This year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up is shaping up to be one of its best, with the likes of Will Best, Jaime Winstone and Lacey Turner all confirmed to be heading to Elstree. And now, the BBC has revealed that footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips will be joining their ranks.
Shaun now works as a pundit for the likes of the BBC, Sky Sports, ITV, and the Premier League, but beforehand, he was a professional player, competing for the England side, alongside Manchester City, Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and the New York Red Bulls. The 44-year-old will already have some big star backing, given that he's the son of footballing legend Ian Wright.
Speaking about joining the show, he joked: "Dancing is in my blood—but mainly at family events! Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!"
One viewer said: "Let's go!! You guys are cooking, can't wait to see @wrightyofficial in the audience every week," while a second added: "Yes, I think he will be great," and a third teased: "Maybe get Ian Wright as well."
© BBCWe're now just months away from the show returning, and our excitement can barely be contained.
Strictly Come Dancing is all change this year
Strictly fans are in for a very different show when the BBC titan returns in the autumn, with three new hosts and five new professional dancers to spice things up.
Last October, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed that they were stepping down as hosts, crowning Karen Carney and Carlos Gu as their final-ever champions. In May, it was revealed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would be following in their footsteps, but don't worry fans, Johannes has confirmed he will still dance in the pro numbers!
Meanwhile, five new professional dancers were recently confirmed with Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita now completing the line-up.
The new pros might look young, but they have plenty of experience, with Aleksandra ranking in the top 21 Latin dancers in the world, Cristian being a four-time Italian Latin dancing champion, Lethabo dancing with the likes of Diana Ross, Maddie being a UK National Ballroom Champion and Mark being a two-time National Latin Champion.
Who else is in this year's line-up?
1/9
© BBCWill Lacey claim Glitterball glory?
Lacey Turner
EastEnders star Lacey Turner was confirmed as the first celebrity as Strictly started a 'Summer of Surprises' for its celebrity line-up. The star was confirmed back in June, several months earlier than previous years.
2/9
© BBCDani had to withdraw from last year's series
Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer sadly had to pull out of last year's series after she picked up an injury while training for her quickstep. As the star never performed on the show, she was able to return for this year, but will the Love Island champ be partnered with Nikita again?
3/9
© BBCDelta is heading to Elstree via Vienna
Delta Goodrem
Delta Goodrem is having a career renaissance this year, with the star competing for Australia in Eurovision before heading to Elstree to take on the ballroom when Strictly returns.
4/9
© BBCChris will take to the ballroom
Chris Appleton
Chris Appleton will be heading to the ballroom this autumn, but the main question is whether any of his A-list clients, like Kim Kardashian or Ariana Grande, will show up to support the legendary stylist.
5/9
© BBCCach has some dance experience
Cach Mercer
Love Island champion and TikTok star Cach Mercer will be looking to show off all of his best moves when Strictly returns. The star has already entertained millions with dancing clips on his social media pages, so he might be a cert for the final!
6/9
© BBCWill has Strictly written all over him
Will Best
If anything, it's just surprising that it's taken 24 seasons for Will Best to finally be tempted into the ballroom. His Big Brother co-host, AJ Odudu, is a former finalist, so could Will also make it that far?
7/9
© BBCDame Sarah was the seventh star confirmed
Dame Sarah Storey
Britain's most decorated Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey will make ballroom history as the first competitor with a Damehood. The swimmer and cyclist will be keenly competitive and hoping to replicate the success of fellow sportswoman Karen Carney, who lifted last year's trophy.
8/9
© BBCJaime is bringing plenty of star power
Jaime Winstone
Dani Dyer isn't the only star with a famous dad, as Ray Winstone's daughter, Jaime Winstone, is also due to take to the ballroom. The actress is known for her roles in Tomb Raider, Babs and EastEnders.
9/9
© BBCBethany is a major screen star
Bethany Antonia
The House of Targaryen comes to Strictly, as House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia was the ninth celebrity to be confirmed for the show. We're sure she'll have a roaring time on the BBC show.
