JLS star Aston Merrygold confirmed as latest celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing
JLS star Aston Merrygold is the latest star confirmed to be hitting the dance floor for Strictly Come Dancing.
He confirmed the news during an interview on Scott Mill's Radio 1 show this afternoon, after The Sun revealed he would be taking part last week.
Strictly tweeted out the exciting news shortly after, writing: "Popstar to dance sensation? JLS singer is celebrity number eight for 2017!"
We revealed he was signed up for the show, despite him having years of dance experience - the 29-year-old was known for his love of backflips and break-dancing during the boy band’s energetic live performances.
Aston will join chef Simon Rimmer, Joe McFadden, Reverend Richard Coles, Gemma Atkinson, Ruth Langsford, Davood Ghadami and Mollie King who have also been confirmed for the new series.
Yesterday chef Simon revealed he was taking on the new challenge on Sunday Brunch, which he co-hosts with DJ Tim Lovejoy.
Simon, 54, revealed the had never danced before telling viewers: "I think I'll be more ballroom than Latin."
The BBC programme's official Twitter page also announced the news with the northerner revealing he is a "HUUUUGE" fan of the show.
He gushed: "I am so excited, terrified and proud to be invited to be part of Strictly 2017."
Simon, who is best known for his hosting roles while also owning nine restaurants, continued: "I've always been a HUUUUGE fan of the show.
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"When I put on my sequins and hit the floor it will genuinely be my very first time dancing ballroom and Latin.
"Nobody will try harder, have more fun or get more out of it than me.
"I can't wait."
Over the weekedn we reported how Holby City actor Joe McFaddden was the sixth to sign up.
While, The Saturdays singer Mollie King was the first celebrity contestant for the new series to be announced.
As The Sun exclusively reported last month, the Disco Love singer is following in her bandmate Frankie Bridge's dance shoes by taking to the BBC One show's dance floor later this year.
Strictly will return to BBC One this autumn.
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