Strictly Come Dancing confirms Miranda star Sarah Hadland and another X Factor legend for2024 series
The next two celebrities for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing were confirmed on ITV's Lorraine on Thursday morning.
Miranda star Sarah Hadland and X Factor singer turned Coronation Street actor Shayne Ward both appeared on Lorraine with Christine Lampard to reveal the news.
Sarah, 53, made her name as Miranda's sidekick Stevie in the celebrated BBC sitcom, as well as being one of the original cast members of the multi award winning series Horrible Histories.
The comedy star has also had roles in Waterloo Road and That Mitchell and Webb Look as well as 2008 Bond movie Quantum Of Solace.
Sarah gushed: 'I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!'
Shayne, 39, shot to fame in 2005 when he won the second ever series of The X Factor. He will join fellow X Factor star JB Gill, from the band JLS, on Strictly.
Although his first and second album charted at number one and number two respectively, his third album received a lukewarm reception and disappointing sales.
Moving into the world of acting, the star joined the cast of Coronation Street as Aidan Connor from 2015 to 2018, a decade after he won the singing competition.
Shayne made his last appearance as Aidan Connor on 7 May 2018.
And the star has already had some dance practice as he also competed on Dancing On Ice back in 2013.
He most recently appeared in a Channel 5 drama called The Good Ship Murder, alongside his former Corrie co-star Catherine.
I'm buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life,' Shayne said. 'I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!'
Strictly Come Dancing fans have furiously slammed this year's lineup as 'the worst to ever exist'.
Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and TOWIE's Pete Wicks were both unveiled as part of the new series, joining comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill, 80s rocker Toyah Wilcox, Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishnan and singer Wynne Evans.
Despite the fact that this year's lineup is still being announced, many fans have already made their feelings known, complaining that they 'don't know half' of the stars taking part.
The BBC show is currently embroiled in controversy over how the professional dancers teach the celebs, with multiple accusations emerging of bullying and abusive behaviour.
Posts to X included: 'That finalised Strictly lineup may be the worst to ever exist. I can't sit through 10 weeks of Sam Quek and Pete Wicks. I can't;'
'Is it unkind to think perhaps quite a few high profile people have dropped out of Strictly this year...? The line-up has the unmistakeable feel of a b-list;'
'This Strictly lineup so far is really giving last minute replacements of bigger celebrities who have dropped out because of all the allegations...;'
The sixth and seventh celebrities were confirmed on Kiss FM on Wednesday, as Love Island's Tasha Ghouri and TOWIE star Pete Wicks.
Tasha became the first Love Island star to appear on the show with a cochlear implant, which is an electronic device she had fitted aged five.
The model is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community.
She appeared on ITV's Love Island in 2022, and since then has amassed a following of over 2.2 million across her social media network.
Tasha has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart. She is a published author with her debut novel 'Hits Different' and has her own podcast, 'Superpowers with Tasha'.
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