This autumn, 15 celebrities took to the Strictly Come Dancing floor for the first time, but now only four remain.
Earlier this year, fans were treated to the line-up for the dance shows 20th-anniversary series and it seems in the blink of an eye, weve reached the final and the Glitterball Trophy is within touching distance.
Initially, in classic Strictly fashion, there was plenty of excitement for the new series. However, viewers also criticised the line-up after it was revealed that there was a gender imbalance of nine male celebrities to six female stars.
This followed months of controversy for Strictly after allegations against professional dancers behind the scenes.
Giovanni Pernice denied allegations of being nasty and bullying by his former partner Amanda Abbington, while Graziano Di Prima said that he never meant to kick his partner Zara McDermott, insisting that his foot brushed her after he kicked the floor.
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Both Giovanni and Graziano are no longer in the professional line-up, but 2024 did see the return of Strictly legend Aljaž Škorjanec, who last competed in 2021.
So, as we celebrate the final this weekend, lets remind ourselves of the contestants we started out with and whos left standing.
Chris McCausland was the first celebrity to be confirmed for Strictly 2024 on ITVs This Morning after it was heavily rumoured that he would be taking part.
The comedian, who regularly appears on TV shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Would I Lie To You?, has made history as the first blind person to appear on Strictly.
If anybody out there is thinking, how the hell is he going to do that? then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing, the 47-year-old said after he was revealed to be in the cast.
I dont dance, I havent danced, I cant dance, I cant see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? OK, dont answer that¦!
Well, it would appear Chris has, in fact, done everything right, as hes made it to the final with professional partner Dianne Buswell, having been taken to the hearts of the nation over the last three months.
JB Gill first found fame with JLS when the boyband competed on The X Factor in 2008.
This hasnt been the first time that JB, 37, has taken to the Strictly dancefloor, as he won the Christmas special when he performed with Ola Jordan in 2012.
I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and loved it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me, he shared ahead of the series launch.
Im raring to go and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs “ Im here to embrace it all!
JB now celebrates being a finalist alongside pro partner Lauren Oakley.
The pop star was originally paired with Amy Dowden, but she was forced to withdraw mid-series due to injury.
The third famous face to join the cast was opera singer Wynne Evans, best known as the voice and face of the unforgettable Go Compare adverts.
The 52-year-olds career has spanned 25 years, including two number-one classical musical albums and performances at incredible venues including Londons Royal Albert Hall.
I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! Im not entirely sure how Ill get along, if all else fails Ill just have to learn the art of distraction, he said, after being revealed on Vernon Kays BBC Radio 2 show.
What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. Im 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!
Wynne and his partner Katya Jones were eliminated after Strictlys Blackpool Special.
Coming in fourth was Toyah Willcox, who fronted her eponymous band Toyah in the late 1970s and early 1980s, before going solo.
The singer and actress, 66, has been in the entertainment business for four decades, with some of her biggest hits including I Want To Be Free and Brave New World.
Wow, Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and Im here for every sparkly second, she said, shortly after performing at this years Glastonbury Music Festival.
Im used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, its a mystery¦ I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!
Toyah and her partner Neil Jones were eliminated second this year, having faced the first two dance-offs.
The fifth person to be confirmed for the cast was Dr Punam Krishan, the resident doctor on BBCs Morning Live.
As well as being a working GP in the NHS, Dr Punam regularly reports on health news across TV, radio, and newspapers.
This still doesnt feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this years show. I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that its the 20th year, I cant believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now, she said, as her Morning Live co-stars rushed to congratulate her signing.
This is so out of my comfort zone, but Im up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.
Alas, Punam was also the fifth contestant eliminated alongside her pro Gorka Márquez.
Two years after soaring to fame on Love Island, Tasha Ghouri, 26, became the sixth person to be revealed for Strictly 2024.
Tasha is the second Deaf celebrity to take part in the competition after Rose Ayling-Ellis, and has also defended her dance experience after fans complained.
Pinch me, I cant believe Im going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! Ive been watching the show since I was little “ its a firm Ghouri family favourite “ so this is a total dream come true, she said about her casting.
I know its going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor.
Having topped the leaderboard on several occasions, Tasha and partner Aljaž sailed through to the final in an epic comeback series for him.
Up seventh was former The Only Way Is Essex star Pete Wicks, who happens to be best friends with Sam Thompson, whose girlfriend Zara competed last year.
The 36-year-old admitted how scared he was of the prospect of performing in front of the nation, but insisted he was up for the challenge, having also previously taken part in Channel 4s SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying, he said.
