The first official Strictly Come Dancing contestant has been CONFIRMED
It's really happening!
Author: Emma DoddsPublished 13th Aug 2018 Last updated 13th Aug 2018
The very first CONFIRMED celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing has been announced! The dancing show, which will return to our screens later this year, has just kicked off the unveiling of their celebrity line-up for 2018 - and it's already looking like a corker.
TV presenter, model and businesswoman Katie Piper has been officially confirmed as the first celebrity to be taking part in this year's Strictly, admitting the news in an interview with the BBC earlier this morning.
She said, "Thank you so much, it's been so hard to keep it secret!" before adding that she's struggled not to tell her friends who have invited her to events later in the year.
"The only person I told is my husband through text message and he thought I was joking!" she laughed, adding, "I don't have that natural rhythm but I like the fact there's a challenge."
Check out the rumoured contestants for this year's Strictly Come Dancing...
Coleen Rooney
After welcoming her fourth child into the world in January, Coleen Rooney is reportedly 'in talks' with Strictly bosses to appear on the show.
The first official Strictly Come Dancing contestant has been CONFIRMED
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Faye Tozer
Steps singer Faye Tozer has reportedly signed up for the show, with bosses tipping her to be a 'strong contender'.
Coleen Rooney
After welcoming her fourth child into the world in January, Coleen Rooney is reportedly 'in talks' with Strictly bosses to appear on the show.
Michelle Keegan
Bosses are reportedly keen to 'break the bank' for former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan. The Our Girl star will be able to get a few tips from her husband Mark Wright after he appeared on the show back in 2014.
Rylan Clark-Neal
This Morning presenter Rylan Clark-Neal recently expressed his interest in taking part in the popular dancing show. He said, "I'm a big fan of Strictly. Last year, I got the chance to go down there for the first time as previously I've always been on The X Factor.** It was nice to go down and support Ruth. Never say never."
Joey Essex
Former TOWIE star Joey Essex is also a keen favourite with bosses as they think he is 'TV gold'.
Piers Morgan
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan hinted that he could be appearing on the show this year. Piers's rival Lord Alan Sugar even said he would donate ÂŁ25,000 to charity if Piers does take part, and an additional ÂŁ25,000 if he gets past week five!
Les Dennis
During a recent appearance on Sunday Brunch, Les Dennis said, "When I was doing Coronation Street I was approached but we weren't allowed to do it, we had a policy. I wouldn't mind doing it, I always like a challenge."
Maya Jama
Stormzy's girlfriend Maya Jama is also a hot favourite to appear on the show.
Gemma Collins
TOWIE star Gemma Collins is a firm favourite to land a place on this year's show. However, speaking about her potential signing, Craig Revel Horwood recently said, "Gemma Collins would be fun on the show but it's not very often that we have reality stars take to the ballroom. We generally have people of a higher calibre than that."
Nadiya Hussain
Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain attended a number of Strictly live shows last year, where she reportedly expressed her love for the show.
Jake Quickenden
He may have won Dancing On Ice earlier this year, but Jake Quickenden has sparked rumours he's heading to Strictly too.
Cheryl
Former X Factor judge Cheryl is hotly tipped to appear on the show. Head judge Shirley Ballas has previously stated that Cheryl would be her 'dream contestant'. She told the Radio Times, "I think Cheryl would be amazing."
Tom Daley
Olympic diver Tom Daley is said to be a massive fan of the show, with bosses keen to sign him up.
Scarlet Moffatt
Scarlett recently teased her fans by admitting she has an exciting project coming up. Speaking in a Q&A, Scarlett said, "I can't announce anything yet but let's just say the end of the year is going to be great fun."
Faye Tozer
Steps singer Faye Tozer has reportedly signed up for the show, with bosses tipping her to be a 'strong contender'.
Coleen Rooney
After welcoming her fourth child into the world in January, Coleen Rooney is reportedly 'in talks' with Strictly bosses to appear on the show.
Michelle Keegan
Bosses are reportedly keen to 'break the bank' for former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan. The Our Girl star will be able to get a few tips from her husband Mark Wright after he appeared on the show back in 2014.
Rylan Clark-Neal
This Morning presenter Rylan Clark-Neal recently expressed his interest in taking part in the popular dancing show. He said, "I'm a big fan of Strictly. Last year, I got the chance to go down there for the first time as previously I've always been on The X Factor.** It was nice to go down and support Ruth. Never say never."
Joey Essex
Former TOWIE star Joey Essex is also a keen favourite with bosses as they think he is 'TV gold'.
Piers Morgan
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan hinted that he could be appearing on the show this year. Piers's rival Lord Alan Sugar even said he would donate ÂŁ25,000 to charity if Piers does take part, and an additional ÂŁ25,000 if he gets past week five!
Les Dennis
During a recent appearance on Sunday Brunch, Les Dennis said, "When I was doing Coronation Street I was approached but we weren't allowed to do it, we had a policy. I wouldn't mind doing it, I always like a challenge."
Maya Jama
Stormzy's girlfriend Maya Jama is also a hot favourite to appear on the show.
Gemma Collins
TOWIE star Gemma Collins is a firm favourite to land a place on this year's show. However, speaking about her potential signing, Craig Revel Horwood recently said, "Gemma Collins would be fun on the show but it's not very often that we have reality stars take to the ballroom. We generally have people of a higher calibre than that."
Nadiya Hussain
Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain attended a number of Strictly live shows last year, where she reportedly expressed her love for the show.
Jake Quickenden
He may have won Dancing On Ice earlier this year, but Jake Quickenden has sparked rumours he's heading to Strictly too.
Cheryl
Former X Factor judge Cheryl is hotly tipped to appear on the show. Head judge Shirley Ballas has previously stated that Cheryl would be her 'dream contestant'. She told the Radio Times, "I think Cheryl would be amazing."
Tom Daley
Olympic diver Tom Daley is said to be a massive fan of the show, with bosses keen to sign him up.
Scarlet Moffatt
Scarlett recently teased her fans by admitting she has an exciting project coming up. Speaking in a Q&A, Scarlett said, "I can't announce anything yet but let's just say the end of the year is going to be great fun."
Faye Tozer
Steps singer Faye Tozer has reportedly signed up for the show, with bosses tipping her to be a 'strong contender'.
She said of her signing to the show, "I feel so privileged and excited to be part of my favourite show on TV.
"I already know how much of an amazing experience it will be for me and I can't wait to show my girls some of my new dance moves. I'm nervous to put on my dancing shoes but can't wait to learn a new skill and have the Strictly tan and makeover!"
The Strictly team also revealed that there would be another celebrity revelation on tonight's episode of The One Show in a tweet yesterday evening (12th August)... So keep your eyes peeled!
