Ashley Roberts / PA
News

Ashley Roberts and Stacey Dooley confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing

The line-up is growing every day!

Strictly Come Dancing has announced two more contestants.

Former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star Ashley Roberts and television presenter Stacey Dooley have been revealed as the eighth and ninth celebrities to sign up.

Ashley Roberts, The Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards 2018
Ashley was confirmed as a Strictly contestant on Friday morning (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Chris Evans revealed Pussycat Dolls star Ashley’s participation on his BBC Radio 2 show earlier than planned after demand from fans.

Read more: Celebrity Big Brother’s full line-up officially CONFIRMED

He told listeners: “People are texting in saying ‘Can’t you tell us who the Strictly contestant is because we’re not going to be here when she comes on?’

“I said it was a she yesterday and it is a she. Well I could, I suppose, and just do it again. I don’t think anybody is going to mind.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkgY9Tg-zR/?hl=en&taken-by=bbcstrictly

Chris then said: “It’s Ashley Roberts. There you go. Just don’t tell anyone I told you, because our loyalty is to our listeners. So there you go.

“Don’t tell anyone, because the big reveal is coming up after 8am. You can’t get too much publicity, can you?”

Meanwhile, journalist and presenter Stacey was confirmed on Thursday evening.

Stacey Dooley
Stacey was confirmed on Thursday evening (Credit: Instagram @sjdooley)

She said: “It’s happening! I’m taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year and my mother is going to explode.

“2018 has already been such an incredible year for me, I’ve done some amazing things and I’m excited to add ‘becoming a dancing GENIUS’ to the list!

“Typically, work for me is very serious and can be quite hard core so I’m going to soak up the escapism and bathe in the sequins. See you on the dancefloor!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmi12vTgUSl/?hl=en&taken-by=bbcstrictly

Stacey is known for her BBC Three series Stacey Dooley Investigates, which began in 2009. Her programmes examine current affairs issues affecting young people around the world.

She has previously filmed documentaries in Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo and her home town of Luton.

Stacey was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June.

Craig, Darcey, Shirley and Bruno return as judges (Credit: BBC)

The contestants for the 2018 series have been revealed slowly over the last few days.

The other seven famous faces signed up for this year are This Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh, television presenter Katie Piper, cricketer Graeme Swann, YouTuber Joe Sugg, Capital FM radio DJ Vick Hope, Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules and Steps singer Faye Tozer.

The new series, believed to be starting in early September, will see presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return, along with judges Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli, Dame Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood.

Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook

At the end of July, the dancers for this year’s series, including Anton Du Beke, Oti Mabuse, Pasha Kovalev and Karen Clifton, started work in the dance studio.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in the autumn.

Are you happy with the Strictly line-up so far? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!