Kellie Bright will compete in the new series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The ‘EastEnders’ actress – who plays Linda Carter in the BBC soap – is the first female celebrity to be announced this year and said it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
She explained: "There are two main reasons I want to take part in this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
"The first is that as I will be turning 40 next year, I think it is the perfect time for a new, exciting challenge. The second reason is because if I said ‘no’, Linda Carter would never forgive me!"
Kellie, 39, joins celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott and DJ Jeremy Vine who have previously been announced.
Celebrity chef Ainsley, 58, – who is best known as the host of cooking show ‘Ready Steady Cook’ – made a surprise appearance on ‘The One Show’ to reveal he will be taking part in the upcoming series of the BBC One dance contest.
He said: "I must admit that I do love to dance, but doing it in front of the nation is a whole different matter!
"In my day job the only type of salsa I know about is the one in my recipes so I am looking forward to rising to the challenge, bring it on!"
BBC Radio 2 and ‘Eggheads’ host Jeremy said: "They asked me and I just thought I just turned 50 this year I’ve got to start dancing properly. I can’t go into the dad dancing.
"How could I say no to the biggest show in TV? Yes, yes, yes and yes again to the sequins and the Samba!"
Kellie Bright signs up for Strictly Come Dancing
