'Strictly Come Dancing': Cheryl Cole Told Kimberley Walsh To Sign Up (PICTURES)

'Cheryl Gave Me No Choice'

Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh said she had to sign up to this year's Strictly Come Dancing after Cheryl Cole gave her "no choice".

The singer said she talked it over with all the other four members of the girlband and she expects to see them all in the studio cheering her on.

She said: "I asked them before I signed up to it and Cheryl basically told me I had to do it. She gave me no choice.

"They're really excited about it, they're really happy that I'm doing it. For them it's going to be great because they can just chill out and watch.

"They are really supportive of the decision so they'll be no doubt coming down to cheer me on."

Kimberley is joined in the new series by Olympians Victoria Pendleton and Louis Smith, former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and Westlife's Nicky Byrne.

Other contestants include model Jerry Hall, former wife of Sir Mick Jagger, and actor Sid Owen - best known for his years as Ricky Butcher in EastEnders.

Former This Morning presenter Fern Britton, who took part in a Strictly Christmas special, is also among the hopefuls, along with James Bond actor Colin Salmon.

Their professional partners will be revealed at a recording of the launch show on Wednesday night, with the programme broadcast on Saturday at 6.30pm.

Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly return as the hosts of this year's contest, with Darcey Bussell a new addition to the judging panel - joining regulars Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Len Goodman.

PHOTOS: The complete Strictly line up...

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