The celebrities who have signed up for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 and star rumours after Zara McDermott’s shock statement

ALL EYES will be on Strictly Come Dancing when the film returns to the big screen later this year.

While two professionals are fired, a storm of complaints and nonsense statements are flying around, the pressure is on to increase the feel-good feeling.

These are the names ready to enter the famous ballroom amidst the chaos.

GK-BARRY

GK Barry is in talks with Strictly bosses to join the new seriesCredit: Splash

The YouTuber, known as GK Barry, had her second meeting with bosses last month.

Grace, who studied film at Nottingham Trent University, became an overnight sensation during lockdown when she started a TikTok and YouTube channel.

A source said of Grace Keeling, 24: “Grace has had two meetings with Strictly about her participation on the show.

“She has a huge following on social media and bosses think she would be perfect for the younger audience they are trying to attract.

“Grace knows this is an opportunity to become a household name, even though she is already hugely popular online.”

“She’s really eager to come on board.”

Grace has over 4.5 million followers on her social media and her podcast Saving Grace has had guests including lioness Ella Toone and TV presenters Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder and Alison Hammond.

DAVE VISWICK

Millionaire businessman Dave Fishwick has been headhunted for BBC dance showCredit: Rex

We told how Dave Fishwick, 53, who is best known for his role in the Channel 4 series Bank Of Dave, was approached by BBC bosses earlier this year and told friends he had signed a contract.

A source previously told us: “Dave is a real community hero and the best of the British.

“I think his inspiring backstory will win him new fans and draw attention to the great work he has done for people and businesses in Lancashire.

“Dave has told his friends that he has accepted the offer and he can’t wait to get started.

“For Dave, it’s a dream come true. He’s a worker who took care of himself and decided to use his success to help others.”

Dave, whose life has been made into a Netflix series, left school at the age of 16 with no qualifications.

He ran a minibus business before founding independent lender Burnley Savings and Loans in 2011.

Chris McCausland

The Sun exclusively revealed that blind comedian Chris McCausland has signed up for StrcitlySource: Getty

The Sun revealed that Strictly has signed blind star Chris McCausland for the new series, a first – after deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis won in 2021.

Chris lost his complete sight at the age of 22 due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa. He talks about the obstacles he faces.

A source said: “Strictly Come Dancing bosses are delighted with the signing and think Chris will do a great job on the show. He has a hilarious sense of humour and an infectious personality.

“Producers are keen to show disability on TV and are aware of its importance. Chris loves his job and making TV so this is the perfect project. Chris has spoken openly about his vision problems and is determined to show that it doesn’t hold him back on the ballroom dance floor.”

MARTIN ROBERTS

Homes Under The Hammer legend Martin Roberts will be taking to the ballroomPhoto: Arthur Edwards / The Sun

The Sun revealed that the 60-year-old Homes Under The Hammer presenter is in talks with bosses.

He accidentally let the news slip, telling us, “I have to worry about what I eat because I’ve had a health crisis. I have to take better care of myself.”

He then teased: “And especially if I get this TV show later this year, I’m going to have to get super fit.”

Martin has had a tough few years. At 58, he was left fighting for his life due to heart failure – and was forced to face his own mortality.

The TV favourite had mistaken his chest pains for long-term COVID and when he was rushed to hospital in April 2022, he had developed a fatal pericardial effusion.

A year later, Martin was struck by the death of his father.

DANNY CIPRIANI

Danny Cipriani swaps his rugby kit for sequinsSource: Getty

Danny Cipriani, 36, appeared in the dance show’s Christmas special last year and impressed with his footwork.

A source said of the retired Barbarians player: “Danny proved he had the skills 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 pressured him to say yes.

“Danny has Bear Hunt coming up on Netflix next year so he’s free to join in. He’s coming back to the UK for a face-to-face meeting.”

Danny is one to watch in the finals as last year he danced the Cha-Cha with professional Jowita Przystal and scored an impressive 37 out of 40, including one perfect ten.

ROMAN KEMP

Radio DJ and The One Show presenter Roman Kemp is a hot tip with the bookmakersCredit: PA

Roman Kemp is reportedly set to join Strictly after quitting his radio job at Capital Breakfast and being replaced by Jordan North.

Lee Phelps, spokesman for William Hill, said: “Roman Kemp’s emotional farewell to Capital FM last month has left punters wondering what his next career move will be, with an appearance on this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing a popular choice in the book.

“Kemp has been given a good chance to appear in the ballroom later this year, at odds of 3/1, while he is at odds of 6/1 to showcase his television presenting skills and present Good Morning Britain.”

He added: “However, a period of radio silence seems one of the most likely outcomes for Kemp in 2024, with a 4/11 chance of no radio appearance this year, but conversely a 2/1 chance of a new radio station.”

A tearful Roman bid farewell to Capital Breakfast on March 28, thanking his fans for “saving his life”.

HANNAH WADDINGHAM

Hannah Waddingham is a firm favourite with Strictly bossesCredit: Rex

According to The Mirror, Hannah Waddingham is one of the hot favourites to apply.

A source told the newspaper how BBC management have approached Hannah, 49, in recent weeks.

They said: “Hannah would be an incredible addition to Strictly this year, and so far things are looking really positive.

“She loves the show. She’s heard so much about it from Anton and Hannah, because she’s a good friend of both of them. She’s really keen to be a part of it.

HELEN VALUE

Coronation Street legend Helen Worth has made room in her diary for the BBC showCredit: PA

The Sun reported that Strictly is considering giving Coronation Street legend Helen Worth a spot on Strictly Come Dancing.

Read more on the Irish Sun

The Gail Platt actress retired from acting last month after 50 years, with her final scenes set to air later this year.

A source told us: “The only question is whether she can fit it into her schedule. It’s obviously a huge responsibility and she’s in huge demand at the moment.”