Overview

• The BBC confirmed all 15 celebrity contestants and the professional roster last week ahead of the 20 September launch.
• Olympian-turned-model Ellie Goldstein will be the first contestant with Down’s syndrome in the main series.
• Two new professionals, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, have joined a largely returning dance lineup.
• Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison described her first training session as a “baptism of fire” after leaving her with blisters.
• Former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner has defended his participation despite ongoing online criticism over his social media and political ties.