Strictly Come Dancing 2017 adds 10th new contestant

From Digital Spy

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 has confirmed that comedian Brian Conley will be the 10th contestant to waltz his way onto the smash-hit BBC One reality series.

The news was revealed on Steve Wright's Radio 2 show, with Brian saying he struggled to keep the secret when he found out after Christmas.

"I have known for some time, actually, and I am just happy to be here, get my spray tan on – Essex orange," he said.

"I knew I wanted to do it and they were making advances to me when I came to see Strictly on Halloween.

"I couldn't be in the SAS or anything – I'm just useless at keeping secrets – but I have tried and not that many people know, I hope, and that's why it's a surprise today."

The comedian joked: "All I want to do is impress the judges, Simon, Amanda and, of course, David Walliams," referring to the Britain's Got Talent lineup.

He revealed that he does have some dance experience – 26 years ago he did a show called Me and My Girl, and apart from that he played a 22-stone woman in Hairspray.

Brian Conley joins the likes of This Morning's Ruth Langsford, former Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson and former member of The Saturdays, Mollie King.

Mollie's friend and former Strictly star Frankie Bridge recently revealed that poor old Mol might struggle a little more than she did.

Mollie isn't the only popstar in the line-up, as she'll be joined by backflip extraordinaire Aston Merrygold, plus the show has signed up more soap stars including EastEnders' Davood Ghadami, who plays Kush Kazemi.

There's also Holby City's Joe McFadden, BBC Radio 4 favourite Reverend Richard Coles, Sunday Brunch star Simon Rimmer and finally, Susan Calman, who presents on Radio 4 and CBBC show Top Class.

Meanwhile, it was revealed that former judge Len Goodman would be making a comeback to the show towards the end of this year's series, but sadly, he won't be dishing out the scores.

Goodman's pal Shirley Ballas is stepping in to judge on the series, along with Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.

As for the professional dancers the BBC released a group shot of the professional dancer line-up for this year's run.

Following a string of departures, the image provides a first look at series newcomers Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell and Nadiya Bychkova in action, having been recently unveiled as the replacements for Natalie Lowe, Oksana Platero and reigning champion Joanne Clifton, who have all departed the ballroom series.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September 2017.

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