Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek have been named as this year’s Strictly Come Dancing final three.
TV presenter Knowles, former English footballer Merson and Olympic gold medalist Quek were announced on BBC’s The One Show on Monday night.
DIY SOS star Knowles, 61, said he was “so, so excited” and “dancing on live TV will be a whole new adventure”.
Merson, 56, who has spoken publicly about his battle with drugs, alcohol, gambling addiction and depression, said: “Hopefully my two left feet can learn a few moves and you never know, maybe I’ll take home the trophy of glitterball. “
Paul Merson has his sights set on winning the glitterball trophy. Photo: PA
Quek, 35, who won Olympic gold with the Great Britain women’s hockey team in 2016, captained the team in A Question Of Sport and co-hosted the opening ceremony of last year’s Eurovision Song Contest in his hometown of Liverpool.
She said: “I’m happy to be part of this legendary show and quickly step into the shoes of a performer. It feels absolutely surreal, but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.”
Sam Quek hailed Strictly as a ‘legendary show’. Photo: PA
Other contestants on the show, starting next month, include Morning Live doctor Punam Krishan, gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, singer Shayne Ward and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland.
Comedian Chris McCausland will be Strictly’s first blind contestant, while the remaining contestants are JLS star JB Gill, Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, singer Toyah Willcox, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and reality TV star Pete Wicks.
Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are set to return as hosts this year, while Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke are back as judges.
Strictly Come Dancing presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are returning. Photo: BBC/Ray Burmiston
Strictlywhich began in 2004, has long been a favorite with viewers, with almost 10 million people watching last year’s final.
However, the show has been embroiled in controversy recently after former contestant Amanda Abbington accused dancer Giovanni Pernice of subjecting her to “threatening and abusive” behavior before she quit last year’s series for “personal reasons”.
The results of an investigation, launched by the BBC, have not yet been published.
Pernice, 33, denies the allegations and says he is cooperating with the corporation.
Read more:
Dancers speak out about ‘brutal’ school training
Strictly star thought ‘long and hard’ before complaining
‘The line must never be crossed’ – BBC boss
Another 2023 contestant, Love Island star Zara McDermott, accused dancer Graziano Di Prima of kicking her.
Di Prima, who left the show, admitted the kick – later saying he didn’t mean to do it – and said he had apologised.
TV presenter Laura Whitmore also said she was subjected to “inappropriate behaviour” during her time on the show in 2016. The former Love Island presenter was partnered with Pernice on Strictly.
The BBC announced new welfare measures for next gradeincluding an escort who will be present “at all times” during rehearsals.
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