Strictly Come Dancing fans around the world were left bamboozled by an announcement which saw BBC Three's official social media account reveal a supposed new contestant for this year's season.
The message said that Nessa from Gavin & Stacey would be appearing on the 2022 edition of the dance show, despite Helen Skelton yesterday completing the star studded line-up.
They posted: "Oh! What's occurring? Nessa is bringing Barry Island to the ballroom as the 20th celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly 2022."
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing line-up complete as Countryfile's Helen Skelton is confirmed
The Mirror reports that the post included a picture of the no-nonsense character - portrayed by Ruth Jones - against the famous Strictly backdrop. And a number of fans of the ballroom-dancing show were hot on the mark to reply to the post, assuming that it was some sort of rouse.
Others were meanwhile duped by the announcement and couldn't contain their excitement, with one follower, writing: "OMG, can't wait." Another enthused: "I mean that’s BLOODY AMAZING."
It was sad news for those happy to hear the news though, as BBC Three later admitted that the revelation had been a prank - not least because Nessa is a fictitious character. Eager Strictly fans clicking on the link alongside the post to find out more about the 'signing' were taken to the iPlayer page for Gavin & Stacey, which was first broadcast by BBC Three in 2007.
The announcement also followed on after the full line-up consisting of 15 was already complete, with all names prior being revealed. The channel later replied to its original tweet, tagging the official Strictly Come Dancing account as they wrote: "Sorry @bbcpress and @bbcstrictly our hand slipped."
One fan jokingly dubbed the stunt “cruel”, as Ruth Jones, who co-created and wrote Gavin & Stacey with James Corden, tweeted emojis of a laughing face, dancing woman and a disco ball.
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