TV

Boyband heartthrob announced as eighth Strictly Come Dancing contestant 

Singer to dance sensation?

It was revealed at the weekend that JLS’ Aston Merrygold was reportedly taking to the Strictly dance floor.

Now it’s been confirmed that the singer is the eight famous face to waltz into the competition.

The 29-year-old was known for his backflipping dance routines in the band, which will give him a big advantage. He was also a judge on TV talent show Got To Dance.

Read more: Eamonn Holmes jokes about “curse of Strictly” hitting him and Ruth

The announcement was made on Scott Mills’ Radio 1 show this afternoon.

Speaking about landing the stint Aston said: “I’m so happy to be joining Strictly. It is such a brilliant show and I’ve followed it for years.

“I’m both nervous and excited to learn from the professionals about a whole new way of dancing!”

Aston is also best friends with former Strictly champion Louis Smith and has been in the Strictly studios before to support his pal.

The hunk is also friends with another new Strictly contestant, The Saturdays singer Mollie King.

Aston joins a Strictly line-up that includes TV chef Simon Rimmer, Holby City favourite Joe McFadden, Rev Richard Coles, Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson, This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford and EastEnders star Davood Ghadami.

Mollie, 30, was the first celeb to be confirmed for the brand new series.

The blonde beauty admitted she’s excited to be starring in the series.

On Nick Grimshaw’s BBC Radio One breakfast show Mollie told the presenter: “I’m a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing so I can’t actually believe I’m lucky enough to be taking part in it this year!”

Joining them will be EastEnders’ heartthrob Davood.

Davood said in a statement released by the BBC: “It’s going to be exciting, challenging and terrifying all at once and I am so looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to dance.”

We can’t wait to see him put on his dancing shoes!

At the weekend it was revealed that Holby City star Joe, who plays Raffaello ‘Raf’ di Lucca in the medical drama, is the sixth star ready to showcase his dancing talents.

He said: “Strictly is one of the biggest, most entertaining shows on TV, and being asked to be part of it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I’m thrilled and terrified about in equal measures.”

Earlier in the month it was revealed Emmerdale’s Gemma and This Morning’s Ruth are among the ladies joining the show.

Speaking about her excitment for joining the show Gemma, 32, said: “I am honoured to be asked and so thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2017!

“I’m beyond excited and incredibly nervous but I am looking forward to learning a new skill in ballroom and latin dancing and taking on this new challenge.”

Meanwhile Ruth, 57, admitted it has always been her dream to star in Strictly.

And the announcement was made in a pretty dramatic way.

Her hubby Eamonn Holmes firstly teased that one member from the This Morning team would be taking to the floor and viewers were left speculating who it could be.

They then teased the announcement during last week’s show by showing three doors, claiming Deidre, Chris and Gino were behind them. One door was to open to reveal who was doing the BBC show.

But when the middle door was opened, there was Ruth!

Read more: Adam Thomas drops a BIG hint about his final Emmerdale storyline

The brand new series will shimmy its way onto our screens later this year.

No official date has yet been confirmed but the show usually starts at the end of September and runs through until Christmas.

It will be the first series without Len Goodman on the judging panel but there is a very exciting replacement.

International ballroom champion Shirley Ballas will be taking on head judge alongside Bruno Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)