EastEnders star Borthwick joins Strictly line-up

Jamie Borthwick, a well-known actor from the popular television show EastEnders, has been announced as one of the contestants for the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. Borthwick is famous for his role as Jay Brown, a character he has portrayed since 2006, making him one of the longest-serving actors on the show. Alongside him, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean has also been confirmed as a contestant. Dean, who has achieved remarkable success in his swimming career, expressed his excitement about participating in the dance competition, stating that he is eager to try something new and meet new people. Borthwick humorously mentioned that he hopes to be 'Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time. ' Tom Dean is a three-time Olympic champion, having made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by becoming the first British man to win a gold medal in the men’s 200m freestyle swimming event in over a century. He went on to win another gold medal in Tokyo and became England’s most decorated athlete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he secured a total of seven medals. Recently, Dean added to his accolades by winning his third gold medal for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the team 4 x 200m freestyle relay. In a statement, he shared his enthusiasm for joining Strictly, saying, '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. Bring it on! ' Jamie Borthwick, who has gained fame for his role in EastEnders, has previously won a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance from a young actor, as well as an Inside Soap Award for best actor. His participation in Strictly Come Dancing marks a return to the Elstree ballroom, where he won the 2023 Christmas special. Borthwick expressed his excitement about joining the show, stating, '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 also mentioned that he would be seeking advice from his fellow EastEnders cast members who have previously participated in the show. The announcement of Borthwick and Dean joining the Strictly line-up was made on BBC Radio 1. They will be joining other contestants, including singer Toyah Willcox and comedian Chris McCausland. More contestants are expected to be announced in the coming days. Sarah Hadland, known for her roles in various films and TV series, including the BBC sitcom Miranda and the children's show Horrible Histories, expressed her excitement about being part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. She stated, 'I cannot believe I am part of Strictly, I'm so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud. ' Shayne Ward, who gained fame after winning The X Factor in 2005, is also set to join the show. He expressed his eagerness to experience the magic of Strictly in real life, saying, 'I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot. ' Tasha Ghouri, a model and professional dancer, is excited to learn new dance styles on Strictly. She gained fame from the 2022 series of Love Island and has expressed her desire to represent others while dancing. Tasha, who was born deaf and uses a cochlear implant, said, 'Pinch me, I can't believe I'm going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! ' Pete Wicks, known for his appearance on The Only Way Is Essex, is also joining the show. He mentioned that while he finds the experience 'terrifying,' he is genuinely looking forward to getting involved. Toyah Willcox, an iconic pop star from the 1980s, is thrilled to be part of the show and has had numerous hit singles throughout her career. Wynne Evans, recognized for his role in the Go Compare adverts, is also joining the cast. He has performed at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and is excited to represent Wales. Dr. Punam Krishan, a practicing NHS GP and author, is also a contestant. She expressed her joy at being part of the show, stating, 'This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show. ' Chris McCausland, who is the first blind contestant on Strictly, shared his humorous take on his lack of dancing experience, saying, 'I don't dance, I haven't danced, I can't dance, I can't see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? ' JB Gill, a singer from the boy band JLS, is also excited to join the show and looks forward to showcasing his dancing skills. However, Strictly Come Dancing has faced some controversies in the past regarding the treatment of some contestants. The actress Amanda Abbington, who was paired with Giovanni Pernice, spoke out about her negative experiences, describing his behavior as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. ' Pernice's spokesperson has denied these allegations. The BBC has announced that they will implement measures to improve welfare and support for contestants, including having a chaperone present during rehearsals. This year's season of Strictly is expected to be filled with excitement and talent as these contestants prepare to take the dance floor.