Strictly Come Dancing 2018: Lee Ryan announced as latest contestant on Loose Women

Lee Ryan has been revealed as the next name for Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the first celebrity reveal of the week.

The Blue singer confirmed on Monday that he will be taking part in the sequinned show this autumn as he chatted to Stacey Solomon, Anne Diamond, Jane Moore and Nadia Sawalha.

Ryan – code name Roquefort – took off his silver glitter helmet to reveal his identity, telling the Loose Women: “I was nervous even to say yes.

"I did [go to italia Conti][ but I used to run out my dance lessons and hide in my singing lessons.

"Have you ever seen a Blue concert? We lean! I am [nervous]. They approached me and I was like… because Simon did it, Simon Webbe… he did absolutely amazing, where else do I go?

"Just watching him and his transformation of how he went through the show, I think that’s what’s really important. He didn’t go in there knowing what he was doing. He grew, that’s what the show is about."

Speaking of his upcoming appearance in a press release, Ryan said: "I’m so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly line-up.

"It is a real honour for me and I can’t wait to get out on the dance floor."

Ryan, who recently appeared in EastEnders as Woody Woodward, will be hoping to emulate the success of bandmate Simon Webbe, who reached the final in 2014 with Kristina Rihanoff and former co-star Davood Ghadami who competed in the show last year.

The 35-year-old’s reveal is the first of this week, with more names to be revealed in due course.

Ryan joins a star-studded cast as they head to the Elstree ballroom, including Katie Piper, Faye Tozer, Graeme Swann and Kate Silverton.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.