But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so Im genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.
Pete and pro partner Jowita Przystał captured everyones hearts with their chemistry, which inevitably fuelled romance rumours throughout the series, which both parties shut down.
The podcaster and dance novice surprised everyone, but mainly himself, by making it all the way to the semi-final, just narrowly missing out on that top 4 slot, as he faced his first dance-off against Tasha in the quarter-final.
After it was heavily speculated that he would be throwing on his dancing shoes, Shayne Ward was revealed to be the eighth celebrity in the line-up.
The singer and Coronation Street actor, 39, first entered the spotlight when he won the second series of The X Factor in 2005.
Im buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. Im no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level, he said after the announcement was made on ITVs Lorraine.
No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!
Shayne and Nancy Xu were hot favourites, but were controversially eliminated seventh.
Best known for playing Stevie in the sitcom Miranda opposite Miranda Hart, Sarah Hadland became the ninth star to be confirmed for this years show.
The 53-year-old also appeared in productions including Quantum of Solace, The Job Lot, Leap Year, Brotherhood, and The Moonstone.
I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year, she said ahead of taking to the floor.
Im so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully, I can make everyone watching at home proud!
Indeed, in a nod to the iconic Heather Small tune which has become somewhat of the soundtrack to her career, Sarah has made everyone proud.
One person who is especially buzzing with her success is professional Vito Coppola who, thanks to Sarah, celebrates being in his third Strictly final, having won in 2023 with Ellie Leach.
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick became the 10th star confirmed for the line-up, following in the footsteps of several actors from the soap whove competed in the past.
Hes currently one of the longest-serving actors on the programme, having been in the cast since 2006.
I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say, he said, having competed in the festival special just last year.
Im hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and Ill be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!
Viewers were up in arms when Jamie was eliminated, as he and Michelle Tsiakkas were the ninth couple voted out.
It came as no surprise that Olympic swimmer Tom Dean would be doing Strictly as the 11th confirmed celebrity, considering he spilt the news himself shortly after winning gold in Paris.
Were sure it was a relief when he no longer had to keep his lips sealed over the BBC shows worst-kept secret!
I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first¦ but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing, he said after the news was announced on BBC Radio 1.
Bring it on!
Sadly for Tom, his Strictly journey was short-lived, as he and Nadiya Bychkova were the first couple axed, having done just two dances.
Coming in hot as the 12th star in the line-up was Montell Douglas, otherwise known as Fire from the hugely popular BBC reboot of Gladiators, which premiered last year.
As well as striking fear into the hearts of contenders who enter the arena hoping for glory, Montell, 38, is also a former Olympian and a former British record holder for the 100 metres.
Quoting a famous line from the umpire on Gladiators, she declared: Strictly ,ARE YOU READY? Fire is here to light up the Ballroom.
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 cant wait to get started. Hopefully, a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!
After a dream partnership with Johannes Radebe, Montell narrowly missed out on the semi-final, as she was eliminated 10th.
Lucky number 13 went to DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, who was one of the final celebrities to be revealed for the line-up on The One Show.
The 62-year-old swapped his hard hat and his hammer for sparkles and glitter.
Im so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure, he said.
Ive spent my whole life learning new skills and Ive never been afraid of a challenge “ theres life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one “ being taught how to dance! Ill give it my everything ¦. and try not to embarrass my kids of course!
Alas, Strictly was a turbulent ride for Nick, who was forced to sit out of Movie Week due to injury.
After a week of resting, he and Luba Mushtuk returned to the dancefloor but were eliminated in a dance-off.
The penultimate celebrity in the cast, the 14th confirmed star, was former footballer and broadcaster Paul Merson.
Having made his debut at Arsenal when he was 17 years old, the now-56-year-old admitted that doing the dancing competition was going to be a step out of his comfort zone.
Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but Im going to tackle this challenge head-on, he stated.
Im ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so heres hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe Ill be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!
Paul and Karen Hauer were the fourth couple to be elininated.
Finally, completing the line-up as number 15 was Sam Quek, a former professional hockey player who won gold with Team GP at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
In addition to being awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to hockey, the 35-year-old won 125 international caps for the England and Great Britain womens hockey teams.
As a former hockey player, Im used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting! she said.
Im chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but Im ready for every bit of the adventure.
Sam was paired with Nikita Kuzmin and they were eliminated sixth, much to the fury of viewers.
The final of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 airs tonight at 6pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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This article was first published on August 13, 2024.
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