Entertainmentuktv uk celebrityuktvreality

'Strictly Come Dancing' 2016: Lesley Joseph Joins Line-Up For New Series?

And she'll be a record-breaking contestant, at that.
Open Image Modal
By 

Entertainment Editor

We couldn’t help but notice as we cast our eye over the list of rumoured contestants for this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ that the line-up was rather lacking in a little dose of camp.

Fortunately, it would appear this has been rectified, following the news that one of our TV faves has been linked with an appearance.

Yes, we’re extremely pleased to report that ‘Birds Of A Feather’ actress Lesley Joseph has reportedly signed up for the latest series of the BBC show.

Open Image Modal
Lesley Joseph
Mike Marsland via Getty Images

If the reports do turn out to be true, Lesley will hold the honour of being the oldest female contestant to ever appear on ‘Strictly’, at 70 years old.

However, it’s been claimed she’s adamant not to be defined by her age on the show, with an insider telling The Sun: “‘Strictly’ bosses have wanted Lesley for years. She is determined not to just be the token older contestant.”

No stranger to reality TV, Lesley recently appeared in the bizarre shepherding show ‘Flockstars’, in addition to past appearances on ‘Celebrity Come Dine With Me’ and ‘Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes’, where she performed as Ethel Merman (which can’t possibly be as fabulous as it is in our heads).

Open Image Modal
Lesley Joseph and a giant pink parasol
Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images

She is, of course, best known for her role as Dorian in ‘Birds Of A Feather’, a role she reprised after more than a decade, when it returned to our screens for a new series in 2014.

Lesley joins the ever-growing list of celebrities rumoured to be appearing on the new series of ‘Strictly’, which already includes model Daisy Lowe, pop singer Will Young and TV presenter Laura Whitmore.

Tap the image below to see all the rumours about this year’s ‘Strictly’...

'Strictly Come Dancing' 2016: All The Rumoured Contestants
Robert 'Judge Rinder' Rinder(01 of12)
Open Image Modal
A rumour we're praying is true just to see him going head to head with Craig Revel Horwood every week, the daytime staple is said to be on producers' wishlists. (credit:Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images)
Cheryl Baker(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
The only woman we think of when we hear 'Cheryl' and 'national treasure' in the same sentence, the former Bucks Fizz singer is said to have been courted by 'Strictly' for a number of years. (credit:Ross Gilmore via Getty Images)
Paul Burrell(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
After appearing in the 'I'm A Celebrity' jungle and a house guest on 'Celebrity Big Brother', the former royal butler is now tipped to be giving 'Strictly' a try. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Angelica Bell(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
According to a report from June, Angelica is the first celebrity 'confirmed' for the 'Strictly' line-up. However, given the show was still months away at that point, we'll have to wait and see. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
Eamonn and Ruth - pictured here in a rather swanky photo from the NTAs - were chosen specifically by Craig Revel Horwood as his picks for this year's line-up.

He says: 'Wouldn’t it be great to have a husband and wife team on the show? It would be fantastic. But they’d be very competitive - the arguments at home...' (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Debbie McGee(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
Debbie has said she'd love to take part in 'Strictly' in memory of her late husband, Paul Daniels, who was also a past contestant. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Ryan Thomas(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
The former 'Coronation Street' actor has a lot of time on his hands now he's bid farewell to the cobbles - sparking speculation he's about to follow in former co-star Georgia May Foote's footsteps (or should that be footesteps?) (no it should probably be footsteps). (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Tameka Empson(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
Soap stars have become as integral a part as 'Strictly' as body glitter and Bruno Tonioli's exaggerated hand movements, so rumours of Tameka Empson's appearance could well have a grain of truth in them. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Måns Zelmerlöw(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
Following his successful stint hosting Eurovision in 2016 (and performing a year earlier), BBC bosses were reported to be keen for Måns to appear on 'Strictly', with a source describing him as 'very good-looking' and 'eye candy'. (credit:IBL/REX/Shutterstock)
Michaela Strachan(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
There are always a few BBC stars thrown into the mix when the 'Strictly' line-up is announced, and 'Springwatch' host Michaela is thought to be the latest. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Michelle Dockery(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
'Strictly' bosses are said to be 'desperate' to sign up former 'Downton Abbey' actress Michelle, particularly now she's no longer associated with ITV. (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
Charlotte Crosby(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
Possibly hoping to ride the wave that Vicky Pattison created with her 'I'm A Celebrity' appearance, Charlotte is now hoping she can turn things around for herself with a stint on 'Strictly'.

She's even encouraged her fans to set up a petition on Twitter for the BBC to consider her for the show. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)

Before You Go

Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip