Strictly Come Dancing fans have threatened to boycott the show next year after Chris Evans confirmed he has agreed to take part.
The TV star, 52, made the announcement after a grilling on The One Show, telling host Alex Jones he agreed on his wife’s behalf.
Jones said: “If rumours are to be believed Chris Evans, you probably won’t have time to do panto next year.
“Can you deny or confirm that you will be on Strictly?”
Evans, who is leaving his flagship BBC Radio 2 breakfast show this week to return to Virgin Radio, replied: “Well, I have said yes, I have said yes. Probably only because my wife would like to go every week.”
But the news hasn’t gone down well with fans of the BBC ballroom show who have vowed to switch off when the 2019 series starts.
One tweeted: “Won’t be watching then…”
Another referenced the rumours surrounding Alan Carr, posting: “Chris Evans AND Alan Carr? Lordy! May be the first time I give #Strictly a miss next year. Thanks for the spoilers! #scd #scd19.”
A third wrote: “I hope he gets voted off first (sic).”
Another tweeted: “I will honestly do everything in my power to prevent Chris Evans from doing Strictly. #theoneshow.”
But others were excited for the star, who recently welcomed twins with his wife Natasha Shishmanian.
One tweeted: “Chris Evans is a big name for next year - well done @bbcstrictly - that's more like it. Alan Carr now please #Strictly.”
Another wrote: “@ChrisEvans geddon lad you’ll be great #strictly.”
Evans is the first star to confirm his appearance on next year’s series after Alan Carr shut down reports he will take to the floor.
The comedian said he has been asked numerous times, but was forced to turn down the offer for 2019 over a clash with his tour.
Speaking on Loose Women he said: “Listen. I will do it but next year I have a busy year, I’m going on tour.”
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton were crowned champions in last weekend’s grand final after fighting off Faye Tozer, Ashley Roberts and Joe Sugg to lift the coveted glitterball trophy.
Dooley later lost the prize, but was later reunited with it after the wrap party.
Some 12.7 million tuned in to watch Saturday night’s grand final.
