Shirley Ballas drops huge teaser about new BBC Strictly line-up amid pro shake-up and Giovanni Pernice exit

Ballas admitted some of the stars gearing up to take part would come as a "surprise" to viewers.

The 2024 professional dancers were recently revealed, and fans were stunned by the news that 2021 winner Giovanni Pernice had been "axed" from the series.

While the celebrity line-up hasn't been confirmed yet, Ballas couldn't help but tease how exciting the names are at this year's TRIC Awards.

Speaking to Express, she teased: "I am ready for sure. It's all exciting. We know we have the professionals in place and the celebrities are almost there.

"So I believe it is going to be the most fantastic line-up ever. Now you are going to be surprised by some of the people they have managed to get on the show."

While nothing has been confirmed for this year, speculation includes actress Hannah Waddingham and Lioness Jill Scott.

Sources claim Ted Lasso actress Waddingham – who co-presented the Eurovision Song Contest last year and performed at this year’s BAFTAs – has been approached in recent weeks.

An insider told The Mirror that the star is seriously considering the offer: “Hannah would be an incredible signing for Strictly this year, and so far, things are looking very positive.

They stated: "She loves the show – she has heard so much about it from Anton [Du Beke] – 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.

"Hannah is fast approaching national treasure status, and the Strictly bosses know she’d be a smash hit with fans.

"So they are doing everything they can to make it work on their side, and hoping that they can encourage her to sign on the dotted line - it would be a real coup for them to get her on board."

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The actress went on to support friend and Strictly judge Anton Du Beke at his London Palladium Show, An Evening with Anton Du Beke, and was a guest at his VIP after party.

She also supported Giovanni Pernice on his Let Me Entertain You tour.