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The first celebrity announced as a contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing
The former footballer and goalkeeper said he’d been asked a few times to be on the show and eventually said yes.
With the BBC One series just months away from returning, producers have been hard at work signing up the latest stars to battle for the glitterball trophy.
Earlier this month it was announced that new judge Motsi Mabuse would replace ballerina Darcey Bussell , who stepped down from the judging panel after seven years.
Mabuse will be joined by returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning as hosts.
Show all 15 1 /15Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities David James - OUT The former England footballer said: "I’ve been asked to do this quite a number of times, and I’ve said it’s not me. But I chatted with Mark Foster and he said he had an amazing time in 2008, so I said yes!”
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Chris Ramsey The comedian, who has regularly appeared on Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, said he was "buzzing" to join the show.
Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Emma Barton The EastEnders star said she was "over the moon" when she got the call. By appearing on Strictly, she's following in the footsteps of her soap co-stars Jake Wood and Davood Ghadami, to name a few.
Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Saffron Barker The YouTube star is the second social media celebrity to join the show, after Joe Sugg appeared last year. She said: “I am really excited to go on the Strictly journey and am feeling very grateful for the opportunity."
Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Catherine Tyldesley The former Coronation Street actor said she was "thrilled" to be on the line-up and that her Strictly stint is "sure to be a bumpy/clumsy/fun ride".
Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Mike Bushell The BBC Breakfast sports presenter asked “Is this a dream? It feels like a weird dream?” when it was announced that he would be joining the show. He added: “I thought they’d got the wrong person, genuinely!”
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Karim Zeroual CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual was the seventh celebrity to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing 2019. “To be offered the chance to take part in Strictly is dumbfounding, I’m pinching myself…!” he said in a statement as his name was announced. “I'm so excited to be Strictlified. I want THE LOT. The skimpiest of clothes, the widest of flares, the brightest of colours and the tallest Cuban heel a guy can find! The more flamboyant the better… sequins galore please!!”
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Emma Thynn, Viscountess Weymouth The chef and philanthropist was announced as a contestant on Gaby Roslin's BBC Radio London show. She said: “This is going to be very new and very exciting and I’m sure very challenging."
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Michelle Visage The RuPaul’s Drag Race star was announced as a contestant on ITV morning show Lorraine. Speaking about her appointment, Visage said: “I’m very excited, I’m actually over the moon. This is one show I’ve loved for years." She added: “I’m a woman that’s 50-years-old and I want to be out there representing women of a certain age.”
Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Will Bayley Paralympic table tennis champion Will Bayley was revealed to be taking part on the show on Talkradio. He said: “I’m so proud to be on the show, it’s my family’s favourite show. I have no dance experience at all, but I hope I can do well. I want to inspire people with a disability – that would mean a lot to me. I want to prove to people I can do this.”
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Alex Scott The former Arsenal defender and Women’s World Cup pundit was announced as a contestant by the BBC. Scott, who appears on Match of the Day, made 140 appearances for the English national team and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Dev Griffin - OUT The BBC Radio 1 DJ, who was the thirteenth contestant to be announced, said: "I just can't believe I'm doing Strictly, it just doesn't feel real yet. It's going to be so much fun, but just to be clear, I'm not doing this to take part, I'm totally in it to win it! I can't wait to meet my partner and start practising."
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities James Cracknell - OUT The athlete and double Olympic gold medallist was announced as a contestant by Gemma Collins on Good Morning Britain. "I’m really looking forward to being a part of Strictly this year," he said. "Having spent so many years mucking around in a rowing boat with big men in tight lycra, it’s time I learned a new skill."
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Anneka Rice - OUT The British TV presenter, who is best known for Challenge Anneka, said: “I haven’t danced since I was seven and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated. But I’m feeling recklessly excited. Strictly has always been my Autumn’s entertainment and now I’m part of it. My children will probably leave the country."
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Strictly 2019 confirmed celebrities Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher replaced Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing, who was forced to pull out due to injury
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Last year’s series saw broadcaster Stacey Dooley win with professional partner Kevin Clifton.
The 2019 edition will be without professional dancer Pasha Kovalev who recently announced he had quit the show after “eight incredible years” to “find a new challenge”.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September
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