Hamza Yassin confirmed as thirteenth celebrity on Strictly Come Dancing 2022

Hamza Yassin has been confirmed as the thirteenth contestant for Strictly Come Dancing later this year 2022.

The wildlife photographer is known for appearing in Countryfile and Animal Park as well as starring as a CBeebies presenter.

Yassin, who is reportedly travelling back from an overseas project, says he is “over the moon” to be joining the cast of the 20th anniversary BBC dance show.

“I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show,” he said about the announcement.

“I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.”

Yassin added: “My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ‘til you make it!”

News of Yassin’s casting came hours after it was revealed that musician Fleur East is also competing this year.

Strictly Come Dancing producers are yet to confirm the complete list of celebrities that are competing this year. In 2021, 15 celebrities took to the dance floor - and a similar number is expected for this season.

The glitzy show - fronted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman - is set to return to BBC One on Wednesday, September 7.

This year, there will also be some changes to the professional dancers competing after it was confirmed that Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec would not be appearing in the upcoming season.

Anton Du Beke has also officially replaced Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel after the Italian judge left the show. Du Beke will join Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse on the panel.