Blue singer and EastEnders star Lee Ryan has been revealed as the latest celebrity to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing, following in the footsteps of bandmate Simon Webbe.
Ryan, wearing a glitter mask, joined the panel on ITV's Loose Women on Monday and was then unmasked as the latest dancefloor hopeful. He was widely expected to be in the Strictly line-up.
The 12th @bbcstrictly celebrity is @OfficialLeeRyan! 🎉🎉 #Strictly #LooseWomen pic.twitter.com/jWoK6LOxNE
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) August 20, 2018
"I was nervous even to say 'yes'," Ryan told his hosts. "I used to run out of my dance lessons and I used to hide in the singing lessons. And that's why I like singing, not dancing."
The 35-year-old said he had been inspired by bandmate Webbe's "transformation" on the show.
"He didn't go in there knowing what he was doing," Ryan continued. "I think he grew, and I think that's what the show is about."
Ryan told Loose Women that the so-called 'Strictly Curse' held no fear for him because he is not in a relationship.
"I'm single, I'm sweet," he smiled.
Ryan contended that Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts has "a really good chance" of winning the show because "she's a great dancer as it is".
Joining Ryan and Roberts in the already-announced line-up are: BBC News presenter Kate Silverton, comedian Seann Walsh, documentary maker Stacey Dooley, Steps star Faye Tozer and presenter and campaigner Katie Piper.
Radio presenter Vick Hope, former cricketer Graeme Swann, YouTube star Joe Sugg, Death in Paradise actor Danny John-Jules and This Morning's Dr Ranj Singh have also signed up.
Strictly Come Dancing will be back on BBC One next month, with more contestants set to be announced in the coming days.
