Strictly Come Dancing 2024 hasn’t even kicked off yet and there’s already a blunder in the midst.

Despite the BBC not announcing the full line-up, two of the stars yet to be confirmed have been spotted attending rehearsals with their new co-stars. Giving away their places on the show before being officially announced, two male celebrities were pictured trying to shield their identities.

Nick Knowles and Paul Merson have been snapped attending the show build-up with the likes of TV stars Chris McCausland, Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri. Other names confirmed for the line-up by the BBC are EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick, TOWIE’s Pete Wicks and Corrie and The X Factor star Shayne Ward.

But DIY SOS star Nick and football legend Paul have yet to confirm their stint on the series, but appeared to reveal this was the case as they snuck into rehearsals this week. As other names were spotted arriving at the studio, the pair were said to be rushed into a side door as they tried to hide who they were.

Nick Knowles and Paul Merson have been snapped attending the show build-up ( 
Image:
CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

Joining the pair on the show will be Morning Live doctor Dr Punam Krishan, performer Toyah Willcox, Go Compare advert legend Wynne Evans, Olympian Tom Dean and JLS star JB Gill. Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas AKA Fire was the latest star to confirm she was taking part on Friday.

Revealing the news, Montell said: “Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”

There’s also another star rumoured, with sports and I’m A Celebrity star Sam Quek thought to be taking part. Strictly’s upcoming season has been overshadowed by an ongoing crisis at the BBC following claims of alleged “abusive” behaviour targeting some of its dancers.

Amid this, the show’s latest line-up has left fans divided with some not impressed by the names announced. It has been reported that the BBC is trying to please a wide-ranging audience from children through to the older viewer.

Nick Knowles will take part this year ( 
Image:
WireImage)

Paul Merson is the latest sports star to compete ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
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Taking to social media one fan wrote: “Nah sorry that Strictly lineup is terrible, no matter what people say. It really is scraping the barrel.” Another person penned: “That finalised Strictly lineup may be the worst to ever exist.”

Meanwhile a third person claimed: “Shouldn’t they be pulling out all the stars for the big 20th anniversary? Something has gone on.” However, some have claimed that the line-up could be a reflection of the recent scandal following Amanda Abbington’s allegations of abuse by Giovanni Pernice.

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The Sherlock actress alleged that Giovanni’s training methods were “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” – which Giovanni has vehemently denied. This sparked an internal investigation by the broadcaster and the BBC show came under fire once again after it emerged that Graziano Di Prima “kicked and hit” his dance partner Zara McDermott.

Graziano was axed from the BBC series while Giovanni will also not take part in this year’s show. The BBC announced that there would be changes put in place to support the well-being of celebrities, which will include chaperones at every rehearsal.