BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker has joined the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing, saying: “It’s time to embrace the sequins.”
The star, 44, was announced along with Hollyoaks actress Katie McGlynn.
Dan told how his three children had previously begged him to appear.
He said: “My kids have only asked me to go on two shows – Saturday Mash-Up! and Strictly. I did Saturday Mash-Up! so it’s time to embrace the sequins.”
Both new acts were revealed on BBC Breakfast and Dan’s participation came as a shock to co-star Louise Minchin, who had been tipped to take part.
Dan, who quit as host of Football Focus earlier this year, said: “I am definitely excited, a little bit worried, mostly terrified, and a small part of me is considering going into hiding.”
Discussing his dance experience, he said: “I’m one of those people, I’ve danced at three weddings, two school discos and one ceilidh.
"I’m just going to enjoy the experience when it starts, of actually being able to learn to dance and have a bit fun, and we’ll see what happens.
“I’m not making any room on any shelves in our house for the glitterball.”
Actress Katie, 28, played Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street, for which she was nominated for a BAFTA, and currently stars as Becky Quentin in Hollyoaks.
She said: “A lot of my roles have involved quite serious storylines. I’m ready to let my hair down, even if it is outside of my comfort zone. As long as I don’t fall over I’ll be happy.”
They join TV host AJ Odudu, Peep Show star and movie actor Robert Webb, ex-McFly singer Tom Fletcher and Dragons’ Den investor Sara Davies.
CBBC host Rhys Stephenson and Bake Off winner John Whaite will also be in the BBC One series, with John set to compete as part of the show’s first all-male pairing.
