Strictly Come Dancing 2022 cast: Full line-up of contestants

Back in September, 15 contestants signed up for season 22, but now only four remain in the running to be crowned this year's champion.

Taking to the dance floor this Saturday (17th December) is Fleur East, Molly Rainford, Hamza Yassin and Helen Skelton.

Unfortunately, Will Mellor just missed out on the final as he became the latest contestant to leave Strictly, following a dance-off with Fleur East.

The Strictly Come Dancing songs and dances have been announced for this weekend, and it's a trio of dances for all the contestants, including the judges' choice, each celeb's favourite performance from season 22 and a final show dance to top it all off.

As the final kicks off, read on for everything you need to know about the Strictly class of 2022.

Strictly Come Dancing 2022 contestants: Full line-up of stars

The full line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 is as follows:

• Molly Rainford
• Fleur East
• Hamza Yassin
• Helen Skelton
• Will Mellor - Eliminated in Week 12
• Kym Marsh - Eliminated in Week 11
• Ellie Taylor - Eliminated in Week 10
• Tyler West - Eliminated in Week 9
• Tony Adams MBE - Withdrew in Week 8
• Ellie Simmonds - Eliminated in Week 7
• James Bye - Eliminated in Week 6
• Jayde Adams - Eliminated in Week 5
• Matt Goss - Eliminated in Week 4
• Richie Anderson - Eliminated in Week 3
• Kaye Adams - Eliminated in Week 2

We can't wait to see how they all perform. In the meantime, here is more information about each of the contestants.

Hamza Yassin

Age: 32

Job: TV presenter and wildlife cameraman

Instagram: @hamzayassin90

Twitter:@HamzaYassin3

Professional dance partner: Jowita Przystał

Wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin has been confirmed as the 13th celebrity to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

The TV presenter, best known for his roles presenting the BBC’s Animal Park and guest presenting on BBC’s Countryfile, is more than up for the challenge.

On joining the show, Hamza said: "I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show. I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.

"My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970s 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!"

We can't wait to see Hamza get started!

Helen Skelton

Age: 39

Job: Presenter

Instagram: @helenskelton

Twitter: @HelenSkelton

Professional dance partner: Gorka Márquez

Helen Skelton completes our Strictly 2022 line-up as the 15th contestant set to sashay onto the famous dance floor at Elstree this year.

She is best known as a TV presenter, having been a reporter on Newsround back in 2007, before becoming joining Blue Peter from 2008 to 2013. She also started presenting Countryfile in 2008, which she still does to this day.

Skelton has since presented numerous sporting events for the BBC, including the 2016 Olympic Games.

She has also appeared on the likes of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and has flirted with Strictly in the past, having taken part in the 2012 Christmas special.

Speaking about her new challenge, Skelton 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.”

Molly Rainford

Age: 21

Job: Singer and actress

Instagram: @mollyrainford

Twitter: @mollyrainford

Professional dance partner: Carlos Gu

Former Britain's Got Talent and CBBC star Molly Rainford has been confirmed as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

Molly was 11 when she found success on BGT with her performance of Ave Maria, while she is the star of the CBBC series Nova Jones.

Speaking about taking part in the upcoming season, Rainford 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!"

Molly added on Instagram: "The secret’s finally out, I can’t believe it… I’m doing Strictly!! I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime & I can’t wait to meet the rest of the @bbcstrictly family I’ll be sharing it with."

She signed off: "Get me to the dance floor."

Fleur East

Age: 34

Job: Radio presenter, singer-songwriter and rapper

Instagram:@fleureast

Twitter: @FleurEast

Professional dance partner: Vito Coppola

Singer-songwriter Fleur East has become the 12th celebrity to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

The former X Factor contestant and prolific presenter joins the line-up for the new season - will her musicality prove helpful to her?

Fleur said about joining the series: "I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line-up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.

"It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my father who loved it so much.

"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!"

Getting emotional speaking to Ranvir Singh about joining on Lorraine, Fleur added: "I’m going to be doing it for him. I’m just gutted he can’t see me do it, but I’m going to keep him in mind during the show… I’m excited – my family, just for that reason, will be buzzing.

"I wasn’t expecting to get this emotional about it."

We're sure that Fleur will do her dad proud!

• Best gifts to buy Strictly Come Dancing fans this Christmas

Who has left Strictly Come Dancing 2022?

The following contestants have now departed Strictly Come Dancing. We will be sure to update this with each exit.

Will Mellor - Eliminated in Week 12

Age: 46

Job: Actor

Instagram: @willmellor76

Twitter: @Mellor76

Professional dance partner: Nancy Xu

Actor Will Mellor was the first celebrity to be announced as part of the 2022 line-up.

"I'm honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year! 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," he said.

Kym Marsh - Eliminated in Week 11

Age: 46

Job: Actress

Instagram: @marsh_kym

Twitter: @msm4rsh

Professional dance partner: Graziano Di Prima

Actress and presenter Kym Marsh has joined the line-up for the 20th season. Kym is best known for playing Michelle Connor on Coronation Street and being one fifth of pop group Hear'Say.

“I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have! 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!" she said about her signing.

Sadly, due to a positive Covid-19 test, Kym will be missing out on this week. Hopefully, we will see her again next week.

