see you on the dancefloor!”

Clara was the fifth contestant to be confirmed for the new series.

Max George

As you all probably know, Max shot to fame as a member of 'The Wanted' who had enormous success with tracks including 'Glad You Came' and 'Chasing The Sun'.

His bandmate, Jay McGuiness, won the 13th series of Strictly in 2015.

After The Wanted took a break, Max moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and starred in the 6th season of Glee as Clint. More recently he has returned to music as a solo artist.

About joining the show, Max said: "Buzzing to be on Strictly this year. Not really one for the dance floor, but I take a lot of comfort in the fact that Jay McGuiness set The Wanted’s bar so low....”

Jason Bell

NFL star Jason Bell, who was previously in a relationship with Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle for 11 years, is battling for the Glitter Ball trophy this year, after Strictly became his UK TV obsession as soon he relocated here.

As it was announced on The One Show he'll be taking part, Jason said: "My 6 year-old daughter never got the chance to see me run out on the field at an NFL game but she is very excited about me taking to the dance floor. I hope I can do her proud."

Jason's lifelong career was as a professional American Football player, playing for the New York Giants before he retired from the game.