Next Four Celebrities Announced

Four new Strictly celebrities were announced today.

First up is comedian Bill Bailey, who was announced on Zoe Ball's show on Radio 2. Bill is very musical, so you would hope that he can at least count in 4s (or 3s for the waltzes!). He's well known and funny, so will likely get the public onside quickly.

Next up is Invictus medallist, presenter and former Marine JJ Chalmers. I have not personally come across JJ on TV before, so I have no idea what he might bring to the table. As a former military man, I would expect him to have the determination and tenacity of a sports person.

The return of 2019 participant Jamie Laing was announced on This Morning. Jamie was keen to return following his premature exit last year. It will be interesting to see if he is still paired with his original partner Oti, or if they'll put him with someone else this time around. I'm glad they have found a place for him in this year's group.

Also announced on This Morning was EastEnders actor Maisie Smith. Maisie is not a newcomer to the Strictly dancefloor - she appeared on last year's Children In Need special, and raised the glittery Pudsy alongside Kevin Clifton. With Kevin no longer a part of the show, she'll be partnered with someone else, but she looked pretty handy on the dancefloor, so I'm sure she'll adapt to someone new.

With a shorter series, you would expect fewer participants. We have 10 so far, but the line-up is still not complete. There cannot be more than one or two still to come.