Strictly 2019 line-up’s first names revealed as ex-England ace David James, comedian Chris Ramsey and EastEnders’ Emma Barton
STRICTLY has announced David James, Chris Ramsey and Emma Barton as the first names for this year’s series. The big reveal was made on tonight’s One Show hosted by reigning champ Stacey Dooley and 2010 finalist Matt Baker. Retired goalkeeper David, 48, revealed former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster encouraged him to take part after years […]
STRICTLY has announced David James, Chris Ramsey and Emma Barton as the first names for this year’s series.
The big reveal was made on tonight’s One Show hosted by reigning champ Stacey Dooley and 2010 finalist Matt Baker.
Retired goalkeeper David, 48, revealed former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster encouraged him to take part after years of declining offers.
The football star played for clubs including Liverpool, West Ham and Man City over a 26 year career.
He was also England’s number one following the retirement of David Seaman, who himself went on to star in Dancing On Ice.
Chris, 32, is a regular on stand up and panel shows as well as hosting his own comedy show.
In 2016 he hosted I’m A Celebrity spin off Extra Camp alongside Joe Swash, Vicky Pattison and Stacey Solomon.
He admitted he was happy to finally be starring in something his young son can watch.
Speaking on The One Show, Chris, who is married to former pro dancer Rosie Winter, revealed he rehearsed their wedding dance for six months.
Emma, 42, who is best known for her role as Honey Mitchell in the BBC One soap, said she was “over the moon” when she got the call.
She said: “I’m the biggest fan. Now I’m thinking have I done the right thing by saying yes?”
The actress has stage experience, having played lead role Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in 2009 during her six year break from the soap, which she returned to in 2014.
The announcement came after Iain Lee claimed on today’s Good Morning Britain that the big unveiling would consist of Sam Allardyce, Jamie Laing and Anneka Rice.
Discussing the big announcement, he said: “They are going to announce the first three people on a show called The One Show – it’s going to be Sam Allardyce, Jamie Laing and Anneka rice.”
Looking bemused, Ben Shephard said: “They are announcing it later and you have already announced it?”
Pretending to be shocked, Iain said: “Oops, sorry.”
Ben then teased that Big Sam would be doing the show, as he told them: “I do know Sam quite well.”
When asked if he has the quick-step in him, he grinned and replied: “Undoubtedly.”
Sam, 64, hasn’t managed a team since leaving Everton last May and has been tipped to follow in Harry Redknapp’s shoes and trade the dugout for an entertainment show.
The Sun previously revealed that the BBC dance show had broken their reality TV ban by signing up Made In Chelsea’s Jamie.
A source said: “It is a surprising U-turn from the BBC and Strictly.
“They said previously that low-rent reality stars like Jamie would not be allowed on the show but things now seem to have changed.
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“There’s only so many famous faces out there so clearly they have decided enough is enough and have had to retreat a bit in order to get enough celebs for this year.”
The Sun Online revealed how Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya is in advanced talks to do this year’s show.
BBC bosses have set their sights on the 32-year-old presenter, who recently announced he was quitting the iconic kids’ TV show after five and half years.
Meanwhile Strictly has announced Latin dancer Nancy Xu has joined the series as a professional.
Bosses have also shocked fans by naming dancer Oti Mabuse’s sister – Motsi – as their new judge.
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