'I can't believe it': Brian Conley pays tribute to former Strictly host Bruce Forsyth following his sad death... after it's announced comedian is joining celebrity line-up
Brian Conley has paid tribute to former Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth following his sad death, aged 89.
After hearing the heartbreaking news, the comedian, who was announced as the 10th celebrity to be joining the hit dance show this afternoon, said he was in shock.
He tweeted: 'Just heard the news cannot believe it God bless you Bruce.'
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Heartbreak: Brian Conley has paid tribute to former Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth following his sad death, aged 89, only hours after the comedian was confirmed as a contestant on the hit reality show
Legend: Brian tweeted: 'Just heard the news cannot believe it God bless you Bruce'
Brian was confirmed as the 10th celebrity contestant to be donning the sequins only hours before the death of the Price Is Right presenter, who presented Strictly from 2004-2014.
In a statement this afternoon, Bruce's family said he died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children.
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The statement read: 'It is with great sadness that the Forsyth family announce that Sir Bruce passed away this afternoon, peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children.
'A couple of weeks ago, a friend visited him and asked him what he had been doing these last eighteen months.
Farewell: In a statement this afternoon, Bruce's family said he died peacefully surrounded by his wife and six children
'With a twinkle in his eye, he responded "I've been very, very busy... being ill!" Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated and he contracted bronchial pneumonia.
'The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel.'
Sir Bruce is loved around the country for his 75-year TV career presenting shows including The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and Strictly.
It comes after a series of health scares for the TV star, who was rushed to hospital with a severe chest infection earlier this year.
Sir Bruce was forced to undergo keyhole surgery following a fall at his home in October 2015 after two aortic aneurysms were discovered.
Iconic: Sir Bruce is loved around the country for his 75-year TV career presenting shows including The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and Strictly Come Dancing
Although he was expected to take two months to recover, the process took longer than initially hoped.
Sir Bruce was rushed to hospital in February 2016 for life-saving surgery after his health drastically deteriorated since a serious fall in October 2015.
Before the announcement of the TV legend's death , Brian, who rose to fame on The Brian Conley Show in the early 1990s said: 'I'm delighted and honoured to be asked to strut my stuff on this year’s Strictly. My family all love the show and can't wait to see me do my Dad dancing on national television.
'I know it’s going to be a lot of hard work but I'm up for the challenge, so bring on the spray tan and sequins.'
The star is known for his work as a comedian, actor and TV personality with a career spanning more than 40 years.
In shock: The comedian and actor called Bruce a 'legend' in his poignant tweet
Tragedy: Brian was been confirmed as the 10th celebrity contestant to be donning the sequins only hours before the death of the Price Is Right presenter, who presented Strictly from 2004-2014
He is known for the The Brian Conley Show which went on to become Britain's most-watched entertainment show at the time, coining his catchphrase 'It's a puppet!' and making him the highest paid male TV personality in the UK.
The news was revealed on Friday on Radio 2’s Steve Wright in the Afternoon.
The National Television Award winner has also performed and presented at the Royal Variety Performance eight times and recently hosted two series of BBC One's The TV That Made Me.
Celebrity stalwart: He is known for the The Brian Conley Show which went on to become Britain's most-watched entertainment show at the time, coining his catchphrase 'It's a puppet!' and making him the highest paid male TV personality in the UK
The multi-talented star is sure to have no problems with his performance skills on the hit dance show as she has starred in multiple West End Productions
The father-of-two has recorded three albums and acted in six films.
Brian also appeared in the 2012 series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here
Brian joins Susan Calman, Aston Merrygold, Simon Rimmer, Joe McFadden, Reverend Richard Coles, Gemma Atkinson, Ruth Langsford, Davood Ghadami and Mollie King who have also been confirmed for the new series.
More celebrities are due to be announced in the near future.
