Mike Bushell is the latest star confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing.
The 53-year-old sports presenter admits he thought BBC had called the wrong person when he was offered the chance to join the line-up, but he is no stranger to people thinking he has been on the Latin and ballroom show because he is often confused for presenter Chris Hollins.
He’s swapping early mornings for Saturday nights. Welcome to #Strictly Mike Bushell! @mikebreakfast 🕺https://t.co/oDlJx9OX6m pic.twitter.com/4v6LqgHTt5
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 2, 2019
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Catherine Tyldesley announced as fifth contestant on This Morning
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he said: “It feels like a weird dream. I’ve known a few weeks.
“I thought they’d got the wrong person, genuinely.
“Because for years people have got me confused with Chris Hollins, who won in 2009.
“This happens every week, someone says, ‘Can I have a selfie?’ They’re in the middle of the selfie, ‘My partner loved you on ‘Strictly’, and I’m thinking, ‘Do I say I’ve never been on ‘Strictly’ or do I keep quiet.'”
Mike has managed to keep the news quiet from most people, but he had to tell his wife Emily, who he married in May.
He said: “I told my new wife because she was wondering why I was doing funny moves around the lounge.
“We had the first dance at the wedding at the end of May but it was more jumping up and down really, so I wouldn’t really call it practice.”
Mike is keen to “fly the flag for all dad dancers” on the show, and is prepared for a “physical challenge”.
He added: “I’m flying the flag for all dad dancers. It’ll be a steep learning curve.
This is the moment #BBCBreakfast revealed the latest contestant on #StrictlyComeDancing 🕺@mikebreakfast @bbcstrictly pic.twitter.com/Ixu61rSpj5
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 2, 2019
“I’m not underestimating the physical challenge.”
He also said in a statement: “I am so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve heard so many wonderful things from colleagues over the years so thrilled I’m now getting the chance.
“I know I will completely throw myself into the whole experience and I’m sure will love it from start to finish.
“I may have tried and profiled over 500 sports over the years in my Saturday morning BBC Breakfast slot but think the Strictly challenge could be the greatest. Bring on the glitter!”
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Saffron Barker confirmed as fourth contestant
Mike is the sixth person announced for this year’s line-up after Catherine Tyldesley, Saffron Barker, David James, Chris Ramsey and Emma Barton were confirmed this week.
Strictly returns to our screens this autumn.
What do you think of the Strictly line-up so far? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.