Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Time, date, contestants and all you need to know

Cydney Yeates

Published December 17, 2022 10:30am Updated December 17, 2022 10:40am

Strictly Come Dancing 2022 is one for the history books, as we’ve seen memorable routines and a range of perfect 10s throughout the competition – as well as a return to Blackpool for the first time since 2019.

Fronted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the BBC flagship programme is celebrating its landmark 20th anniversary, so there’s loads of excitement still to come.

The cast of 15 celebrities and their professional partners made their dancefloor debuts in late September – but now we’re almost at the finish line, with just four remaining to fight it out in the grand final, as the race for the Glitterball Trophy reaches its peak.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s show…

When did this year’s Strictly Come Dancing start?

Originally scheduled to return on Saturday, September 17, this year’s Strictly actually began on Friday, September 23.

The move was made because the Queen’s funeral took place on Monday, September 19.

After the launch show – which bosses previously confirmed was pre-recorded on September 7 – the live shows kicked off on Saturday, September 24.

When is Strictly on next?

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We’ve reached the big one, the grand final of Strictlly Come Dancing – which will air on Saturday, December 17 at 7.05pm – with the four remaining couples facing each other in their bid for the Glitterball trophy.

Each of them will perform three routines, which will include two of their previous routines from the series – as well as their showdance.

Who is in the Strictly 2022 final?

Here’s who has made it to the final four.

Fleur East and Vito Coppola
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal

Hamza is currently the bookies’ favourite to take the Glitterball with Ladbrokes offering odds of just 4/9 on him emerging triumphant.

Helen Skelton is second favourite at 7/4..

Whoever wins, it’ll also be a first-time win for their pro partner – of the four remaining dancers, only Gorka Marquez has been in the final before but he has yet to bag the trophy.

Carlos Gu and Vito Coppola are making their debut on the series this year, while Jowita previously only had a partner on the Christmas special.

Who are this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants?

Will Mellor

Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star Will Mellor was revealed as the first contestant to be taking to the ballroom floor.

‘I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year!’ he enthused.

‘Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about.

‘This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this for her as well. Bring it on!’

He’s already got one of the judges interested, as Craig Revel Horwood revealed that Will is who he is most excited to see take to the floor.

‘I think he’s got a real charm about him and I think he’ll be able to bring that onto the dance floor,’ he said.

Will became the eleventh celebrity to leave the competition, missing out on a place in the final after he and partner Nancy Xu lost out to Fleur East and Vito Coppola in the dance-off.

Kym Marsh

Actress, singer and presenter Kym Marsh was the second celebrity to be confirmed for this year’s ballroom.

Kym originally found fame as a member of Hear’Say, the band formed on the ITV show Popstars in 2000, but is best-known to many viewers as Coronation Street’s Michelle Connor, playing the role from 2006 until 2019.

Currently, she is a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live.

‘I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have!’ Kym said.

‘I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!’

After a tense dance off with Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, Kym became the 10th celebrity to leave the competition.

Richie Anderson

Radio 2 favourite Richie Anderson was the third person confirmed for this year’s line-up.

Richie is an RTS (Royal Television Society) award-winning presenter and is best known for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, presenting the travel bulletins as well as hosting a wide variety of his own shows.

‘This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!’ Richie said.

I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand.

He also confirmed he will be part of a same-sex pairing, saying: ‘It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.’

After being paired with Giovanni Pernice, Richie looked to be living the Strictly dream, but sadly became the second contestant to be eliminated from the competition.

Kaye Adams

The fourth celebrity was confirmed as journalist and broadcaster Kaye Adams.

Kaye is best-known as one of the regular presenters of Loose Women, as well as for hosting the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland, and fronting the podcast How To Be 60 With Kaye Adams.

She said of her involvement in the show: ‘I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’

Kaye sadly became the first celeb to be eliminated from the show in the second week.

Jayde Adams

Comedian Jayde Adams was the fifth name to be confirmed for the Strictly 2022 line-up.

Jayde is an award-winning performer who was also nominated for the coveted Best Newcomer prize with her debut stand-up tour at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016.

She’s also been seen on TV in shows including Alma’s Not Normal and Good Omens.

‘I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family,’ Jayde said.

‘I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!’

Jayde and her pro partner Karen Hauer became the fourth couple to be eliminated this year, losing out to Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in the dance-off during the BBC 100 tribute edition.

Ellie Simmonds

Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds was sixth to be announced for 2022’s series.

Upon the news being announced, Ellie said: ‘Oh my gosh!! I’m literally bursting with excitement!! It’s been soooo hard keeping this secret as I’ve wanted to tell everyone.

‘I’m going on Strictly Come Dancing!! I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I’m absolutely petrified! To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’

Ellie, who is an individual with dwarfism, recently revealed how her upcoming routines will be adapted for her.

‘He’s never danced this with anyone with dwarfism before and I’ve never ever danced before in my life,’ she said. ‘So we said to each other we’re just gonna see how it is, you know, adapt.’

‘Like if I have to hold him differently, I’ll hold him differently. It might be so different but I think if I can do it, which is completely out of my comfort zone, people watching from home can realise they can adapt.’

Ellie and Nikita were the sixth couple to be eliminated this year.

Tyler West

Kiss FM presenter Tyler West was the seventh contestant announced for the Strictly ballroom.

The radio host is perhaps best known for his weekday afternoon shows on the station – but has also helmed a number of TV programmes, including BBC Three’s Flat Out Fabulous.

Tyler said: ‘I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp. It’s going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone.

‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’

In a shock vote, Tyler and dance partner Dianne Buswell became the eighth couple to depart the show, following the return of the Blackpool special.

Matt Goss

Singer-songwriter and actor Matt Goss was the eighth contestant announced for the 2022 series.

Matt, of course, was one half of 1980s band Bros – with twin Luke – and enjoyed major pop success with their debut album Push. Since then, he’s gone on to become an author, star in 2018 documentary Bros: After The Screaming Stops, and take on a Las Vegas residency.

Matt joked of his new venture: ‘I’m extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down.’

Sadly, he became the third celebrity to be eliminated from the competition.

Ellie Taylor

Comedian, actress and The Great Pottery Throw Down host Ellie Taylor was the next celebrity confirmed to be making her way to the ballroom.

Ellie said of joining the cast: ‘I’ve watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dancefloor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan!

‘At the moment I’m focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!’

Ellie became the ninth contestant to leave the competition after losing out to Fleur East in the dance-off.

Molly Rainford

Singer and CBBC star Molly Rainford was the tenth contestant announced for the 2022 Strictly line-up.

The 21-year-old – who is the youngest celebrity this year – first found fame on the 2012 series of Britain’s Got Talent, when she finished sixth in the final.

She currently stars in the CBBC series Nova Jones, where she plays the titular intergalactic pop star.

Molly said: ‘I’m so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing.

‘I’ve watched it for years and can’t wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can’t wait to learn the moves and get dancing!’

Tony Adams

The Arsenal legend gave it his all (Picture: BBC)

Tony Adams MBE swapped football boots for ballroom shoes, and was the 11th person announced for Strictly.

‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes,’ he said.

Adams, 55, clocked in a staggering 504 appearances for Arsenal between 1983 and 2002, as well as 66 caps for the England football team, collecting a number o trophies across his career.

He recently revealed he turned down an offer to appear on the show six years ago – in case it hurt his chances as a football coach.

Tony became the seventh contestant to leave after sustaining an injury during the live show.

Fleur East

Fleur called it an ‘honour’ to be asked to do Strictly (Picture: Getty)

Fleur East has made her way to the ballroom, as the 12th Strictly contestant.

The star, known for her X Factor stint, hit song Sax and presenting gigs on Saturday Night Takeaway and Hits Radio Breakfast, said of her new venture: ‘I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

The 34-year-old also shared that it was an ‘honour to join the cast, as for years, she had watched the show with her late father.

Fleur added: ‘Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!’

Hamza Yassin

Cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin was the 13th contest announced to take to the dancefloor.

The Animal Park and CBeebies presenter stated that he was ‘over the moon’ to be joining Strictly, but admitted his skill level would need a bit of fine-tuning.

‘My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ‘til you make it!’

James Bye

EastEnders star James Bye was the 14th contestant to be revealed for the 2022 series.

The 38-year-old actor, who’s played Martin Fowler on the BBC soap since 2014, shared he’s ‘honoured’ to be asked – but nervous to be following in the footsteps of co-stars such as Kara Tointon and Matt Di Angelo.

James joked: ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.

‘There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud.’

James and his dance partner Amy Dowden became the fifth pair to leave the show after failing to impress the judges with their Charleston to Bumble Bee, scoring 27 points.

Helen Skelton

The final contestant to be announced was TV presenter and broadcaster Helen Skelton, who had been heavily rumoured for the show ahead of the announcement.

Skelton is no stranger to the BBC airwaves, having started her TV career on children’s shows like Blue Peter and Newsround.

She has gone on to present on the likes of Countryfile, On The Farm for Channel 5 and is a regular on ITV Tonight.

Talking about joining the show, Helen said ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.’

What are the Strictly pairings this year?

These are this year’s celebrity/pro dancer pairings:

Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice
James Bye and Amy Dowden
Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova
Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Pryzstal
Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer
Kaye Adams and Kai Widdrington
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin
Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe

Who has been eliminated from Strictly 2022 so far?

The series has so far bid farewell to the following couples:

Kaye Adams and Kai Widdrington became the first pair to be voted off after losing out to Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova in week two of the competition.

Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice were the second couple to waltz off, having lost out to Fleur East and Vito Coppola in the Movie Week dance-off.

Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova were the third duo to be sent home, having lost in the dance-off to Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima.

Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer were the fourth couple to be sent home, losing out in the dance off to Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.

James Bye and Amy Dowden became the fifth couple to say goodbye to the competition after landing in the bottom two alongside Fleur and Vito.

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of judges (left-right) Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke during the second episode of Strictly Come Dancing 2021. PA Photo. Issue date: Saturday October 2, 2021. See PA story Showbiz Strictly. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. — The judges decide who goes home after the dance off (Picture: BBC)

Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin were the sixth couple to be eliminated after losing out to Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in the dance-off.

Tony Adams and Katya Jones were the seventh couple to leave the competition – but while the Arsenal legend was in the bottom two along with Tyler West and Dianne Buswell, he withdrew from the competition before the dance-off after sustaining an injury during the live show.

Tyler West and Dianne Buswell were the eighth couple to be eliminated, after a tense dance-off with Molly and Carlos.

Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe were the ninth couple to be eliminated, after they lost out to Fleur East and Vito Coppola in the dance-off.

Kym Marsh and and Graziano Di Prima were the tenth couple to be eliminated after being beaten in the dance off by Molly and Carlos.

Will Mellor and Nancy Xu were the eleventh couple to be eliminated, after losing out in the dance-off to Fleur East and Vito Coppola.