Funnyman: He is known for the The Brian Conley Show which went on to become Britain's most-watched entertainment show at the time, coining his catchphrase 'It's a puppet!' and making him the highest paid male TV personality in the UK
Not his first reality show: Brian appeared in the 2012 series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here
Fellow comedian Susan was the ninth person to be announced for the Strictly Come Dancing line-up on Tuesday, but the latest addition divided fans of the BBC show.
The Scottish comedian and actress, 42, is best known for her appearances as a panelist on BBC Radio 4 topical shows The News Quiz and I Guess That's Why They Call It The News.
The dancing contest, which airs in September, has already confirmed eight other celebrity contestants for the popular show- but fans have been sent into a frenzy over the calibre of celebrities in the line-up.
Exited: Susan Calman is the ninth person to be announced for the Strictly Come Dancing line-up
The news was revealed on Jeremy Vine's BBC radio 2 show this afternoon, and speaking to her co-host she said: 'I've been a Strictly fan for years. I love the show because I love people who go for it.'
'It's entertaining and I am going to do my absolute best to do that for people sitting at home. I can't wait'.
However some Strictly fans remained unconvinced, questioning her eligibility to be on the show as well as the other celebrities.
'And the next 'celebrity' I've never heard of to take to the dancefloor IS... #waitingwithbaitedbreath #Strictly #Strictly2017 #BBC,' one unimpressed viewer wrote.
Different: The Scottish comedian and actress, 42, is best known for her appearances as a panelist on BBC Radio 4 topical shows The News Quiz and I Guess That's Why They Call It The News
'And the next 'celebrity' I've never heard of to take to the dancefloor IS... #waitingwithbaitedbreath #Strictly #Strictly2017 #BBC,' one unimpressed viewer wrote
One irate fan called the nine celebrities taking to the dancefloor a 'who are you' line-up, writing: 'It would be great if it actually included a few KNOWN CELEBS cos looking at the list its more like a 'who are you?' line up #Strictly2017', another added.
And one fan wrote: Very disappointed in this #Strictly2017 line up so far. A snoozefest ! There is still time to bag some B-list!'.
One fan said 'I'm not bothered I still don't know who she is'
Yet others defended the comedian, with a fan writing: 'You go strut it girl. Can't wait x' while another wrote 'This is the announcement I've been waiting for. Can't wait to see you on #Strictly'
Support :Yet others defended the comedian, with a fan writing: 'You go strut it girl. Can't wait x'
Excitement: Another fan wrote: 'This is the announcement I've been waiting for. Can't wait to see you on #Strictly'
'I haven't worn heels or a dress since I was 17. Haven't danced with a man in over a decade. Strictly, I'm ready', she confessed amid her excitement
But Susan appeared unphased by the cruel mocking, sharing her excitement on Twitter.
'Being on Strictly is a dream come true. I am an enthusiastic home dancer and now on Saturday night's I'll be dancing in other people's homes in a (hopefully) entertaining way.'
'I'm terrified but excited to start my Strictly journey.'
Next up! Aston Merrygold, 29, was announced as the eighth celebrity taking part in the forthcoming fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing
And adding a hilarious twist, she then tweeted: 'I haven't worn heels or a dress since I was 17. Haven't danced with a man in over a decade. Strictly, I'm ready'.
On Monday Aston Merrygold was announced as the eighth celebrity taking part in the forthcoming fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The former JLS star, 29 - who has frequently showed off his dancing capabilities - couldn't contain his delight as he revealed: 'I'm so happy to be joining Strictly. It is such a brilliant show and I've followed it for years.'
However the announcement didn't seem to sit well with some die-hard fans of the BBC competition as they pointed out he was previously in a dance-heavy boyband and was also formerly a judge of a dance series.
Continuing to gush about joining the line-up, Aston revealed: 'I'm both nervous and excited to learn from the professionals about a whole new way of dancing!'
The star couldn't contain his delight as he revealed: 'I'm so happy to be joining Strictly. It is such a brilliant show and I've followed it for years'
However, unimpressed future viewers of the series were quick to point out his past dance experience with the following tweets:
'Aston Merrygold doing Strictly is like Bear Grylls doing I'm A Celeb.'
