Boyband star latest celebrity announced for Strictly Come Dancing

He's the 12th celebrity to be announced!

Author: Alex RossPublished 20th Aug 2018

Fans of popular dancing show Strictly Come Dancing have been a little underwhelmed so far at this year's line-up, with celebrities such as Katie Piper, Steps singer Faye Tozer, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts and Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules, but now they've added another celeb into the mix, in the form of Blue singer Lee Ryan.

The news was announced today (Monday 20th August) on the official Strictly Come Dancing social media pages, with the message reading, 'All Rise for our 12th #Strictly 2018 celeb, Lee Ryan! 🙌 💙 @officialleeryan'. sic

Speaking to the Loose Women panel about the show, Lee said, “I was nervous, even to say yes. I used to run out of my dance lessons, I used to hide in the singing lessons. That’s why I can sing and not dance.”

He then jokingly added, "Have you ever seen a Blue concert? We lean… that’s all we do. Maybe a shoulder now and again."

Lee is the 12th celebrity to be announced so far, with only a few more left to be announced.

See the full line-up Strictly so far:

Katie Piper

Katie Piper has been the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2018! Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and model 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."

Boyband star latest celebrity announced for Strictly Come Dancing
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Lee shot to fame in 2000 when he joined Simon Webbe, Duncan James and Antony Costa in boy band Blue. The group, who are famous for hit singles 'All Rise' and 'Fly By', sold over 14 million records across the world.

Blue later split up, with Lee pursuing a solo career, but they've recently reunited and often play shows up and down the country.

As well as his music, Lee has also appeared on a number of different TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 and EastEnders in 2017.

Although no official start date for the new series of Strictly has been announced, according to reports, filming for the official launch show is scheduled for Friday 31st August, where all of this year's cast will meet their celebrity partners. However, this show will not be shown live and will air at a later date.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One this autumn.

Find out everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing right here.

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