Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line-up: Anneka Rice announced as final contestant

She joins a host of footballers and ex-soap stars in the celebrity competition 

Jacob Stolworthy
Wednesday 07 August 2019 08:18 BST
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Strictly Come Dancing 2019: The line-up so far

Another celebrity taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing has been announced.

Joining Olympian James Cracknell, former EastEnders star Emma Barton and ex-footballer David James is Anneka Rice

The British TV presenter, 60, was announced as a contestant on Steve Wright’s BBC Radio 2 show, with sources claiming producers are considering her this series’ ”top signing”.

Rice is best known for Challenge Anneka, which first aired thirty years ago.

“I haven’t danced since I was seven and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated,” she quipped.

“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”.

Other contestants to be announced so far include former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley, social media star Saffron Barker, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual and sports presenter Mike Bushell.

RuPaul’’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage has also been confirmed for this year’s series as well as Emma Thynn, Viscountess Weymouth and former Arsenal defender Alex Scott.

You can find the full lineup here.

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.

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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