'Wasn't he a judge on a dance show? (Got to Dance on Sky 1).'
'People can pipe down already. how many times does it have to be said that BR/Latin isn't the same as what they've done previously?'
Previous experience: Aston soared to fame on The X Factor as part of boyband JLS, where they were known to put on highly energetic dance-based performances
'Wasn't he a judge on a dance show?' Unimpressed future viewers of the series were quick to point out his past experience
'So when do we start dragging Aston Merrygold for his JLS background and being a former Got To Dance judge? #Strictly.'
'I'm less fond of this announcement. I'm sure he's a lovely guy but it's hard to root for him given his background.'
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Aston for further comment.
Aston was heavily reported to be joining the cast of the upcoming season of Strictly, which will no doubt add to his impressive repertoire of dancing endeavours.
Sources initially claimed the accomplished break-dancer's years of experience with JLS, coupled with a former judging role on talent show Got to Dance, gives him a clear advantage over his competitors.
He knows what he's doing! Aston has frequently showed off his dancing capabilities in the boyband JLS and had a former judging role on talent show Got to Dance
'Hard to root for him': The disappointment continued to flood in from social media users as they criticised the decision
An insider told The Sun: 'It doesn't have to be ballroom or Latin dancing experience to give someone an edge.
'Aston spent years being choreographed in JLS and that rhythm and ability to follow instructions puts him streets ahead of competitors.
'And if there was ever proof he knows a thing or two about dancing, he was a judge in a dance talent show.'
And the criticism continued to flock in on social media:
'Aston better back flip during every dance or else I'll be emailing Ofcom! @AstonMerrygold @bbcstrictly #Strictly.'
Hear'say: Aston was heavily reported to be joining the cast of the upcoming season of Strictly, which will no doubt add to his impressive repertoire of dancing endeavours
'He has the ability to follow instructions': Sources initially claimed the accomplished break-dancer's years of experience with JLS, coupled with a former judging role on talent show Got to Dance, gives him a clear advantage over his competitors
'What I would say about @AstonMerryglod joining @bbcstrictly is that just cos I write & speak English doesn't mean I can write a novel!'
'@AstonMerryglod joining @bbcstrictly cld be seen by some as controversial cos of his previous dance experience.'
The news comes after Simon Rimmer was announced as part of the line-up on Sunday.
The beloved BBC show took to their Twitter page to confirm the 54-year-old, best known for hosting Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, will be taking to the famous ballroom floor this autumn.
Speaking ahead of his appearance, Simon could not contain his excitement at the prospect of learning to dance, admitting: 'Nobody will try harder, have more fun or get more out of it than me. I can't wait.'
Burning the floor! The news comes after Simon Rimmer was announced as part of the line-up on Sunday
Easy like Sunday morning: The 54-year-old is best known as the chef and co-host of Channel 4's Sunday Brunch
A self-professed fan of the show, Simon himself admitted he is extremely 'excited' but also 'terrified' at the thought of hitting the dance floor, clad in sequins and fake tan.
He said: 'I am so excited, terrified and proud to be invited to be part of Strictly 2017. I've always been a HUGE fan of the show.
'When I put on my sequins and hit the floor it will genuinely be my very first time dancing ballroom and latin.'
Can't wait: He said ahead of his appearance: 'I am so excited, terrified and proud to be invited to be part of Strictly 2017. I've always been a HUGE fan of the show'
Big news: Strictly confirmed the news on their Twitter page on Sunday morning (above), during his weekly Channel 4 magazine show with co-host Tim Lovejoy
Despite his lack of experience however, the Merseyside native admitted that he was ready to give it his best shot, in the hope of lifting the famed glitter ball trophy.
'Nobody will try harder, have more fun or get more out of it than me,' he added. 'I can't wait!'
