The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing is continuing to take shape, and fans got very excited on Thursday, when the BBC confirmed the next star who would be embracing the glitter.
It was revealed that social media star and former Love Island champion Cach Mercer would be joining the star-studded line-up. Cach has attracted a major following on TikTok, where he regularly shows off his dance moves from genres including Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance.
Speaking about joining the show, Cach said: “I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!”
Fans were overjoyed with the signing, as one enthused: “Okay I’m so here for this,” while a second posted: “Ma boy, let’s go,” and a third commented: “MAN CAN MOVE YA KNOWWWWW!”
New faces
Strictly is due to return in September, and fans can expect a very different show when it heads back to our screens. Five veteran pro dancers, including the likes of Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez, have left the show’s roster, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from hosting duties at the end of the last season.
In May, it was confirmed that Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe would be taking over from the iconic duo. The trio were confirmed when Strictly’s Instagram shared a video of Emma being joined by Johannes, with Josh teaming up with the pair afterwards.
On stepping up to the plate after having previously been a dancer on the show, Johannes said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.
“This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward. To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me.”
Meet the cast
© BBCLacey Turner
EastEnders icon Lacey Turner was the first star to be confirmed for the upcoming series, with the announcement coming on 10 June. At the time of her announcement, Lacey said: “I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!
“I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”
© BBCDani Dyer
After having to pull out last year before she got to the dancefloor, Dani Dyer is back and finally ready to leave her mark on the dancefloor. Fans hoped that she would get paired with Nikita Kuzmin again, but announcements on the pairings won’t come for a few more weeks.
© BBCDelta Goodrem
© BBCChris Appleton
Stylist to the stars, Chris Appleton was the fourth star confirmed, with his announcement coming a week after it was revealed that Delta would be joining the show. Reacting to the news, one fan on social media enthused: “This is going to be epic,” while a second posted: “This line up keeps getting stronger and stronger,” and a third added: “Oh, this is so iconic.”
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