Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Anneka Rice and Jamie Laing rumoured to be first names on line-up

BBC competition returns in September

The first celebrities taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing have reportedly been revealed.

With the BBC one series just months away from returning, producers are hard at work signing up the latest stars to battle for the glitterball trophy.

According to The Sun, the first celebrities signed up for the 2019 series are Anneka Rice and Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing.

Sixty-year-old TV presenter Rice, whose series Challenge Anneka first aired thirty years ago, is being considered a “top signing” while Laing would be a more surprising addition considering the BBC clamped down on reality stars in recent years.

“[Anneka’s] a TV institution and a familiar face to viewers who’ll be rooting for her,” a source said. “She is in great shape and can’t wait to strut her stuff.”

Rice famously stepped out of the limelight to raise her children and spent five years studying painting.

Her most recent broadcast appearances include a celebrity version of the series Hunted for Stand Up to Cancer in 2017 and filling in for several presenters on Radio 2.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September with new judge Motsi Mabuse set to replace Darcey Bussell.