Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane, 18, becomes latest star to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing... and reveals Louis Smith inspired her to take part
Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing.
The 18-year-old athlete - who has just taken part in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro - is the latest star to join the upcoming series of the BBC One show.
Although she is 'obviously competitive', Claudia isn't expecting to make the final and said: 'I just want to go there, enjoy it and challenge myself.
Raising the bar: Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane, 18, has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing
'And she isn't worried about the tough Strictly judges, explaining: 'Some are harsher critics than others but I take criticism well.
She also revealed she was inspired to take part by fellow gymnast Louis Smith, who scooped the Glitterball trophy in 2012.
Claudia said: 'I always watched it when Louis Smith was on. I love the different styles of dancing and the costumes. I love costumes that stand out. Lots of sparkles!'
Following in his footsteps: The talented teen revealed she was inspired to take part by fellow gymnast Louis Smith, who scooped the Glitterball trophy in 2012
Amazing athlete: Claudia made history by winning four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
Hard at work: Claudia has just taken part in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro
Claudia made history by winning four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
She also won three successive silvers at the European Championships and was named Young Sports Personality of the Year.
This comes after Anastacia was the tenth celebrity contestant to be confirmed for the Saturday night show on Friday.
New recruit: The news of Claudia joining the line-up comes after singer Anastacia was confirmed for the show on Friday
The announcement was made live on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 where Anastacia, 47, joined Dominic Cooper and former Strictly contestant Sophie Ellis-Bextor as a guest live in the studio.
But Chris slipped up on air when he accidentally said two-thirds of Anastacia's full name before the official reveal.
The star told Chris: 'I'm a total '10' on the level of excitement and definitely a '10' scared! Seriously though, I can't wait to get started. Taking part in Strictly is a dream, it's such a new challenge for me I've never done anything like this before so I hope I pull it off!!!' she gushed.
'I've got a lot of training to do before I'm twinkle toes so I'm eager to get my partner and get going! I'm ready!' she added.
Hitting the floor: The US singer is the tenth celebrity contestant to be confirmed for the Saturday night hit, but admitted she's full of nerves
Chicago born Anastacia has loved music from a young age, appearing in music videos and singing backing vocals until she finally secured a record deal with her debut album Not That Kind being released in 2000.
Songs such as Sick and Tired, One Day In Your Life and Left Outside Alone helped her clock up over 30 million sales, four headline tours and an MTV Europe Music Award.
Last year, Anastacia appeared on Strictly Come Dancing's Blackpool special singing her hit single I'm Outta Love in the world famous Tower Ballroom, where she is thought to have caught the eye of the show's producers.
Headed to the dancefloor: Naga Munchetty looked in great spirits as she left the BBC Breakfast studios on Thursday morning following the Strictly announcement
Bathroom to ballroom: Daisy Lowe has celebrated her upcoming appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in the best way possible - by treating fans to a sexy selfie
The singer has been open about her battle with cancer, making the decision to have a double mastectomy after two battles with breast cancer in 2003 and then ten years later in 2013.
In her statement about Strictly, the star explained: 'After my double mastectomy, it stripped away a part of me that I feel I would like to find again.'
'This opportunity has come at a perfect time to help me use and get to know my upper body again.'
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