Strictly Come Dancing 2016: This year’s CONFIRMED stars

Will you be watching?

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by Francesca Battson |
Published on

In the last line up of celebrities we saw the likes of Peter Andre, Kellie Bright, Georgia May Foote and of course the winner, Jay McGuiness.

But who will grace the floor in the next series to compete for the Glitterball Trophy?

READ MORE: Strictly celebrity contestant rumours

Strictly Come Dancing: Confirmed celebrity contestants

Ed Balls

Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, 49, is the first Strictly contestant to be officially confirmed for 2016.

Speaking to Chris Evans on his Radio 2 show, Ed revealed that he is "scared to death" but confessed that it's a "dream come true".

"From the beginning of September, I'm definitely going to be doing 12 hours a week training but everybody says I'll have to do quite a few more hours than that," he said.

"Our family have been massive fans of Strictly for years. I've taken the view that if you have a midlife crisis, make sure you plan it well and enjoy every minute."

Will Young

Pop Idol winner Will has always dreamt of dancing on the Stricly ballroom floor, and now his wishes have come true.

He said in a statement: “As a fan of Strictly for years, I have always imagined myself on the show, but the timing has not been right... until now!"

And Will even took to Twitter to celebrate the announcement, giving us a sneak peak at his dancing skills:

Laura Whitmore

After quitting her presenting role at I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here, NOW! Laura is now getting ready to grace the Strictly dance floor.

“It's an incredible show and I feel so honoured to be asked to be part of it. I'm not going to lie, I'm slightly petrified too!” she told Nick Grimshaw on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.

Laura is a huge fan of the BBC show, and even tuned in from Australia whilst filming I’m A Celebrity to catch up on all the action!

Ore Oduba

Sports Broadcaster and regular face on BBC Breakfast, Ore is currently presenting the Olympic Games from Rio, but will soon be heading to rehearsals for his Strictly debut.

He admitted in a statement: “It’ll be such a challenge to learn a brand new dance and perform it live in front of millions on Saturday nights.

“I’m really looking forward to being thrown well out of my comfort zone.”

Ore revealed he “always strives for perfection” and is “always moving to music”, so we can’t wait to see what his dancing skills are like in this year’s series!

Melvin Odoom

DJ and presenter Melvin announced he was taking part on on his Kiss FM Breakfast show, calling in live from his holiday.

The former Xtra Factor presenter is really looking forward to taking to the floor as he admitted “it's something that I've wanted to do secretly for a few years now”.

“The most bit of dancing that I do is in the club. Ballroom dancing is a completely different animal. I'm looking forward to the new challenge,” he revealed.

Melvin recently opened up to us in an exclusive interview about his upcoming Strictly appearance, and whether he's looking for love on the show.

Louise Redknapp

The former Eternal singer will be gracing the Strictly dancefloor and has admitted that she’s “really nervous”.

Speaking to Radio 2, the presenter said: "I'm actually really nervous. I don't know how I'm going to find positioning my head... I feel I'm so used to doing 3 steps then walk around and clap a bit.

"I have to say I never thought I'd do it. I don't know how I'm here! Over the years the conversation has come up, and here I am! My husband is laughing at me.”

Louise is married to former Liverpool captain and England player Jamie Redknapp, and was previously a judge on So You Think You Can Dance – but now it’s her turn to perform before a judging panel.

Danny Mac

Danny has been a professional actor since the age of 10, starring in West End musical Wicked, before joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Mark ‘Dodger’ Savage.

Danny’s character has become hugely popular, and has been a hit with fans of the show for the past four years.

He said in a statement: “I’m as terrified as I am excited! I’ve done a few bits and bobs of secret filming for the show and it’s all become very real now.

“I can’t believe that I am now part of the biggest show on television and I cannot wait to get started.”

The National Television Awards nominee for Best Newcomer, Most Popular Newcomer and Best Serial Drama Performance, Danny has also been voted three times as Soap’s Sexiest Man at the Inside Soap Awards.

Daisy Lowe

The high-end model, television presenter, author socialite and all round beautiful human being is the eighth star to be announced for this year's Strictly Come Dancing!

Daisy has been in the spotlight since she was 15, starring in major fashion campaigns for some of the biggest labels in the world.

Outside of modelling, her many accomplishments include acting in feature and independent films, appearing in music videos and she is also an author of a sweet treat cookery book.

Daisy is hugely excited about her Strictly debut, as she revealed: "I am used to being on the catwalk and campaigns of major fashion brands with lots of eyes on me but this is completely different from anything I have ever done before!

"My family and friends and I adore Strictly, so when the chance came up to take part - I jumped at it! I am itching to get started and am so looking forward to learning a new skill."

Naga Munchetty

Naga joined the BBC in 2008 presenting Working Lunch, and has been a regular BBC Breakfast presenter since 2009.

Speaking to Carol Kirkwood on BBC Breakfast she revealed the news and says she “can’t wait to start training”.

“I was so surprised to be asked to take part - I never thought I'd have the courage to say yes, but it would be simply silly to turn down the chance to learn to dance with a professional,” Naga revealed.

“I'm going to give it my very best and enjoy what's bound to be a great adventure. I am equally excited, nervous and scared - I can't wait to start training!”

Naga also won her episode of Celebrity Mastermind in 2013 where her specialist subject was The Ryder Cup as she is a keen golfer herself.

But how will she serve on the Strictly dancefloor? We can’t wait to find out…

Anastacia

Joining former Strictly contestant Sophie Ellis-Bextor on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Anastacia revealed that she’s the tenth celebrity to be confirmed and that she’s a ‘10’ on the level of excitement.

“I'm a total '10' on the level of excitement and definitely a '10' scared!” she revealed.

“Seriously though, I can't wait to get started. Taking part in Strictly is a dream, it's such a new challenge for me I've never done anything like this before so I hope I pull it off!

“I've got a lot of training to do before I'm twinkle toes so I'm eager to get my partner and get going! I'm ready!"

Anastacia is known for her song Left Outside Alone amongst others, and appeared on Strictly’s Blackpool special last year singing hit single I’m Outta Love.

READ MORE: Strictly professional dancers line-up

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