Simon is best known as the chef and co-host of Channel 4's Sunday Brunch with Tim Lovejoy - who first hit screens together when they fronted Something For The Weekend back in 2006, with former Strictly contestant Louise Redknapp.
Main man: Simon hosts Sunday Brunch with Tim Lovejoy - who first hit screens together on Something For The Weekend back in 2006, with former Strictly contestant Louise Redknapp
Knows his stuff: He has also fronted several of his own cookery shows on multiple channels, and owns two restaurants in Manchester
He has also fronted several of his own cookery shows on multiple channels, and owns two restaurants in Manchester.
Simon marks the seventh celebrity confirmed for the series so far - with Holby City actor Joe McFadden, 41, announced on Saturday morning.
Joe 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!'
Just what the doctor ordered: Simon marks the seventh celebrity confirmed for the series so far - with Holby City actor Joe McFadden, 41, announced on Saturday morning
Scottish-born Joe is best known for his roles in Take the High Road, Heartbeat and Holby City, and has played general surgeon Raff Di Luca in the BBC One medical drama since 2014.
Strictly have been announcing a contestant each day this week, with Reverend Richard Coles was announced as the fifth contestant on Friday.
The musician, journalist and Church of England priest, 55, is known for having been the multi-instrumentalist who partnered Jimmy Somerville in the 1980s band the Communards.
Sending pulses racing: The Cranford star, 41, will perform every weekend on the 15th series of the BAFTA award-winning talent contest, which returns in the autumn
He was announced as the new addition on Friday, as he revealed: 'Cometh the hour, cometh the overweight Vicar with arthritis in his knee!'
Reverend Richard is the only Vicar in Britain to have had a number one hit single, Don't Leave Me This Way.
Reverend Richard joins Gemma Atkinson, Ruth Langsford, Davood Ghadami and Mollie King who have also been confirmed for the new series.
Putting on his dancing shoes: Strictly have been announcing a contestant each day this week, with Reverend Richard Coles was announced as the fifth contestant on Friday
On Thursday, Gemma was announced and said of her new gig: 'I am really flattered they have asked me, I never thought the words would be coming out of my mouth. I am more likely to fit in on a show like Gladiators, but that's why I wanted to do it, it's a challenge.'
The 15th series of the BAFTA award-winning entertainment show produced by BBC Studios will return in the autumn on BBC One, and has slowly been releasing the line up as the week has gone on, with the latest news revealed on Thursday on BBC Breakfast.
She told hosts of the show Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt that she's nervous about the challenge but that 'after a few drinks I think I'm Britney Spears'.
Putting on his dancing shoes: Reverend Richard was announced as the new addition on Friday, as he revealed: 'Cometh the hour, cometh the overweight Vicar with arthritis in his knee!'
The actress, who also hosts a morning radio breakfast show, joked that she hasn't been allowed to tell anyone and that her breakfast co-hosts 'have been looking for me all morning'.
She also apologised for lying to her family, who had heard rumblings of the news, which she had denied.
Both Naga and BBC weather girl Carol Kirkwood - who have both appeared on Strictly in the past - offered Gemma advice, telling her to 'remember to just enjoy it'.
'I am more likely to fit in on a show like Gladiators': Fitness fanatic, actress and model Gemma Atkinson was the fourth star added to the 2017 Strictly Come Dancing line-up
Ready for the challenge: Fitness enthusiast Gemma is in excellent shape for the grueling Strictly gig
She added: 'I am honoured to be asked and so thrilled to be joining the show. 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.'
Gemma is a British actress and radio presenter, well known for playing Lisa Hunter in Channel 4's Hollyoaks between 2001 and 2005.
She has since played series regular Tamzin Bayle in BBC One's Casualty and was most recently seen in ITV's Emmerdale playing Carly Hope where she was nominated for Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards 2016.
Dancing queen: She told hosts of the show Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt that she's nervous about the challenge but that 'after a few drinks I think I'm Britney Spears'
Excited: It was announced on BBC Breakfast that Gemma Atkinson ex Emmerdale Star was the next contestant on Strictly. Since leaving Emmerdale Gemma is a radio host at Key 103
![Treading the boards: Gemma is a British actress and radio presenter, well known for playing series regular Tamzin Bayle in BBC One’s Casualty [L] and was most recently seen in ITV’s Emmerdale playing Carly Hope [R]](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/08/10/09/318E571400000578-4777598-image-m-32_1502353159370.jpg)
Treading the boards: Gemma is a British actress and radio presenter, well known for playing series regular Tamzin Bayle in BBC One's Casualty [L] and was most recently seen in ITV's Emmerdale playing Carly Hope [R]
However one thing she isn't looking forward to is the famous spray tans, laughing: 'I've had one spray tan in my life at a charity event, because it was for charity I said yes. It stunk and when I woke up it was all over my bed. So I'm not looking forward to the spray tans.'
She added: 'My aim it's just to not go out first, I would love to get to the final, absolutely.'
Although Gemma would be happy just to walk away with a new skill: 'For me, learning to dance itself is a milestone. So if I come away from the experience being able to say I can dance, then that in itself is great.
'It's such a varied audience, kids all the way up to nanas can watch. It's secretly that one show everyone wants to do, so I feel very flattered they even asked me to be honest.
Glamming up: The Casualty actress has also been practicing walking in stilettos at home to get herself ready for the extravagant outfits the show has become known for
'I've never had a dance lesson in my life!' Gemma joined morning television queen Ruth Langsford on the line-up, who was announced as the third celebrity taking part on Wednesday
Gemma joined morning television queen Ruth Langsford on the line-up, who was announced as the third celebrity taking part on Wednesday.
Of the signing, Ruth, 57, said: 'I have dreamt about doing Strictly for so long, I can't quite believe my dream has come true!'
She went on: 'The sum of my dance experience is throwing a few shapes at a party, I've never had a dance lesson in my life. Without doubt it will be the scariest yet most exciting thing I've ever done.
'It'll be a welcome change worrying about my next hot move instead of my next hot flush!'
Busy lady: Explaining how she'll manage the commitment, Ruth said 'I'd be working and then rehearsing in the afternoon'
Dream job: Of the signing, she Ruth said - 'I have dreamt about doing Strictly for so long, I can't quite believe my dream has come true'
Eamonn shared a slight concern for his wife about her hectic lifestyle, worried that this will add even more to her very full plate. He was sure to assert, however, that he is in awe of his wife, dubbing her 'Leggy Langsford'.
'I'm so proud. I think you'll be an inspiration for older women everywher,' he said to his wife of seven years - who have been together for nearly two decades.
Explaining how she'll manage the commitment, Ruth said: 'I'd be working and then rehearsing in the afternoon.'
She added: 'I'm good in heels! Whether I can dance in them has yet to be seen!'
Thrilled: She said of the gig 'I'm good in heels! Whether I can dance in them has yet to be seen!'
TV star: Ruth Langsford is also a anchor on ITV's Loose Women. In addition to her daytime presenting roles, Ruth has a regular primetime series with Eamonn for Channel 5 called How the Other Half Lives currently in its third series
Ruth has made no secret of the fact that she'd love to be on Strictly one day.
'I'm a massive fan and I'm always very flattered when my name is in the mix,' she told Express earlier this summer, hinting that she has been asked before. 'They haven't confirmed anything yet. If they asked me to do the show I would absolutely love to do it.'
She also said she wouldn't care which of the pro dancers she'd like to be partnered with. - simply that she is just excited to learn how to dance from a professional.
Supportive: She was also quick to affirm her husband Eamonn will be supporting her in the audience each week
She was also quick to affirm her husband Eamonn will be supporting her in the audience each week - despite him joking he'd be missing the football.
'What sort of marriage is this? I thought it was going to be me,' Eamonn joked after the announcement was made on Wednesday.
'It's definitely me. Every Saturday, you have to be there,' Ruth said. Eamonn quipped back: 'But what about the football? The start of the football season? I'm very, very pleased for you.'
