Strictly Come Dancing contestants 2016: Full line-up revealed as Olympian Greg Rutherford joins

Also revealed were Eastenders star Tameka Empson and Birds of a Feather actress Lesley Joseph

Clarisse Loughrey @clarisselou

Tuesday 23 August 2016 09:28

The time for glitz and glamour has arrived once more.

Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to screens, with the full line-up of contestants announced for the BBC celebrity competition, including the final three entrants finally revealed.

70-year-old Lesley Joseph, best known for her role in Birds of a Feather, will be the oldest contestant this year; with long-jumper Greg Rutherford joining after winning bronze at the Rio Olympics, alongside Eastenders star Tameka Empson.

The trio will join Ed Balls, Will Young, Laura Whitmore, Ore Oduba, Melvin Odoom, Louise Redknapp, Danny Mac, Daisy Lowe, Naga Munchetty, Anastacia, Claudia Fragapane and Judge Rinder.

The series will mark the last appearance of Len Goodman as head judge; announcing that the series will be his “swan-song”, with professional dancer Anton Du Beke the favourite to replace him.

You can see the full line-up below.

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

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1/15Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Ed Balls

The former Labour MP, who held the position of Shadow Chancellor from 2011 to 2015, has now turned to writing; contributing to the Guardian and working on his upcoming book. None of which compares to the notoriety gained from that one time he tweeted his own name.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Will Young

The first ever winner of Pop Idol, Young's career has long outlasted the show's own run; having won two Brits and two Ivor Novellos for his work, alongside an Olivier nomination for his role as Emcee in 2013's West End production of Cabaret.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Laura Whitmore

The Irish DJ and presenter has co-hosted I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here Now for the past five years; alongside presenting spots at the BRITs, the BAFTAs, the MTV Movie Awards, and the London 2012 Olympics.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Ore Oduba

A presenter on BBC Breakfast and Radio 5 Live; the sports expert has been busy reporting from Rio for the 2016 Olympics.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Melvin Odoom

The TV and radio presenter can be heard on the Kiss FM Breakfast show, alongside stints at MTV, 4Music, T4, and The Box.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Louise Redknapp

The former pop star enjoyed success both as a member of group Eternal and in her own solo career, before transitioning to presenting as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Danny Mac

The Hollyoaks actor is known for playing wheeler-dealer Dodger Savage, though he has roots in musical theatre; starring in productions of Wicked and Les Miserables.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Daisy Lowe

The model has walked for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Vivienne Westwood; though she's also starred in the likes of Confine and the upcoming Tulip Fever, alongside a cameo in the Absolutely Fabulous movie.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Naga Munchetty

The BBC Breakfast presenter has also worked for Reuters, Bloomberg, and Channel 4.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Anastacia

The singer is best known for tracks "I'm Outta Love", "Sick & Tired", "One Day In Your Life", and "Left Outside Alone".

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Claudia Fragapane

The 18-year-old gymnast is fresh from the Rio Olympics, having already won four gold medals at the Commonweath Games in Glasgow in 2014.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Tameka Empson

The actress and comedian is best known for her work on Eastenders and comedy series 3 Non Blondes.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Judge Rinder

The star of the ITV series which sees him preside over televised legal cases, launching an arsenal of quips and putdowns.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Lesley Joseph

Best known for her role as Dorien Green in Birds of a Feather, the 70-year-old is the oldest contestant this series.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestants line-up 2016

Greg Rutherford

The long-jumper won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, and nabbed bronze at this year's Rio Olympics.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing begins 3 September on BBC One.

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