No capes: Strictly Come Dancing celebs have superhero codenames
The celebrity contestants are gearing up to take part in Strictly Come Dancing 2019, but their identities have remained secret over the last few weeks.
The stars have once again been given hidden codenames to conceal their identities, and this year's theme has been unveiled: Superheroes.
According to HELLO! Magazine, the mix of stars include Batman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Mystique, Catwoman, Hulk, Captain America and Bananaman.
The celebrities will begin to be announced by the BBC in mid-August, as per the usual Strictly way.
Various stars rumoured to be involved include former The Saturdays singer Una Healy, Line of Duty actor Adrian Dunbar, I'm a Celebrity winner Harry Redknapp, Boyzone bandmate Keith Duffy, Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton, Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya and Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd.
The professional dancers are expected to start rehearsals next week, which Diane Buswell let slip in mid-July on Sunday Brunch,
"In less than two weeks the pros go back. The professionals do all the professional routines. So we have a month where we go in every day to learn a new dance and then we meet the celebrities. When I find out who my celebrity is, it's legit on camera and on TV, so it's very exciting."
Big changes are afoot on this years' show, with new judge Motsi Mabuse revealed just the other day. Motsi is the older sister of Strictly pro Oti Mabuse, and is taking over from Dame Darcey Bussell.
"I am absolutely overjoyed to be joining the Strictly judging panel," she said. "I have so much respect and admiration for the other three judges and hope to add my own bit of sparkle to the show. I can't wait to get started."
Former champion Ore Oduba, who lifted the Glitterball Trophy in the 2016 series with Joanne Clifton, spoke of the difficulties Darcey’s replacement Motsi will face:
“I think whoever they choose is someone who has that wealth of knowledge. These pros know what they’re talking about.
“You see them getting judged, it’s a very difficult world if you’re laying judgment on people who know more than you," he continued. “But all the pros respect each other."
Feature image: Instagram/@bbcstrictly
