BBC Strictly accused of 'drying up' as fans divided by first confirmed stars: 'Where are the well-known celebs!'

Punam Krishan, Toyah Willcox and Wynne Evans

Punam Krishan, Toyah Willcox and Wynne Evans are the latest names to be announced in the Strictly line-up

BBC
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 06/08/2024

- 13:03

Updated: 06/08/2024

- 16:16

Five celebrities from this year's line-up have been officially confirmed so far

The BBC has announced the first five contestants taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing but it seems not all are impressing the public.

So far, the celebrity line-up consists of comedian Chris McCausland, JLS star JB Gill, singer Wynne Evans, singer and actress Toyah Willcox, and TV doctor and columnist Punam Krishan.


While there are still many more names to be announced, some fans have accused the show of "drying up" in response to the early wave of names.

The latest to be confirmed on the show's official Instagram page was Krishnan, who frequently appears on BBC's Morning Live to share her medical expertise.

The announcement left fans of the show scratching their heads though as many complained they had "no idea" who the health specialist was.

"No idea who this is... I think this show is drying up," one person commented on social media.

"Where’s all the Well known celebs?" another asked, with someone else admitting: "I haven’t seen anyone I know yet."

However, others didn't mind not being familiar with everyone taking part in the competition, with one person commenting: "First one I don’t know but she sounds lovely, good luck."

A fifth shared: "I don't know who she is, but just looked on her instagram and she seems lovely and I bet her kids will love to see her on the show, good luck to her x."

"Don't know who this person is BUT that doesn't mean I can't look her up on Google and then get to know her when watching Strictly," another argued.

Wynne Evans

Wynne Evans was also announced as one of this year's Strictly Come Dancing stars on Tuesday

BBC

The professional dancers and judges have also been commenting on the posts to share their excitement, with Shirley Ballas among those responding to the latest announcement.

Krishan is Morning Live's resident GP and frequently appears on BBC Radio Scotland. Alongside being a practising NHS GP, Krishan regularly reports on health news as a broadcaster on TV, radio and national newspapers.

She has also written her own children’s book and has plans to release more in the future.

Of her sign-up to the show, Krishnan commented: "This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show.

"I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all."

Meanwhile, Evans, 52, is best known for his operatic skills and starred for years in the Go Compare adverts.

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola

Last years Strictly Come Dancing saw Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola crowned winners

BBC

Throughout his 25-year career he has had two number one classical music albums, has been a principal at most of the major opera houses around the world and has given over 200 performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Evans also has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales and has previously had radio shows on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.

"I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?" he commented.

"I'm not entirely sure how I’ll get along, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud.

"I'm definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!"

On her sign-up, Willcox, 66, remarked: "Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I'm here for every sparkly second.

"I'm used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!"

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