Which Strictly Come Dancing contestants are over 50?

Published 1^st October 2024
2 min read

It’s that time of year again – Strictly is back! Which means there’s a new set of contestants to inspire us from our sofas. Five of the 15 famous faces dancing onto our screens are over 50 – but who are the celebrities representing the older crowd in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing?

Wynne Evans – 52

Wynne Evans is an opera singer who you probably recognise from the Go Compare adverts (you know the ones). The 52-year-old – who has had two #1 classical music albums – sang at operas across the world before he became a household name, and now hosts a regular radio show on BBC Radio Wales.

Evans has been open about his struggles with mental health, and has lost more than seven stone since taking up running to help his depression. And dancing isn’t the only skill Evans is looking to showcase on TV – he competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2023 (and won!).

Sarah Hadland – 53

Sarah Hadland is an actress best known for her role as Stevie in the sitcom Miranda. She’s also appeared in programmes such as Waterloo Road, Horrible Histories, and That Mitchell and Webb Look – and even played a receptionist in the Bond film Quantum of Solace!

The 53-year-old – who is known for her short stature at just 5’1” – began her career in theatre, appearing in musicals in the West End and on tour. After working as a voiceover artist for adverts and video games, Hadland took on supporting TV roles, eventually moving to bigger roles in the comedy and sketch world.

Paul Merson – 56

Paul Merson is a former professional footballer who now works as a manager, commentator, and pundit for Sky Sports. The father of eight began his football career at just 17, scoring 99 goals during his 11 seasons at Arsenal – before going on to play for Middlesborough, Aston Villa, and Portsmouth, and serving as player-manager at Walsall. The 56-year-old also played for the England national football team 21 times, representing the country at the 1992 Euros and the 1998 World Cup.

The former footballer is now a match reporter and regular pundit for Soccer Saturday, and won TV competition Celebs on the Farm in 2019. Merson is an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking about how drinking, drugs, and gambling fuelled his struggles with mental health, and how attending Alcoholics Anonymous has helped his recovery.

Nick Knowles – 61

Nick Knowles is a TV presenter, writer, and musician, best known for presenting DIY SOS since 1999. In a career spanning three decades, the 61-year-old has also presented multiple game shows and wildlife programmes, becoming one of the most familiar faces in UK television.

Knowles has shown his creative side through music, playing in bands from the age of 14, and releasing an album in 2017 – as well as co-writing the 2016 film Golden Years. The presenter stays fit by playing rugby, and has claimed to be vegan “80% of the time”. Knowles supports a number of charities that help children, wildlife, and soldiers, even performing a song for Children in Need in 2008.

Toyah Willcox – 66

Toyah Willcox is the oldest contestant this year at 66 years old. The singer, actress, and presenter has a career spanning more than 40 years – with 25 albums, 13 top 40 singles, 10 feature films, and over 40 stage plays.

The musician, who was born with a twisted spine, a clubbed foot, and one leg shorter than the other, didn’t let the need for surgery and physiotherapy in her early years stop her from becoming one of the faces of the punk movement. And it doesn’t look like she’s stopping any time soon – Willcox even performed at this year’s Glastonbury Festival with her husband of almost 40 years, Robert Fripp.

These Strictly celebs are proving you’re never too old to try something new!

While it may feel daunting to try something new, these celebrities are proving you can face your fears – even on national TV. If you’re feeling inspired to give dancing a go yourself, these tips can help you get started.

And if you don’t fancy dancing but would still like to take up a hobby that’ll get your heart racing, how about football, cycling, or just generally staying active – not only for your physical health, but for your mental health too!