Strictly Come Dancing: Children's TV Star Dani Harmer Confirmed For Lineup With Michael Vaughan, Johnny Ball... And Louis Smith?

Child TV Star And Olympian Gymnast Latest Names For Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing may find a whole new audience with its latest recruit, children's TV star Dani Harmer.

Dani Harmer - Disco Inferno's loss is Strictly's gain

The actress, known to enormous numbers of young fans for her role in Tracey Beaker, has confirmed she is joining the talent show lineup, after her touring musical, Disco Inferno, was axed after just one week in Malvern, before it hit the road properly.

She told fans on Twitter: "I would just like to send a massive apology to everyone that has booked tickets to see Disco Inferno! Unfortunately the tour has been cancelled.

"Looking forward to my next adventure. Can't wait to tell you all what I'm doing next! So excited."

It was later confirmed that she would be on Strictly, which returns to BBC One on 15 September.

Also known to be taking part in the next series are TV presenter Johnny Ball, the oldest contestant yet at 74, and former England cricketer Michael Vaughan.

His Olympic exploits have made Louis Smith a pin-up beyond the gymnastic world

And, if the show's bosses have their way, they will also be joined by glamorous Olympic gymnast Louis Smith, who is no stranger to the talent show, after trying out for X Factor three years ago, before helping take his team to a bronze medal at the London Games last month.

The Suntoday reported that the show's producers are keen to recruit as many Olympians as possible, with cyclist Victoria Pendleton and gymnast Beth Tweddle also being eyed, but they're particularly keen for "gorgeous" Louis. Read more here...

That will be a weekend of popular returns, with ITV bosses confirming today that the third series of Downton Abbey will be returning to the screen at 9pm on Sunday 16th September. See pictures from the new series here...

PHOTOS: Strictly Come Dancing's 2011 stars...

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