Amanda Abbington and legendary newsreader Angela Rippon are among the first celebrity contestants confirmed for the upcoming new season of Strictly Come Dancing.
The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One for its new run this autumn, once again bringing glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to telly viewers.
Amanda Abbington is an award-winning stage and screen actor and has starred in some of the UK's top drama TV shows, including Sherlock, Mr Selfridge, Wolfe and Desperate Measures.
Her role as Mary Morstan in Sherlock won her the Best Supporting Actress gong at the Crime Thriller Awards, alongside nominations for this role at the Critic’s Choice Television Awards.
Amanda Abbington said: "I'm thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things!
"Plus, I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about. I’m really looking forward to the training too, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you. I can’t wait to start!"
Angela Rippon was the second celebrity contestant confirmed for the show. An award-winning journalist, TV presenter, newsreader, and author, her career spans over 50 years, having presented a variety of shows from hard news and current affairs, to quiz shows and magazine programmes for broadcasters across the world.
She said: "Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I'm about to be 79.
"But I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentinian Tango!!"
Appearing on The One Show on Friday, Rippon revealed the first thing she asked the BBC show when they approached her was "Why didn't they ask me 10 years ago?"
Layton Williams was the third celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new run of Strictly Come Dancing.
The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this autumn, once again bringing glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to homes across the nation.
Film and theatre actor Layton Williams was announced as the third Strictly contestant. He has performed in London's West End, giving performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.
Williams said: "Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It's time to bring it to the Ballroom.
"So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!"
The contestants were revealed on Friday evening's edition of The One Show on BBC One.