Big reveal: The reveal took place on This Morning, with doors in the studio set up, each with a member of the show's on-screen talent standing by them as a cardboard cut-out
Happy couple: Ruth is an Ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society and she and Eamonn live in London with their son Jack and beloved dog, Maggie
Ruth went on to say what she's most nervous about: 'The reveal show is the first time [she will meet her professional partner], I thought 'oh come on, I bet they tell you', but the reveal show is the first time. I do worry about who will have to lift me up. It is hard work, you have to put the work in.'
She added: 'That's my worry, remembering [the routines], because some of it is so fast.'
Eamonn also added jokingly: 'I think Strictly is fine for people who are resting between jobs but she's flat out, she's got a lot of work and there's family responsibilities that'll be neglected, I've got to worry about who or what is going to be around, what's in the fridge. When's she gonna get time to train? You're gonna be grumpy and tired.'
Can't wait: She also has a passion for fashion and has recently started hosting her own show Ruth Langsford's Fashion Edit on QVC
Ruth is also a anchor on ITV's Loose Women. In addition to her daytime presenting roles, Ruth has a regular primetime series with Eamonn for Channel 5 called How the Other Half Lives currently in its third series.
She also has a passion for fashion and has recently started hosting her own show Ruth Langsford's Fashion Edit on QVC.
Ruth is an Ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society and she and Eamonn live in London with their son Jack and beloved dog, Maggie.
Eamonn also added jokingly: 'I think Strictly is fine for people who are resting between jobs but she's flat out, she's got a lot of work and there's family responsibilities that'll be neglected, I've got to worry about who or what is going to be around, what's in the fridge. When's she gonna get time to train? You're gonna be grumpy and tired'
Davood Ghadami was also confirmed to be taking part in the show earlier this week.
Speaking about the new challenge, the 35-year-old actor - who plays Kush Kazemi on theBBC soap EastEnders - revealed: 'Having the opportunity to take part in this year's Strictly is such an honour.'
'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. See you under the glitterball!'
A TV source previously told The Sun: 'Davood is this year's heartthrob and bosses are delighted he's signed up.
Honoured: Davood Ghadami has also been confirmed, revealing about the new challenge: 'Having the opportunity to take part in this year's Strictly is such an honour'
'Soap stars, particularly from EastEnders, have done really well on the show previously. Producers are keen for him to get his kit off and get the audience's pulses racing a bit.'
Davood will follow in the footsteps of several EastEnders stars who have taken to the Strictly dancefloor in the past, including Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann), who won the trophy in 2010.
Davood has starred in the BBC One soap since 2014 and set pulses racing when he joined as Albert Square's latest ladies' man.
Quickstepping in their footsteps: Davood will follow in the footsteps of several EastEnders stars who have taken to the Strictly dancefloor in the past
Davood followed the announcement of Mollie King, 30, who was the first contestant announced for this year's installment ofStrictly Come Dancing.
Speaking on BBC Radio 1 with Nick Grimshaw, The Saturdays hitmaker admitted she's ready to get her twinkle toes moving across the ballroom as she vies for the glitterball trophy on the 15th series of the much-love series.
The fashionista divulged on the airwaves on Monday: 'I'm so excited and so excited I can talk about it. I've known for quite a while and I'm so bad a keeping secrets.
Confirmed: Davood is the second star to sign up to the show, following Mollie King, 30, who was the first contestant announced for this year's installment of Strictly Come Dancing
'I had only told my mum and dad, you have to tell them. I told my sisters Laura and Ellen and then Frankie (Bridge). She is then only other person I told because she had done Strictly three years ago.'
However, the excitement proved too much for her bandmate as Mollie admitted Frankie - who made it to 2014's Strictly final with dance partner Kevin Clifton - had to pull over after hearing the news.
She added: 'She (Frankie) was so excited, she was driving and had to pull over.'
