Two new stars revealed for Strictly – and one will be dancing in a same sex partnership

Strictly Come Dancing today confirmed they're having a same sex partnership this year - and which celebrity will be in the duo.

Richie Anderson, star of Zoe Ball's Breakfast show on Radio 2, is the third person the BBC1 dance contest has officially announced.

The Sun told today how Loose Women star Kaye Adams had also signed up.

Back in June we revealed Richie was set to sign for the Saturday night favourite as he was a die-hard fan.

Richie revealed he was joining Strictly live on air today and stated that he wanted to dance with a man on the show when it launches next month.

Zoe has been teasing him for months about going on the show, but was stunned when he surprised her with the news this morning.

In a statement, Richie said: “This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!

"Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.

"I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand.

"It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”

Richie has appeared on a string of BBC TV shows including The Weakest Link and The One Show, where he was seen coming out publicly to a group of footballers during a discussion on homophobia in sport.

He’s also been a guest reviewer on Strictly: It Takes Two, and first met Zoe Ball when she was getting ready to present the show.

In 2020, Richie joined fellow presenters Jo Whiley and Kate Bottley in completing three triathlons in three days to raise money for Sport Relief.

He was also part of BBC1’s presenting team for coverage of the Platinum Jubilee’s Party At The Palace.

It’s believed he’s likely to be part of two same sex duos on this year’s series.

Richie is the third star confirmed for the upcoming series, following Will Mellor and Kym Marsh.