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    First five contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2019 are revealed

    Katrina ReesBy

    Da-da-da-da-da-da-daah! Although slightly earlier than usual, we’re officially in Strictly Come Dancing mode as the first batch of contestants for the 2019 series have been revealed.

    Footballer David James MBE, comedian Chris Ramsey, YouTuber Saffron Barker, and soap stars Emma Barton and Catherine Tyldsley are the first five celebrities who will be taking to the dance floor this Autumn.

    David James MBE

    David is a footballing legend who is a former England No.1 goalkeeper. He appeared on last night’s The One Show to confirm his appearance alongside Chris and Emma. Speaking about taking part in Strictly, he said: “I’m really excited to be on Strictly this year. Not just competing against this year’s stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons. I have some big shoes to fill.”

    Chris Ramsey

    Chris is a stand up comedian who is also a TV regular. He’s also completed numerous tours, most recently doing a 106 date stand-up tour last year called Chris Ramsay Live 2018: The Just Happy To Get Out of the House Tour.

    Speaking about Strictly, he said: “I’m both excited and absolutely terrified to be doing the show. You will not find me on the dance floor at parties, you will find me at the buffet table. All night. At my wedding I danced with my wife; that one song took about six months practice, and I definitely stood on her feet a couple of times. So I’m looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people… there better be a buffet after the live shows.”

    Emma Barton

    Emma is best known for playing Honey Mitchell in Eastenders, and will be following in the footsteps of many of her co-stars who have taken part in the show over the years. Speaking about competing in Strictly, Emma said: “As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening.

    “I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business. So, I’m whipping off Honey’s ‘Minute Mart’ tabard and diving right in to all the glitter and sparkle. From Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor – I just can’t wait!”

     

    Saffron Barker

    Following in the footsteps of last year’s finalist Joe Sugg, Saffron Barker will be representing the YouTube community on Strictly 2019. She joined another of last year’s finalists, Ashley Roberts, on Heart radio this morning to announce the news.

    Speaking about her involvement, Saffron said: “I am really excited to go on the Strictly journey and am feeling very grateful for the opportunity! I’m looking forward to learning all of the dances, finding out who my partner is, getting to wear the costumes and to just experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

    Catherine Tyldesley

    Earlier this afternoon, Catherine Tyldesley was revealed as the fifth contestant. Best known for playing Eva Price in Coronation Street, she bowed out from the soap last year but will now be facing a different kind of journey.

    Sharing her excitement, Catherine said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’m a huge fan of the show. It’ll be my biggest challenge to date as I’m not much of a dancer, but I’ve always wanted to learn the skill and the time feels right! I’m nervous as hell but super excited to work with such talented professionals. Hold onto your jazz shoes… mine is sure to be a bumpy/clumsy/fun ride!”

    With even more celebrities to be announced over the coming weeks, we cannot wait to find out who else will be in the Strictly Come Dancing Class of 2019!

    Whilst we’re looking forward to a new batch of celebrities putting on their dancing shoes, there are also three new additions to the Strictly family this year. Following Dame Darcey Bussell’s decision to step down from Strictly, we have a new judge joining the panel. Motsi Mabuse (former German Latin Champion, South African Champion, and sister of the show’s pro dancer Oti) will be joining Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas on the panel.

    We also have a new pro dancer in the form of Nancy Xu, who will be joining the returning pros AJ Pritchard, Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Anton du Beke, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Janette Manrara, Johannes Radebe, Karen Clifton, Katya Jones, Kevin Clifton, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones and Oti Mabuse.

    Finally, as announced back in April, Rylan Clark-Neal will be sharing presenting duties with Zoe Ball on the show’s spin-off programme, It Takes Two.

    What are your thoughts on the Strictly Come Dancing line up so far? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @CelebMix

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