Full Strictly Come Dancing 2016 line-up revealed: These are the 15 celebrities waltzing onto new series
TEAM GB star Greg Rutherford has joined the line-up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The long jumper, who won bronze in Rio, was announced as a competitor for the BBC1 show this evening in the final round of names alongside day-time TV star Judge Rinder, which The Sun revealed in June, plus EastEnders actress Tameka Empson, 39, and Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph, 70.
Speaking on The One Show, Greg said: “I’m absolutely terrified about this.
“This is something I’ve never done. I’ve never danced a step in my life.
“I train obviously to run in a straight line and jump in a sand pit which is a stupid, niche physical activity as it is.
“I’m hoping I get a very good partner who can teach me a lot because truly I have no idea what I’m doing in this.”
The Sun was also the first to reveal Lesley would be taking part last month - making her the oldest female contestant to ever appear.
On who she wants to be partnered with, she said: “Any of them really. I think they’re all fantastic.
“I love Kevin [Clifton]. Not saying I want to be partnered with him, but I love Kevin. They’re all fantastic.
“The anticipation of it is the most frightening thing because you just think you’re going to be stretched.
“But I know as soon as I start I’m going to have the time of my life.”
And asked how she’s feeling about the competition, Tameka said: “It’s just been so hard trying to keep the secret. I have been avoiding every group conversation, I’ve been avoiding telephone calls. It’s just mad.
“I think the ballroom I’m going to have to work on. I like it quite kick.”
The completed line-up for the series, which kicks off in September, will also feature model Daisy Lowe, 27, singer Anastacia, 47, presenter Laura Whitmore, 31, newsreader Naga Munchetty, 41, ex-Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac, 28 and pop star Louise Redknapp, 41.
Politician Ed Balls, 49, artistic gymnast Claudia Fragapane, 18, sports broadcaster Ore Oduba, 29, singer Will Young, 37 and presenter Melvin Odoom, 36 complete the list of stars taking part.
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Sun Columnist Judge Rinder, 38, revealed he is donning the sequins in tribute to his nan.
He said: “The only thing I knew would make my grandmother more proud than watching my TV courtroom was to see me dressed up in white tie doing the Foxtrot.
“So although I suspect the latter will be far more difficult, I am doing Strictly Come Dancing for her.
“No doubt the judges will be as fair, kind and thoughtful as me (especially the charming Craig Revel Horwood). I shall await their verdicts.”
The 14th series of the prime time show will return on September 3 when the celebrities will be matched with their professional partners.
But there have already been criticisms of unfair advantages with Louise Redknapp and Danny Mac both attending performing arts schools as teenagers.
On Saturday The Sun revealed Will Young also had a wealth of dance experience having had ballet lessons three times a week for the last 11 years.
In an interview in 2006 for our Bizarre column, he said: “Ballet keeps me toned and I really enjoy it. I’m a real Billy Elliot.”
The Strictly Come Dancing 2016 line-up in full
- Judge Rinder
- Louise Redknapp
- Will Young
- Danny Mac
- Laura Whitmore
- Ed Balls
- Tameka Empson
- Greg Rutherford
- Ore Oduba
- Daisy Lowe
- Naga Munchetty
- Lesley Joseph
- Anastasia
- Claudia Fragapane
- Melvin Odoom
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