Ready to rhumba, but can these 15 new celebrities save Strictly?

Strictly bosses last night proudly revealed the final names in their line-up of celebrities for this year’s contest.

But delays to the conclusion of their investigation into Giovanni Pernice took the shine off the glittering announcement.

TV presenter Nick Knowles – who found fame on DIY SOS – was revealed as the 13th contestant to sign up to the show. The 61-year-old said: ‘I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet.’

Former Arsenal footballer Paul Merson, 56, was the next star to be revealed. He said: ‘I’m ready to swap the pitch for the ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves.’

Completing the 15-strong line-up was Sam Quek, a former Olympian turned television presenter.

The 35-year-old said: ‘As a former hockey player I’m 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 added that she was ‘chuffed’ to be a part of the ‘legendary show’, adding: ‘It feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.’

Former professional dancer Pernice, who was paired with Amanda Abbington in 2023, was due to be cleared of misconduct allegations this week until the Sherlock star, 50, reportedly revealed previously unseen text messages. The new material is expected to delay the results of the investigation until next week. Ms Abbington had accused her dance partner of being ‘abusive, cruel and mean’.

It is a fresh blow to the BBC‘s flagship television show, as bosses have been keen to move on from numerous bullying scandals which have tarnished its reputation.

Earlier this month, Ms Abbington was interviewed by her fellow Strictly contestant Krishnan Guru-Murthy for Channel 4 News and the newsreader put to her that Pernice had made her endure ‘humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature’.

A tearful Ms Abbington said: ‘Yeah. I mean, you know, one of the many things.’ This was the first time abuse of a sexual nature had been alleged towards the dancer.

Pernice, 33, who quit the prime-time BBC show in May after nine years, has denied any wrongdoing.

A spokesman for Pernice said: ‘We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes.

‘Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.’

The BBC said: ‘We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.’

Last week, Strictly faced further allegations of mistreatment from a number of former and current crew members of the show.