Strictly Come Dancing has been thrown into chaos over the last couple of months as former contestants have come forward to speak about their time on the show - with Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima already being axed over certain allegations.
Despite the show's uncertainty, BBC bosses are still looking forward and have hope for the show's future, especially since they are adamant the new chaperone rules will help with the celebrities who sign up.
Bookmakers Gambling.com have given their predictions and odds as to who they think will be taking part in this year's show, with some big names being thrown into the mix.
Tommy Fury - 8/11
The boxer found fame during his stint on Love Island after falling in love with Pretty Little Thing ambassador and business-savvy influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
Fans have been urging Tyson Fury's younger brother to take part in the show since he left the Spanish villa in 2019, however, after getting engaged to Hague last year it seems his plans for the show could be a way off yet.
A source close to the star previously told Heat World: "Molly-Mae is adamant she doesn’t want Tommy doing Strictly, as she just doesn’t feel their relationship is ready for it.
"She knows if he took part, there would be a lot of scrutiny and speculation, because of what happened last year and she doesn’t want anything overshadowing their wedding."
Ralf Little - 4/7
Little left his long-term role on Death in Paradise this year and left fans devastated that he will no longer be at the helm playing DI Neville Parker.
Could he be trading in his detective skills for some new ballroom shoes and learning his way to Tango through the competition?
Shona McGarty - 4/6
McGarty is best known for her role as Whitney Dean in the BBC soap opera EastEnders and has been a staple name since 2008, however, recently departed from the show after a long-running storyline which tackled infant loss.
Now that McGarty is free from her role on EastEnders, this could be the perfect opportunity for her to join the show hot off the heels of her former co-star Bobby Brazier who made it to the final last year with Dianne Buswell.
The rumours have began to swirl as to who will join the cast this year
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Danny Cipriani - Evens
Last year, Cipriani danced the Cha-Cha with professional Jowita Przystal and scored an impressive 37 out of 40 — including one perfect ten during the Christmas special.
A source recently told DailyMail: "Danny proved he had the moves in the one-off special and Strictly would love to have him back. It was an experience he enjoyed and Danny's family and friends have been pushing him to say yes.
"Danny's got Bear Hunt on Netflix out next year so he's free and able to take part. He's coming back to the UK for a face-to-face meeting."
Martin Roberts - 5/4
The Homes Under the Hammer host appeared to tease his involvement in the show during the TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) awards earlier this month.
He told The Independent: "I should worry about what I eat because I had a health scare. I need to look after myself better. And certainly, if I get this TV show later in the year. I’ll have to get super fit."
Phil Taylor - 11/8
Darts champion Taylor has previously stated that he would love to take part in ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, but admitted that he would worry about joining the dance competition.
He previously told The Sports Betting Community’s OLBG blog: "I would like to do the jungle – I'm not so sure about Strictly, although it would do me the world of good and get me fit."
Cat Deeley - 6/4
Deeley recently began her role as presenter on This Morning after Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield stepped down from their roles.
Recently speaking with judge Anton Du Beke, she revealed: "You have not seen me dance, I have no rhythm. I am completely inflexible. It’s no good."
Ben Shephard cheekily quipped: "It hasn’t stopped half of the people he’s danced with over the years, did you see Kate Garraway dance?"
Many celebs are still excited to join despite the ongoing scandal
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Louis Theroux - 2/1
The documentary maker has teased his willingness to appear on the show many times over the years, once again confirming his fan's dreams when speaking with Jonathan Ross last year.
"I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins. And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Hannah Waddingham - 5/2
The Games of Thrones and Ted Lasso star is good friends with Du Beke and his wife Hannah, and earlier this year was reportedly said to be seriously considering taking a spot in the competition.
An insider told the Daily Mirror: "She loves the show - she has heard so much about it from Anton and Hannah, as she is a close friend to both - and is keen to do it.
"It’s just a question of whether or not it’s possible to fit it into her schedule - obviously it’s a very big commitment, and she is incredibly in demand at the moment."
Harry Clarke - 3/1
The Traitors star shot to fame on the BBC show after managing to fool all of his co-stars and beat them to the final, taking home £95,000.
Clarke already has an in on the show after becoming friends with host Claudia Winkleman, leaving a source to tell The Sun at the time of his win: "Strictly is still four months away and there's still so much to play for, but The Traitors are obviously at the forefront of everyone's mind.
"It would also be a nice tie-in given both shows are hosted by Claudia Winkleman."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Nick Knowles is said to be the first "confirmed" contestant this year
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On Wednesday night it was reported that DIY SOS star Nick Knowles had "confirmed" his role on the show and, despite the ongoing misconduct scandal, is set to compete after "months of talks".
A BBC source reportedly told The Mirror the presenter is taking part in the show, while another insider told The Sun that Knowles "has always loved Strictly" and that he's "excited".
They added: "He's got a great personality, is incredibly driven and competitive and is up for giving anything a crack. He’s going on the show to entertain and to win. He'll give it his best shot."
Other names which have reached the rumour mill are presenter Rylan Clark, Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar, BBC presenter Clive Myrie, Coronation Street star Helen Worth, singer Perrie Edwards, TV chef Gino D'Acampo, comedian and presenter Alan Carr, Diversity member Perri Kiely and Michelle Keegan.
