BBC Strictly fans ask 'what is going on' as latest contestant announced on gaming platform: 'Why?'

Montell Douglas was announced as the latest celebrity taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing

BBX
Olivia Ann Gantzer

By Olivia Ann Gantzer


Published: 09/08/2024

- 17:42

The 12th contestant was announced via online gaming platform Roblox

Strictly Come Dancing has almost announced its full celebrity line-up for 2024, but the latest was revealed on a bizarre platform a lot of fans have complained they don't have "access" to.

The 12th celebrity confirmed to be taking to the iconic dancefloor this year is Gladiators star Montell Douglas, who features as Fire on the show. However, the 38-year-old's announcement came via online gaming platform Roblox.


Gladiator and Olympian Douglas was confirmed on Friday as taking part in this year's series of the iconic BBC show.

Commenting on her sign-up, she remarked: "Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started.

"Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!"

The news was revealed on the set of Gladiators filming at the Sheffield Utilita Arena and her bespoke Roblox character was also revealed on the platform on BBC Wonder Chase.

Roblox announcement

Montell Douglas' Strictly Come Dancing sign-up was announced on gaming platform Roblox

BBC/Roblox

Confirmed names have been rolling in this week, with other famous faces announced on platforms such as ITV's Lorraine or on radio stations.

Douglas joins Olympian Tom Dean, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, The X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, reality star Pete Wicks, JLS star JB Gill, singer Wynne Evans, 80s icon Toyah Willcox, BBC Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishnan and comedian Chris McCausland in this year's show.

While previous criticisms have been made about the line-up choices, the way Douglas was announced as the latest star has caused outrage with fans of the show.

The line-up update is the first ever to be made via the game creation system Roblox, which many complained they didn't have "access" to as it requires an account.

Taking to X, many shared their bewilderment. One person asked: "why tf is #strictly doing celebrity reveals via… Roblox?"

"Did they seriously reveal a strictly contestant on Roblox what the f*** is going on?" another penned.

"Strictly really said we haven’t got a celeb for kids so let’s just whack some stuff on roblox," another quipped.

Another argued: "The average age of strictly viewers being 53 (probably) and they put the reveal on f***ing roblox."

Montell Douglas

Montell Douglas has competed in the Olympics and now stars in Gladiators

Getty

"Next reveal is on Roblox, if anyone knows how to access it," someone else shared.

"I’m sorry strictly i love you but i’m not logging into f***ing roblox to see who the next celeb is," one person admitted. (sic)

Douglas has competed as an Olympic Bobsledder as well as a Team GB sprinter. In 2010, she won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race.

She'd also held the British woman's record for fastest 100m sprint. Her appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics in the Bobsledding team etched her name into sporting history as she became the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

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