Gemma Atkinson confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing

10 August 2017

Gemma Atkinson has been confirmed for this year's 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Gemma Atkinson

The 'Emmerdale' star has become the fourth celebrity to sign up to the next series of the ballroom and latin show and has admitted she can't wait to get stuck in.

She said: "I am honoured to be asked and so thrilled to be joining 'Strictly Come Dancing' 2017! I'm beyond excited and incredibly nervous but I am looking forward to learning a new skill in ballroom and latin dancing and taking on this new challenge."

Gemma's signing comes just a day after This Morning's Ruth Langsford revealed that she had been approached to take part in the show and is looking forward to slipping on her dancing shoes as she's been wanting to do the programme for years now.

She said: "I have dreamt about doing Strictly for so long, I can't quite believe my dream has come true! The sum of my dance experience is throwing a few shapes at a party, I've never had a dance lesson in my life.

"Without doubt it will be the scariest yet most exciting thing I've ever done. It'll be a welcome change worrying about my next hot move instead of my next hot flush!"

Davood Ghadami and Mollie King have also agreed to wiggle their hips for this year's series and are equally excited but nervous about the challenge ahead.

Bosses are planning to release the line up in dribs and drabs over the next few weeks as it's believed they've "almost" secured all of the celebrity stars they want this year.

Although some stars are yet to sign on the dotted line, one thing's for certain, there will be plenty of fireworks when the show returns this autumn as the judging panel and troupe of professionals have been given a huge shake up recently.

The forthcoming series will see legendary choreographer Shirley Ballas claim Len Goodman's Head Judge seat following his shock departure at the end of last year and, although the fellow panelists - Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli - are excited to have her on board, they're convinced she'll stand her ground.