Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed Loose Women star Judi Love for the 2021 line up.
The announcement was made on the ITV panel show on Friday afternoon and follows the confirmation that Olympic gold medalist and swimming legend Adam Peaty MBE would be taking part in the BBC One dancing show.
London-born Judi revealed her role in the upcoming series as she disclosed the surprise news to her Loose Women co-stars.
There was a brief bluff moment as Linda Robson was unveiled as the person and she emerged on a sparkling hoop.
However, she soon revealed that she "can't dance" and it wasn't her. After a few more minutes of stalling, Judi confirmed it was indeed her.
The Loose Women star revealed that no one had any idea she was joining the show.
She revealed that she was overwhelmed with "excitement", while Katie Piper joked that she may be a victim of the "Strictly curse" and have an affair.
The comedian and This Is My House star is the 14th celebrity to be announced for the hit show.
Speaking to the BBC, Judi revealed: "I think I am still in shock that I will be part of this amazing show. I’ve watched it for many years and admired the phenomenal abilities of these dancers and celebrities that have taken part and dedicated themselves to learning a new craft."
She added: "I’m truly looking forward to pushing myself in something that I could have only dreamed of doing and now it’s actually coming true!! I can’t lie I’m soooo nervous but excited at the same time!!"
Judi only joined the Loose Women panel last year, having first made her stage debut as a comedian in 2011 with her show Laughter is Healing.
She had earlier begun comedy by performing in front of a class as she turned to her funny side as she dealt with caring for ill mother, who sadly died from dementia in 20009.
Last year, Judi also reached the final of Celebrity Masterchef but lost out to Irish broadcaster and YouTube star Riyadh Khalaf.
Judi also starred alongside the likes of Emily Atack, Bill Bailey, and others as investigators in the BBC One series This Is My House which sees a panel of celebrities attempt to work out which person of four contestants is the genuine owner of the house being shown and which three are actors.
She took a break from Loose Women earlier this year due to the death of her beloved father.
Before returning to the show in April after a month-long absence, Judi tweeted: "Having time off and that happening, it just reminds us how precious time is and it’s just made me have so much compassion for those who have lost loved ones over this year.
"For me, I’m at a place where I just take each day as it comes.
"I had these two parents who were migrants, came from Jamaica, and I have a world of opportunities, I meet amazing people like yourself, and I just want to continue that legacy."
The announcement of Adam Peaty MBE and Judi Love follows the announcement of the previous 12 celebrities to join Strictly Come Dancing.
On Thursday, the show confirmed that EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis - who plays Danny Dyer's on-screen daughter Frankie Lewis on the soap - will be the first deaf contestant to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite will also become the first contestant to dance in a same-sex male couple.
Other celebs confirmed for the series include TV chef Tilly Ramsay, former EastEnders star Nina Wadia, The Crown actor Greg Wise, CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson, comedian and actor Robert Webb, Hollyoaks star Katie McGlynn, BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker, TV presenter AJ Odudu, McFly star Tom Fletcher and Dragon's Den star Sara Davies.
The judging panel this year will comprise Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
*Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.
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