Strictly’s Katie McGlynn: ‘Caroline Flack is my inspiration’

Following his wife Giovanni's winning turn on I'm a Celeb last year, McFly frontman Tom Fletcher has been confirmed for the OTHER most popular show on TV. "I think the fact that I'm actually going to be dancing on Strictly this year has only just started to sink in while I'm writing this!" he said. "I'm incredibly excited, of course, but also totally terrified. My kids were excited too until I started showing them my best dad-dancing in the kitchen. I'm not sure how far they'll get me in the competition but I can't wait to add some new moves to my embarrassing dad-dancing repertoire."

TV presenter AJ said, "I am beyond chuffed that I am going to be on this year's Strictly Come Dancing and I'm so glad I can finally tell my mum. "Her face will be a picture, she's going to be over the moon! I absolutely love the show and am fully committed to making the most of every second of the Strictly experience. Bring it on."

GBBO winner and TV chef John Whaite said, "I'm so grateful, excited, and nervous to be joining the Strictly 2021 family. I've been wearing sequins and jazzy attire since I was three years old and can't wait to hurl myself, full throttle, around the most glamorous dance floor on earth. What's more exciting for me, is that I'm going to be one half of the first all-male partnership, which is a great step forward in representation and inclusion. Whoever it is I'm paired with, I hope they are up for a challenge as I want our routines to include lots of spectacular lifts!"

Actor, author and Peep Show star Robert Webb said, "I am ludicrously excited to be taking part in Strictly this year. It's a big, generous, joyful show and I can't wait to get packed into a spandex onesie and fired from a glitter cannon directly at Claudia Winkleman. At least I think that's what happens. My goal is to try and survive from week to week without causing serious injury to myself or innocent bystanders. I know it's going to be a challenge. To do well in this competition is a test of character, although mainly it's a test of dancing."

CBBC presented Rhys Stephenson was the fifth contestant to be confirmed, and said, "I am BUZZING to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021. I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation. I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig's glare! I am READY!"

Angry Chef Gordon Ramsay's daughter Matilda was set to enter the show in 2020 but had to pull out due to a broken arm. Now the rumour mill has gone into overdrive that she's about to try again (á la Jamie Laing) with a source saying, "It's a great sign-up as Tilly has proved a hit with youngsters."It will be great to have Gordon sitting in the audience supporting as well, though he's bound to scare off any pros hoping for a Strictly romance."Tilly's really excited and can't wait to throw herself into rehearsals."Tilly has now been confirmed.

Former pro Rugby star and A Question of Sport host Ugo said, "My two beautiful daughters never had a chance to see me on the rugby pitch, so to know they can watch me waltzing and twirling every week is really special to me. I love an outfit at the best of times, so bring on the sequins!"

Dragon's Den star Sara Davies said, "My Mam and Dad are going to be so excited. I'm really nervous because so far the producers keep asking me if I can dance, Truth be told – I haven't got a clue! I've not danced since I did ballet lessons when I was little. The business world has taught me that tenacity, drive and determination deliver results, I hope that I can bring that to the dance floor. And I'm excited to see the impact of all those hours of training on my mum tum!"

Katie McGlynn, who played Sinead Tinker on Coronation Street before her tragic death last year, says, "It's been so hard keeping it a secret, but I can finally say that I'm getting ready to shake my shimmy and become part of the Strictly family! I'm really not a dancer, but I'm so excited to learn a new skill on this crazy journey and cannot wait to slip into some sequins along the way."

Radio host Dan, who presents BBC Radio Breakfast, said, "I am definitely excited, a little bit worried, mostly terrified and a small part of me is considering going into hiding!"My kids have only ever asked me to go on two shows… Saturday Mash Up and Strictly. I did Saturday Mash Up this summer so… it's time to embrace the sequins.

You might know Greg Wise as Mr Emma Thompson but he's also had his own successful film and TV career, including roles in Sense and Sensibility (where he met his future wife) and in Netflix's The Crown.He said, "My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly five years ago in a glitter ball coffin. This is for her. My gorgeous Diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this,."I will channel her, as her bro can't dance – but I'm thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh…"

Nada Wadia is a well known face on the Beeb having starred in EastEnders, Goodness Gracious Me and Still Open All Hours and said, "I just want to grab life by the balls and enjoy it!"

EastEnders actress Rose, who plays Frankie Lewis on the show, is the first deaf contestant on Strictly and said, "To be the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing is sooooo exciting.. and a little bit scary."It is the hardest secret I have ever had to keep so it feels amazing to finally have this out in the open! I hope I will do the deaf community proud and break down more barriers."

After winning two gold medals in the 2021 Olympics this year, Men's 100m Breaststroke swimmer Adam said, "I'm really looking forward to doing something totally different and challenging myself away from the pool."I'm hoping my competitive nature is going to compensate for my dancing abilities!"

Judi Love confirmed the was joining the line-up for 2021 on her day job, Loose Women. "I think I am still in shock that I will be part of this amazing show," she said. "I've watched it for many years and admired the phenomenal abilities of these dancers and celebrities that have taken part and dedicated themselves to learning a new craft."