Shirley Ballas is "fan-girling" over the new contestants on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Shirley Ballas teases surprises on Strictly Come Dancing

Shirley Ballas teases surprises on Strictly Come Dancing

The 62-year-old star serves as head judge on the BBC Latin and Ballroom competition and teased viewers that the upcoming lineup - which includes the likes of TV legend Les Dennis, 'Waterloo Road' star Adam Thomas, and former 'Love Island' contestant Zara McDermott - has "excelled beyond anything" ahead of their live screen debut on September 23.

Speaking on Gaydio radio station, she said: "Well, I think that they haven't done ballroom and Latin and I think they're going to be surprised when they suddenly have to dance in close proximity in a ballroom frame, let's say doing the waltz or the Viennese waltz.

"And you've got to get this technique down in a short space of time. We've got some fabulous movers on there who've never taken any dancing. So I think this is a phenomenal class I never do this but I will say this to the LGBTQ community, I am fan-girling I am. The whole cast this year has excelled beyond anything."

The dance champion will be joined on the judging panel by Craig Revel Horwood, Anton DuBeke, and Motsi Mabuse went on to tell listeners that they "must watch" the opening episode - which will be broadcast live for the first time - because it will be of full of "surprises" as the stars are presented to the nation with their professional partners for the very first time.

She said: "I can tell you all first time, you must watch the opening show because there are surprises. That's as far as I can tell you but the opening show is definitely going to be a watch."

West End star Layton Williams will become the first-ever male participant to dance in a dress and at the age of 78, presenter Angela Rippon is the oldest celebrity to take part in the series in its near-20-year history.

They will join the likes of former 'Coronation Street' actress Ellie Leach, 'EastEnders' actor Nigel Harman, and tennis legend Annabel Croft amongst a host of others, all hoping to lift the Glitterball Trophy.

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