Strictly Come Dancing makes extraordinary announcement as 12th celeb confirmed


Strictly Come Dancing has recently added stars like Graeme Hall and Shaun Wright-Phillips to its line-up, and now Lawrence Robb has been confirmed for the BBC show


Strictly Come Dancing mystery man
Matthew Moore
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
32 minutes ago
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In recent weeks, the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer and Graeme Hall have been announced for Strictly Come Dancing, and now Lawrence Robb has been confirmed to be headed to Elstree in September.

Lawrence is best-known for playing Mackenzie 'Mack' Boyd in ITV's soap Emmerdale. The character is a part of the show's iconic Dingle family, and Lawrence had a big role in the Corriedale crossover, which saw the network's two soaps cross over in an explosive episode. The star has has several stage credits, including Legally Blonde: The Musical, I Hate Suzie and Mojo.

Speaking about joining the show, the actor said: "I don't know who’s more excited about this, me or my Mother. I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time! It's a dream come true, and I can't wait to bring my all to ballroom. Wish me luck, and any advice is very welcome - trust me I'll need it!"

One fan commented: "Whoo hoo I love him on Emmerdale go Lawrence," while a second enthused: "Worth watching now!" and a third posted: "I'm looking forward to seeing him, hope he does well."

Lawrence Robb with a beard and short hair, wearing a white shirt and brown jacket, stands in front of a vibrant, colorful background.© BBC
Lawrence is heading from the Dales to Elstree

The popular BBC show is now just a month away from returning, and we're expecting three more brilliant stars to be confirmed for the show.

Strictly Come Dancing's major evolution

Strictly is set to be quite a different beast when it returns next month. While the judging line-up will remain the same, the hosting team has been entirely overhauled after both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decided to depart.

In their place, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have been confirmed to be taking over, with Johannes leaving his position as a pro on the show. Thankfully, the Kinky Boots star has confirmed that he will still play a role in the pro dances.

Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis© BBC
Johannes, Josh and Emma are taking over the show

The pro line-up has also undergone several changes, with Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Michelle Tsiakkas all departing the show. Their replacements were confirmed as Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.

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?

1/11

Lacey Turner in front of a glittering background© BBC

Lacey is the latest 'Walford Waltzer'

Lacey Turner

The first star to be confirmed in this year's line-up was Lacey Turner, known for playing Stacey Slater in the BBC's flagship soap opera, EastEnders.

2/11

Dani Dyer in front of a firework-like background© BBC

Dani had to exit last year's show before it began

Dani Dyer

Dani Dyer had to miss out on Strictly last year, picking up an injury while training for her debut performance. The Love Island star will no doubt have extra passion when she returns.

3/11

Promotional image of Delta Goodrem on Strictly© BBC

From Vienna to Borehamwood

Delta Goodrem

Delta Goodrem's busy year continues, with the Australian popstar going from Eurovision to Elstree in just a matter of weeks.

4/11

Promotional image of Chris Appleton in front of fireworks© BBC

Chris will have the backing of Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

Chris Appleton

With all of his A-list pals, Chris Appleton will have major star power backing his performances in the BBC ballroom.

5/11

Cach Mercer in a promotional image for Strictly Come Dancing© BBC

The Love Island champ has already shown his moves

Cach Mercer

Love Island champion Cach Mercer was known for his smooth moves on the ITV show, and he no doubt will be looking to show them off when he makes his dancefloor debut.

6/11

Will Best in promotional image for Strictly© BBC

Can Will take home the Glitterball?

Will Best

Can you believe that Will Best hasn't done Strictly before? Well, this year, he will be shimmying and shaking to the beat!

7/11

Sarah Storey surrounded by fireworks© BBC

It will be just another championship for Dame Sarah

Dame Sarah Storey

Dame Sarah Storey is Britain's most decorated Paralympian, and she is also the show's first ever Dame!

8/11

Jaime Winstone© BBC

Jaime will be thrilled to be on the show

Jaime Winstone

Jaime Winstone will no doubt be cheered on by her famous dad, Ray Winstone, when she gets all bedazzled for Strictly next month.

9/11

Bethany Antonia in a promo image for Strictly Come Dancing© BBC

From Westeros to Elstree

Bethany Antonia

Bethany Antonia has been wowing fans in The House of the Dragon, and now the actress, who plays Baela Targaryen, will be wowing with her dance moves.

10/11

Shaun Wright-Phillips in a promotional image for Strictly Come Dancing© BBC

Will this sportsman be covered in glory?

Shaun Wright-Phillips

Shaun Wright-Phillips managed to earn 36 caps for the England football squad, and he'll be hoping for ballroom glory.

11/11

A smiling man with short gray hair, wearing glasses and a light-colored jacket, stands in front of a vibrant, colorful background.© BBC

Graeme will now be the trainee

Graeme Hall

After years of training dogs, Graeme Hall will now be the trainee as he undertakes his dance lessons in the biggest spotlight in the world.

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