Strictly Come Dancing 2015: EastEnders' Kellie Bright CONFIRMED as first female contestant
SHE's used to the dramas of Walford, but now Kellie Bright will be waltzing her way onto the dance floor.
Kellie Bright has been announced as the first female celeb to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2015
The 39-year-old EastEnders star has been confirmed as the first female contestant to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
Revealing the news on Chris Evans' Radio 2 breakfast show this morning, Kellie admitted that she's started working out to get herself in shape for the competition.
"I've been working out, been trying to get fit and strong," she laughed.
"I've been running, I've been training at my gym, and I do feel healthier and stronger. I haven't really done an exercise since I had my little boy, and that was three and a half years ago."
From the Queen Vic to Dancing Queen. Welcome @BBCEastEnders @kelliebright76 to #Strictly 2015!https://t.co/R2jHea7cEl
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) August 12, 2015
Kellie plays Danny Dyer's onscreen wife Linda Carter in EastEnders
There are two main reasons I want to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The first is that as I will be turning 40 next year, I think it is the perfect time for a new, exciting challenge. The second reason is because if I said no, Linda Cart
She continued: "There are two main reasons I want to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The first is that as I will be turning 40 next year, I think it is the perfect time for a new, exciting challenge. The second reason is because if I said ‘no’ Linda Carter would never forgive me!"
Kellie has played the role of the Queen Vic landlady since 2013, and revealed she'll still be filming the soap while on Strictly.
"It was a big decision because I will still be doing my day job on EastEnders, which is very consuming anyway."
Jeremy Vine and Ainsley Harriott have already been confirmed as contestants on this year's show
The moment our third celebrity was revealed... It's Eastender Kellie Bright! https://t.co/WTW2CApzK3
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) August 12, 2015
Kellie will be joining broadcaster Jeremy Vine and TV star Ainsley Harriott on the BBC show.
There's been plenty of speculation about who will be joining the 2015 line-up and among them is BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, TV presenter Richard Madeley and outspoken Loose Women star Jamelia.
Last year's series saw The X Factor presenter Caroline Flack take home the glitter ball trophy after she wowed viewers with her professional partner Pasha Kovalev.
The next Strictly contestant will be revealed on BBC Breakfast tomorrow morning.
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev were the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2014