Strictly Come Dancing: Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek named as final three contestants in this year's line-up
Nick Knowles, Paul Merson, and Sam Quek have been announced as the last three participants in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
TV host Knowles, ex-England soccer player Merson, and Olympic champion Quek were revealed on BBC's The One Show on Monday night.
DIY SOS celebrity Knowles, aged 61, expressed his immense excitement for the opportunity to dance live on television. He described it as a completely new and thrilling adventure.
Merson, who is 56 years old and has openly discussed his battles with drug abuse, alcoholism, gambling addiction, and mental illness, expressed optimism about his chances in the upcoming dance competition. He humorously mentioned his lack of coordination and expressed a hopeful attitude about potentially winning the prestigious trophy.
Quek, 35 years old, achieved Olympic success as part of the Team GB women's hockey team in 2016. She has also served as a team captain on the show A Question of Sport and co-hosted the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool last year.
She expressed her excitement to be a part of this iconic show and step into the role of a performer. It feels like a dream come true, but she is fully prepared for the journey ahead.
More participants joining the show in the upcoming month are Punam Krishan, who is known as the doctor on Morning Live, Montell Douglas, who is not only a Gladiator but also an Olympian, Jamie Borthwick, the actor from EastEnders, Tom Dean, an Olympic swimmer, Shayne Ward, a singer, and Sarah Hadland, known for her role in Miranda.
Comedian Chris McCausland is set to make history as the first blind contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Joining him in the competition are JLS star JB Gill, Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, singer Toyah Willcox, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri, and reality TV personality Pete Wicks.
Presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be back this year, alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke.
Since its inception in 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has consistently been a popular show among viewers, attracting nearly 10 million viewers for the final episode last year.
The findings of a BBC inquiry have not been released to the public.
Pernice, who is 33 years old, is currently refuting the accusations and claims that he is working together with the company.
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A different participant in the 2023 competition, Love Island celebrity Zara McDermott, claimed that dancer Graziano Di Prima had purposely kicked her.
Di Prima, who has exited the program, confessed to the kick - later explaining that it was unintentional - and stated that he had expressed his regrets.
Television host Laura Whitmore shared that she experienced "inappropriate behavior" while working on the show in 2016. The ex-Love Island presenter was paired with Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC has introduced new policies for the upcoming series, including a supervisor who will be there "at all times" during rehearsals to ensure the well-being of participants.
