Strictly Come Dancing 2018 line-up: Kate Silverton confirmed as tenth celebrity to compete
STRICTLY COME DANCING has been slowly revealing which famous faces will take part in this year’s edition of the dance contest. Now, Kate Silverton has been confirmed as the tenth celebrity to sign-up.
Strictly: Kate Silverton and Seann Walsh revealed for show
The big reveal came tonight on The One Show as earlier today it was teased that two acts would be announced on the BBC programme.
Following a sneak preview, BBC newsreader Kate Silverton was declared the tenth Strictly Come Dancing 2018 celebrity.
Kate said she was looking forward to taking part in the iconic show and the journey she would go on.
She added: "I’m excited to confirm that I will be swapping the newsroom for the ballroom and joining this year’s wonderful Strictly family.
"It’s something of a departure for a news journalist, shifting focus from the headlines to my hemlines and I suspect the only serious element of my life over the coming months will be in training hard and figuring out the foxtrot… but I am so looking forward to the fun, laughter and all the challenges ahead.”
Speaking of her dance experience on The One Show, Kate said: “It consists of my dancing in my kitchen in front of my kids as well as mouthing the lyrics, which won’t go that well with Craig [Revel Horwood].”
The newsreader said that she was looking forward to going on a journey each week throughout her Strictly experience.
Jonnie Peacock who appeared on Strictly last year was also on the sofa to offer some kind words.
He said: “All the cliches that you hear are true, it’s like a big family. Whoever you get, they’re all great dancers and great people.
“They’ll look after you and they will coach you into great dancers.”
Meanwhile, comedian Seann Walsh was also confirmed as the eleventh contestant, also on The One Show.
The funnyman said in a statetment: “Having seen videos of me dancing on friends’ phones from the night before, it’s safe to say I’m petrified but also so excited.
"I’m really looking forward to the lifts, the Lycra and the laughs, although as Craig would probably say 'dancing is no laughing matter dahhhhling…’”
The One Show presenter Alex Jones was quick to voice her surprise as Seann being on the programme.
She said: "I didn’t think we’d see this day when you’d be announced as a strictly contestant."
"I know, I’m kind of as shocked as everyone else," Seann replied. "Why am I doing it? I just thought it would be, it would be nice to do something where I could, hopefully, come out the other end with maybe a skill and dance. But looking at your faces you don’t seem convinced."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.
STRICTLY COME DANCING WINNERS: A TIMELINE
2004 winner: Natasha Kaplinsky
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to win the BBC dancing series, which originally aired in July of 2004. She was partnered with Brendan Cole. They finished 39 points ahead of competitor Christopher Parker.
2004 winner: Jill Halfpenny
Jill Halfpenny was the second star to impress the judges with her dancing skills. Partnered with Darren Bennett, the pair beat off competition from Julian Clary and Denise Lewis in December of 2004.
2004 winner: Darren Gough
Cricketer Darren Gough won the third series of Strictly. He and partner Lilia Kopylova wowed audiences but never once finished at the top of the leaderboard.
2006 winner: Mark Ramprakash
Mark Ramprakash was the fourth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He was partnered with Karen Hardy and they were the first couple to restart a routine after their initial attempt saw Mark’s mic get caught in Karen’s dress.
2007 winner: Alesha Dixon
Before becoming a Strictly judge, Alesha Dixon won the nation’s hearts and the Glitterball Trophy during the fifth series. She was partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler.
2008 winner: Tom Chambers
Holby City star Tom Chambers was partnered with Camilla Dallerup when he won the sixth series. He performed the Foxtrot and Salsa in the final week.
2009 winner: Chris Hollins
BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins and his professional partner Ola Jordan surprised viewers when they beat Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe in the final. They wowed with the Foxtrot, Charleston, Lindy Hop and Showdance.
2010 winner: Kara Tointon
Kara Tointon was the eighth celebrity to win Strictly. She danced with Artem Chigvintsev and failed to receive 40 points throughout her time on the show.
2011 winner: Harry Judd
Former McFly star Harry Judd was the ninth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He didn’t top the leaderboard until week seven but then scored 40 points twice in the final.
2012 winner: Louis Smith
The tenth series of the BBC show was won by Olympian Louis Smith. He danced his way to victory with professional partner Flavia Cacace. He faced competition from Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Danni Harmer in the series finale.
2013 winner: Abbey Clancy
Model Abbey Clancy won series eleven of Strictly alongside partner Alijaz Skorjanec. She was called a “spectacular dancer” with “wonderful posture” by former head judge Len Goodman.
2014 winner: Caroline Flack
Love Island host Caroline Flack took to the dance floor in series 12 where she scooped the Glitterball Trophy with Pasha Kovalev.
2015 winner: Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness surprised viewers when he won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Aliona Vilani. When he learned he’d won, he told host Tess Daly: “I feel spaced out - it’s really weird.”
2016 winner: Ore Oduba
Ore Oduba won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Joanne Clifton.
The sports presenter broke down in tears after beating Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp.
2017 winner: Joe McFadden
Last year’s winner of Strictly was Joe McFadden. The Holby City star beat off competition from fan favourite Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson and Alexandra Burke.