Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith and TV presenter JJ Chalmers have joined this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
Laing’s announcement marks his return to the series, after the TV personality was forced to pull out last year due to injury.
It was revealed on ITV’s This Morning that he will get another opportunity to take a turn around the dance floor.
He said: “Here we go again. Hopefully this time I can last long enough so my mum can see me dance.
“The reason I’m doing it is to make my mum proud, but all I did last year was make her even more disappointed. Let’s change that this year, can’t wait!”
JJ Chalmers is a former Royal Marine and Invictus Games medallist.
He said: “My whole life is defined by facing challenges – whether it’s becoming a Royal Marine Commando, recovering from my injuries sustained in Afghanistan, to competing in The Invictus Games.
“Now, as a TV presenter, I’m lucky enough to witness some of the greatest sporting contests in the world. Strictly is a whole different ball game in respect to the challenges I will face but I’m up for an adventure and at least my mum will know where I am!”
EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, who plays Tiffany Butcher-Baker in the soap, was also unveiled on the daytime show as the 10th contestant in the dancing competition.
She said: “Get me in those sequins, I can’t wait to dive into the Strictly fancy dress box this winter! This is a dream come true.”
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly had inadvertently let slip that Smith would be taking part in the BBC flagship show when she revealed the news ahead of time while speaking to EastEnders star James Bye (Martin Fowler) on her programme Lorraine.
Laing, Chalmers and Smith join comedian Bill Bailey, boxer Nicola Adams, actress Caroline Quentin, Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, The Wanted singer Max George, DJ Clara Amfo and former NFL player Jason Bell.
Adams will compete on Strictly as part of the show’s first same-sex couple when the show returns in the autumn.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