Ellie Taylor - Eliminated in Week 10

Age: 38

Job: Comedian, broadcaster, writer and actor

Instagram: @elliejanetaylor

Twitter: @EllieJaneTaylor

Professional dance partner: Johannes Radebe

Ellie Taylor was revealed as the ninth contestant to have joined Strictly Come Dancing.

The comedian is also a published writer and has had acting roles in series including the hit Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso.

On joining the show, Ellie said: "Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!

"I've watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor 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 has also appeared on Mock the Week, The Mash Report, Live at the Apollo, Late Night Mash, and co-hosts on The Great Pottery Throw Down.

She will soon co-host Cheat on Netflix alongside Danny Dyer.

Tyler West - Eliminated in Week 9

Age: 26

Job: DJ, TV presenter and radio host

Instagram: @tylerwestt

Twitter: @TylerWestt

Professional dance partner: Dianne Buswell

KISS radio host Tyler West became the seventh celebrity to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

Tyler began his showbiz career on CBBC and went on to present the likes of MOTD KickAbout and Blue Peter. The presenter currently hosts weekday afternoons on KISS.

West's radio work has earned him an ARIA nomination for Best New Presenter.

“I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp," revealed Tyler before the show started. "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.”

Tony Adams MBE - Withdrew in Week 8

Age: 55

Job: English football manager and former professional player

Instagram: @tonyadamsofficial

Twitter: @tonyadams

Professional dance partner: Katya Jones

Tony Adams MBE became the 11th contestant to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

Tony's football career has spanned across three decades, having played for both Arsenal and the England national team.

Speaking about joining the line-up, the English football icon said: "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.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to meet my partner - god help her - and start the dancing."

Ellie Simmonds - Eliminated in Week 7

Age: 27

Job: Former athlete and broadcaster

Instagram: @elliesimmonds

Twitter: @EllieSimmonds1

Professional dance partner: Nikita Kuzmin

Best known as a gold medal-winning Paralympic swimmer, Simmonds was announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 on BBC Five Live's breakfast show, and spoke of her excitement in joining the series.

“To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to be so much fun," she said.

"I’m counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, it’s going to be a blast."

James Bye - Eliminated in Week 6

Age: 38

Job: Actor and EastEnders star

Instagram: @jimmybye

Twitter: @jimmybye

Professional dance partner: Amy Dowden

EastEnders star James Bye has been announced as the 14th celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

The father-of-three is best known for his performance as Martin Fowler on BBC soap opera EastEnders, having played the long-running role since 2014.

Now, James follows in the footsteps of previous EastEnders stars including Emma Barton, Davood Ghadami, Jake Wood, Maisie Smith and last year's winner, Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Speaking about taking part, James said: "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."

Jayde Adams - Eliminated in Week 5

Age: 37

Job: Comedian

Instagram:@msjaydeadams

Twitter:@jaydeadams

Professional dance partner: Karen Hauer

Comedian and actress Jayde Adams became the fifth celebrity to be unveiled for the 2022 line-up, announcing her presence during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly," she said following the announcement. "I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family.

"I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this."

Matt Goss - Eliminated in Week 4

Age: 53

Job: Singer-songwriter and musician

Instagram: @mattgoss

Twitter: @mattgoss

Professional dance partner: Nadiya Bychkova

BROS legend and musician Matt Goss has been confirmed as the eighth contestant to join Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

The singer, who has enjoyed lengthy residencies in Las Vegas, recently released his solo album, The Beautiful Unknown.

Speaking about joining the series, Matt said: "I’m extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down."

Will Matt's musical background prove a winning element for the BROS singer?

Matt's participation was confirmed on This Morning.

Speaking to This Morning presenters Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle, Matt said: "I’m excited, I’m nervous. You have the conversation and then you go about your day and you think, ‘I’ve got to dance.’ I’m eating everything that’s favourable to Spandex. I’ve got to make sure it’s alright, I’m excited."

He added: "I’ve been almost reclusive. I come in [to the country], I work and go back to America. I just thought, ‘You know what, it’s time for me to come home, just do something completely out of my comfort zone' … I’m quite shy off stage. I just have to face all those demons and just learn."

Richie Anderson - Eliminated in Week 3

Age: 34

Job: BBC Radio 2 presenter and former footballer

Instagram:@iamrichieanderson

Twitter: @richie_anderson

Professional dance partner: Giovanni Pernice

BBC Radio 2 presenter and former footballer Richie Anderson is joining Strictly Come Dancing 2022 after being a super-fan for years.

Richie Anderson said: "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! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.

"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. 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."

The radio star will be taking part in a same-sex couple, following in the footsteps of John Whaite last year.

Kaye Adams - Eliminated in Week 2

Age: 59

Job: Loose Women panelist and broadcaster

Instagram: @kayeadamsofficial

Twitter: @kayeadams

Professional dance partner: Kai Widdrington

When was Kaye Adams eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2022? Week 2

Scottish broadcaster and Loose Women mainstay Kaye Adams will be taking part in this year's run of Strictly Come Dancing.

Speaking about taking part in the series as a self-professed bad dancer, Kaye revealed: "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!"

The announcement of Kaye taking part was made on Loose Women on Friday 5th August 2022, with her close friend Nadia Sawalha praising her for embracing the challenge.

Kaye was the first contestant to be voted off of Strictly Come Dancing in Week 2. Adams was in the bottom two against Matt Goss who the judges elected to save.

The Strictly Come Dancing final is on Saturday 17th December at 7:05pm on BBC One.

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