Strictly announce Gladiator as 12th contestant as they ask 'are you ready' (original) (raw)

BBC Strictly announce Gladiators star and Olympian as 12th contestant on line-up

Strictly Come Dancing has revealed who else will be taking to the dancefloor for the upcoming series of the BBC show, with names including Tom Dean and Jamie Borthwick already confirmed

Strictly Come Dancing has annnounced Gladiator's Fire as the 12th contestant on the show.

The BBC Latin and ballroom show is back in a matter of weeks and already 11 names have been confirmed for the brand new series, including the likes of EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean and JLS star JB Gill.

Love Island star and model Tasha Ghouri - who happens to be Giovanni Pernice's ex - has also signed up alongside Pete Wicks, who is the best friend of Zara McDermott, who was kicked by her professional partner Graziano di Prima during rehearsals.

Today, it was confirmed that Gladiatior's Fire star Montell Douglas has signed up for the new series.

Revealing the news, Montell said: "Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!"

Gladiator star Fire has been announced as the latest Strictly contestant (

Image:

Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)

In 2023 Montell Douglas was unveiled as Fire in the BBC One series of Gladiators. She is a multi-talented sports star who has competed as an Olympic Bobsledder and Team GB Sprinter. In 2010, Montell Douglas won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race. She also held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint. Her appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics in the Bobsledding team etched her name into sporting history as she became the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

Jamie Borthwick was confirmed for the new series during an appearance on BBC Radio 1. He said: "I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!"

Elsewhere, Tom Dean insisted his sporting background wouldn't give him a head start on the show. He explained: "I think it’s so different. I’m so used to being in the water where there’s no gravity, there’s no impact.

"I don’t run, I don’t go for walks anywhere. I just do my swimming and then I’m in the gym a bit, and that’s it. So, just worried about being on my feet for that long, so I’m going to start going for a few more walks, trying to get a few runs in."

X Factor winner Shayne Ward and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland have also been confirmed for the show. Shayne said: "I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!"

Sarah added: "I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!"

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