Strictly is set to return

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing think they have cracked at least one pairing for the upcoming series of the hit BBC show. As the line-up for the latest series was confirmed this week, fans were quick to share their thoughts online about who may pair up.

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It’s clear that many viewers think there will be another same-s3x pairing when the show returns in Autumn. Kristian Nairn was the final star to be announced in the staggered confirmation.

The Game of Thrones star stands at a towering 6ft9. The show usually pairs celebs with professionals of a similar height, which has left fans of the show playing sleuths and sharing their thoughts on social media.

Fans think Kristian Nairn will be in an all-male partnership

One fan predicted his height would see him paired with a male partner. “Given his height, maybe there’s a chance he gets a male pro?,” they wrote. “Even the taller female pros will still be nearly a foot shorter than him! Excited to see him, always struck me as a lovely guy in interviews.”

Another predicted Johannes Radebe will be his partner for the upcoming series. It comes after Johannes previously became the first pro dancer on the show to be in a same s3x pairing. In 2021, the South African star paired with John Whaite to make history.

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This year sees a new batch of famous faces battle it out for the coveted Glitterball Trophy. This year, the long-running dance programme will feature 15 new stars, including Geordie Shore legend Vicky Pattison, as well as Neighbours star Stefan Dennis.

However, some viewers weren’t impressed and took to X to express their disappointment over some of the contestants now that the full line-up has been revealed.

John Whaite and Johannes Radebe(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

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Dani Dyer, daughter of EastEnders star Danny Dyer who shot to fame when she won Love Island, is among those in the lineup. Also featured is Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who goes by the stage name Nitro. The former Olympic athlete, who competed in last year’s Christmas special, was revealed as a contestant during an episode of Newsround on Monday.

Perhaps the most controversial contestant announced for the upcoming series is former The Apprentice star Tom Skinner. And the reality TV star hit back at the criticism he faced following the news breaking.

The 34-year-old wrote: “They say don’t read the comments on social media. But I couldn’t help myself. I’ve had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram, lost about going on strictly.” He then shared a link to Instagram as he went on: “Have a look at some of these on Instagram …. Why are some people so angry that don’t even know me. Not Bosh.”

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Earlier, he had posted: “Well the news is out about me going on Strictly. Never in a million years did I think I would Receive the amount of messages of support (and the also amount of hate).

“But thank you to everyone. You’re absolutely legends. I’m gonna sit and have a few cold ones and take in what’s actually going on. Life is crazy. Gotta grab everything with both hands and take it for what it is. Hope you have a wonderful afternoon. Love you all. Bosh.”

TikTok star George Clarke, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK runner-up La Voix, also known as Christopher Dennis, actress and model Ellie Goldstein and rugby star Chris Robshaw will also be taking part.