 The glitterball is being unloaded, the dancefloor is being dusted off – yes folks, it's the most wonderful time of the year for Strictly fans, as the show heads back to our screens for its 21st series. As ever, a fresh batch of intrepid celebrities are set to take to the floor to show off their best tango face, try and squeeze a 10 out of the judges and generally keep us glued to the screen on a Saturday night. This year's line-up is looking as good as ever, as the search for the successor to reigning champion Hamza Yassin begins. But who has been confirmed for the series so far? Here's who you'll be watching on the dancefloor this autumn… Amanda Abbington Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington was confirmed as the first celebrity to be taking to the dancefloor this year. Amanda Abbington was the first celebrity to be confirmed for the ballroom this year (PIcture: PA) The 49-year-old, who admitted to being 'incredibly competitive', was unveiled as a contestant on The One Show, and could barely hide her excitement at taking part. 'I'm thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly,' she said. 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 TV presenter and former newsreader Angela Rippon was the second celebrity to be confirmed for the series. Angela Rippon will be the oldest contestant ever on the main series (Picture: PA) Angela's career spans over 50 years, having presented a wide variety of programmes from hard news and current affairs, to quiz shows and magazine programmes for broadcasters across the world. Angela, who at 78 is the oldest contestant ever to take a spin around the Strictly dancefloor, already has ties to t){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The glitterball is being unloaded, the dancefloor is being dusted off – yes folks, it’s the most wonderful time of the year for Strictly fans, as the show heads back to our screens for its 21st series.
As ever, a fresh batch of intrepid celebrities are set to take to the floor to show off their best tango face, try and squeeze a 10 out of the judges and generally keep us glued to the screen on a Saturday night.
This year’s line-up is looking as good as ever, as the search for the successor to reigning champion Hamza Yassin begins.
But who has been confirmed for the series so far?