Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson has said she is “excited and incredibly nervous” as she became the fourth celebrity to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing.
Atkinson, 32 joins the line-up of stars already announced which includes Ruth Langsford, EastEnders star Davood Ghadami and The Saturdays singer Mollie King.
Gemma Atkinson in the press room at the National Television Awards 2017 (Ian West/PA)
The announcement was made on BBC Breakfast and Atkinson, who rose to fame as Lisa Hunter in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, said: ” I felt so snide lying to all my family. I can finally say ‘I’m doing it’, I’m sorry for lying.”
In an official statement she added: “I am honoured to be asked and so thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2017!
“I’m beyond excited and incredibly nervous but I am looking forward to learning a new skill in ballroom and Latin dancing and taking on this new challenge.”
Bringing the drama to the #Strictly 2017 ballroom is actress @MissGAtkinson! 🎭 ✨ 💃 https://t.co/AbiEHGPRj3 pic.twitter.com/ojaZRiVaIl
— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 10, 2017
She has also appeared in The Bill, Waterloo Road and hosts a breakfast radio show on Manchester’s Key 103.
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