Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane becomes eleventh celebrity to join Strictly Come Dancing 2016
Sportswoman will trade the gym floor for the dance floor upon her return from the Rio Olympics
OLYMPIC gymnast Claudia Fragapane has signed up to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The 18-year-old will join the likes of ex-Eternal singer Louise Redknapp and model Daisy Lowe on the BBC One dance show, after her name was announced on the show’s official Twitter page on Saturday night.
Bristol-born Claudia recently competed for Team GB at the Rio Olympics and became the first English female to win four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 84 years in 2014 and was then crowned BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year as a result.
But the star is particularly excited to join Strictly, saying: “I am a really big fan of Strictly Come Dancing and so excited to be chosen to take part this year.
“I am used to performing in front of big crowds but this is going to be so different to my floor routines in gymnastics.
“But I love a challenge and also dressing up, wearing sparkly costumes.”
The star, who excels on floor and vault, also revealed she had enjoyed watching male gymnast Louis Smith during his time on the show in 2012.
The pommel horse star went on to win the series, just months after securing a silver medal at the London Olympics.
She added: “I always watched it when Louis Smith was on.
“I love the different styles of dancing and the costumes.”
In 2015 she won silver at the European Championships and bronze in a team event at the 2015 World Championships.
Also heading to the dance floor straight from Rio is BBC presenter Ore Oduba, who has been hosting coverage of the event on BBC Four.
Ex-Strictly contestant Scott Mills, 42, will reveal one of the final four celebrities yet to be confirmed on his Radio 1 show tomorrow, while the remaining three will appear on The One Show that evening.