BBC Strictly Come Dancing: Piers Morgan tipped to take part after issuing plea to show

Speculation about who is taking part has been rife, and after the difficult few months the show has faced following heavy scrutiny over "abuse" claims, fans will be expecting a spectacular group.

Betting company Gambling.com have cut through the rumours and provided analysis and odds on who could take part in this year's series, and its entertainment expert James Leyfield noted Morgan, 59, is a favourite.

"Piers Morgan has never been a man to mince his words, and he has vowed to bring back the show's 'sparkle' by taking part in this year's series," he commented.

He went on to explain that Morgan "has issued a come-and-get-me plea to BBC bosses to sign him up for the 22nd season, and he is 2/5 to take part".

It comes as Morgan, taking to X recently, penned: "Memo to Strictly Come Dancing execs: given the snowflake virus is now threatening your sparky show's existence, I'm prepared to save the day by being a contestant but only on one condition: that whoever trains me is so tough, brutal and uncompromising that I win."

The betting expert went on to address other names that have come up in speculation, adding: "Former professional footballer-turned-pundit Paul Merson (4/6) has also been linked to this year's series, as has former Death in Paradise actor Ralf Little, who is 8/15 to swap the Caribbean's sandy beaches for Strictly's glitzy ballrooms.

"If ever Strictly needed a helping hand, it's now, and who better than DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles to step up? The TV presenter and BBC favourite is 1/2 to take part in this year's series.

"EastEnders actress Shona McGarty is also expected to take part in the popular show. The Whitney Dean actress is 4/6 to do so, while her co-star Jamie Borthwick, who is best known as Albert Square's Jay Brown, is a 5/4 chance.

Memo to Strictly Come Dancing execs: given the snowflake virus is now threatening your sparkly show’s existence, I’m prepared to save the day by being a contestant but only on one condition: that whoever trains me is so tough, brutal and uncompromising that I win.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 23, 2024

"Another daytime TV presenter who could be donning their sequins this year is Homes Under the Hammer host Martin Roberts, with 5/4 odds."

Continuing, the betting specialist added: "Strictly would also receive a massive boost, via a royal seal of approval, if they could secure the services of Zara Tindall at 2/1 or her husband Mike Tindall, who is 5/1."

Former Good Morning Britain host Morgan would be joining several of his ex-co-stars, with presenters Susanna Reid, Ed Balls, Ranvir Singh all having taken part in the dance competition previously.

Meanwhile, a "leaked" line-up of stars has also been circulating, with some names also sparking backlash.

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Strong reaction came as the show is rumoured to have signed up a trained dancer in the form of former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.

MailOnline reports Ghouri, 25, is set to be taking to the dance floor after being signed up for the show, but some have argued she has an "unfair advantage".

A source said of the potential "fix" row: "Tasha's signing has certainly raised a few eyebrows. She's a dancer by trade as well as a reality star and model, so it feels like she's too qualified to appear on the show."

Speaking to the publication, they continued to say the Love Island star is "certainly no novice" and would be far ahead of her co-stars in terms of ability when training starts.