Strictly Come Dancing 2013: Vanessa Feltz first contestant confirmed for the glitter ball battle

Vanessa Feltz is set to compete for Strictly's glitter ball trophy (BBC)

After her very public meltdown on Celebrity Big Brother one might have thought Vanessa Feltz would have sworn off reality television shows. But the broadcaster and DJ has been unveiled as the first contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing competition.

The BBC Radio 2 host and former Big Breakfast presenter had her own show on Channel 5 up until 2011.

The London-born broadcaster’s television career stalled in 1999 after a fake guest scandal that engulfed BBC One’s Vanessa show. But she relaunched herself with appearance on Big Brother in 2001, in which she appeared to have an on-screen breakdown.

Despite the media melee that prompted Feltz returned to the house for Ultimate Big Brother in 2010.

Strictly Come Dancing, hosted by Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth, is a primetime BBC One ballroom competition which sees celebrities partnered with professional dancers. The winner takes the coveted glitter ball trophy.

Other big names rumoured to be taking part in the show this year include X Factor judge Louis Walsh, rugby player Ben Cohen, designer Julien Macdonald, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, model Abbey Clancy and Hairy Bikers cook Dave Myers.