Strictly Come Dancing
The countdown to the new series of the BBC ballroom show is now officially on.
The ex-Emmerdale actor has admitted taking part in the BBC show will be "tough" but vowed: "I am up for the challenge."
“I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday!" the former game show host said.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional is currently having chemotherapy and won't be able to take part in this year's series.
"Swapping tennis balls for glitter balls."
The actor is also known for his role on Casualty.
"I guess dreams really do come true.”
"I can't dance to save my life but I'm buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor...I can't wait!"
The Strictly 2023 line-up announcements are now coming thick and fast.
The Strictly celebrity reveals are now in full swing, ahead of the BBC ballroom show's return next month.
About Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing' is a celebrity-pro ballroom dance competition, which launched on BBC One in 2004. It's inspired by former BBC show 'Come Dancing', and shares its name with 1992 film 'Strictly Ballroom'. Being one of the most popular shows on TV, it goes head-to-head with ITV's 'The X Factor' from September to December every year on Saturday and Sunday nights. It was originally hosted by Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly, but Claudia Winkleman has taken over from the veteran entertainer since he stepped down in 2014. The current judges are Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas, who has replaced Len Goodman as Head Judge. Alesha Dixon and Arlene Phillips have both previously sat on the panel. The show is now its 15th series, with the 2017 line-up made up of Alexandra Burke, Aston Merrygold, Brian Conley, Charlotte Hawkins, Chizzy Akudolu, Davood Ghadami, Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson, Joe McFadden, Jonnie Peacock, Mollie King, Richard Coles, Ruth Langsford, Simon Rimmer and Susan Calman. Last year's competition won by BBC sports presenter Ore Oduba and his partner Joanne Clifton, who followed in the footsteps of previous winners like Jay McGuiness, Caroline Flack, Louis Smith, Alesha Dixon, Harry Judd and Abbey Clancy. The 2017 series saw the departure of professional dancers Natalie Lowe, Joanne Clifton and Oksana Platero who all quit the show. Among the current line-up are Brendan Cole, Anton DuBeke, Kevin and Karen Clifton and Pasha Kovalev and Oti Mabuse.