Feisty: Speaking on BBC Radio 1 with Nick Grimshaw, The Saturdays hitmaker admitted she's ready to get her twinkle toes moving across the ballroom as she vies for the glitterball trophy on the 15th series of the much-love series
Excitement: However, the excitement proved too much for her bandmate as Mollie admitted Frankie Bridge had to pull over after hearing the news
The London native has previously discussed her love of US singer Britney Spears, and with her new project on the horizon, she insisted that there's an opportunity to emulate her idol while on the ballroom.
She gushed: 'I could wear the catsuit or I could do the Slave for you and come out with a snake.'
Although, the blonde bombshell revealed she had been approached for the show before, she felt this years she was ready to cha-cha-cha and waltz her way into the nation's homes.
'They asked for me to come and do it before, this year I said 'please can I do it?'', she shared. 'This is a great time and I can't hold out anymore. I'm very competitive.'
All smiles: Mollie left BBC studios beaming following her thrilling announcement
Toe-tappingly good: She showcased her enviable pins in a thigh-grazing lilac skirt for the occasion
Style savvy: She teamed her eye-catching look with a knitted top and tan platforms
Helping hand: Frankie made it to 2014's Strictly final with dance partner Kevin Clifton
With Strictly on the horizon in a matter of weeks, the beauty insisted that she's in it to win as she prepares to step out in the sequin and sparkle, while adding that she's anxious about picking up the tricky ballroom and Latin routines.
She said: 'I start rehearsals in a couple of weeks and on TV in September. I do want to win, I don't want to be out in the first week, that would be so embarrassing.'
'Completely, so so nervous. I'm most nervous picking up the routines, completely different to The Saturdays... I'm quite slow at picking up the routines with the band but you have to throw yourself in.'
Despite the fun of learning a new skill, Mollie admitted that she's worried about Strictly's answer to Mr Nasty, Craig Revel Horwood, critiquing her routines.
Anxious: With Strictly on the horizon in a matter of weeks, the beauty insisted that she's in it to win as she prepares to step out in the sequin and sparkle, while adding that she's anxious about picking up the tricky ballroom and Latin routines
Worry: She said: 'I start rehearsals in a couple of weeks and on TV in September. I do want to win, I don't want to be out in the first week, that would be so embarrassing'
Sharing: 'I'm quite worried about Craig (Revel Horwood) because he can be quite harsh. I really want to meet Darcey (Bussell) because she's like a real-life princess.'
And while many would be aghast at the transformation they'd have to undertake in preparation for the show, Mollie revealed she's excited for the weekly Strictly spray-tan and sequin makeover.
'I will be lapping those babies up, try and get me out of that booth,' she laughed. 'If only real-life was like this everyday, brush your teeth, get a spray tan.'
Transformation: And while many would be aghast at the transformation they'd have to undertake in preparation for the show, Mollie revealed she's excited for the weekly Strictly spray-tan and sequin makeover
While Mollie has been confirmed for this year's line-up, she is reported to be joined by comedian Brian Conley, 55, in the ballroom.
According The Sun, a source revealed: 'Brian is all signed up for the show and is sure to be a laugh a minute. He's a born performer and really knows how to get a crowd going given his years of experience playing Buttons in panto.
'He was addicted to the series last year and even came to watch the live shows to get some tips – he really can't wait to get going.'
Onboard? While Mollie has been confirmed for this year's line-up, she is reported to be joined by comedian Brian Conley, 55, in the ballroom
Fancy footwork: Mollie will be following in the footsteps of winner Ore Oduba and his dance partner Joanne Clifton - who took home the glitterball on 2016's Strictly
Read more:
- News, sport, celebrities and gossip | The Sun
- BBC - Radio 1 - Home
- Strictly Come Dancing bosses hope comedian Brian Conley will provide 'a laugh a minute' as he signs up for BBC hit show
- Strictly Come Dancing signs EastEnders hunk Davood Ghadami for this year's series
- Latest UK and World News, Sport and Comment | Express.co.uk
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