‘Strictly Come Dancing’: Stand-Up Comedian Susan Calman Confirmed For New Series

She's the ninth celeb announced so far.
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Susan Calman is the ninth celebrity confirmed to be taking part in this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

News of the stand-up comedian’s involvement in the BBC dance show was confirmed on former ‘Strictly’ contestant Jeremy Vine’s Radio 2 show.

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Susan Calman
Mike Marsland via Getty Images

The 42-year-old Glaswegian told Jeremy: “I am so excited. I’ve been a Strictly superfan for years and this is going to be the best ride possible.”

She added: “Being on Strictly is a dream come true. Finally I can reveal all the moves I’ve been practising in my kitchen to the nation. I am an enthusiastic home dancer and now on Saturday nights I’ll be dancing in other people’s homes in a (hopefully) entertaining way. I am terrified but excited to start my Strictly journey.”

As well as being a stand-up comic, Susan is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4. She appears on ‘The News Quiz’, ‘The Unbelievable Truth’, ‘Now Show’, ‘Dilemma’, ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue’ and ‘So Wrong It’s Right’.

Aside from radio, Susan hosts the CBBC quiz show ‘Top Class’ as well as BBC One’s new daytime shows, ‘The Boss’ and ‘Armchair Detectives’.

Eight other stars have already been confirmed for the fifteenth series of ‘Strictly’. Joining Susan on the dancefloor this year are...

Mollie King - former singer with The Saturdays

Davood Ghadami - ‘EastEnders’ actor

Ruth Langsford - ‘This Morning’ and ‘Loose Women’ presenter

Gemma Atkinson - ‘Emmerdale’ and ‘Hollyoaks’ actress

Richard Coles - Priest and former member of the Communards

Joe McFadden - ‘Holby City’ star

Simon Rimmer - Chef and ‘Sunday brunch’ presenter

Aston Merrygold - former JLS singer

This year’s ‘Strictly’ will be the first without head judge Len Goodman, who stepped down last year.

He’s been replaced with Shirley Ballas, AKA ‘the Queen of Latin’, and she’s more than qualified to be dishing out critiques to the celebrity dancers.

The 56-year-old is highly regarded in the world of ballroom and although she’s not a household name in the UK (yet), she’s a well-known face on the other side of the pond, having regularly appeared on the US version of ‘Strictly’, ‘Dancing With The Stars’.

'Strictly Come Dancing': All The Winners
Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole(01 of16)
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Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first star to ever triumph in the inaugural series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', back in 2004, when there were just seven competitors to beat.Having obviously been a hit with 'Strictly' viewers, she was later chosen to cover for regular presenter Tess Daly, when she went on maternity leave. (credit:BBC)
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennet(02 of16)
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Clearly sensing they were onto a winner, the BBC decided to kick-start the second series of 'Strictly' just three months after Natasha Kaplinsky's victory, securing its spot in the Saturday night schedule in the latter half of the year.Jill Halfpenny was crowned winner second time around, along with her partner, Darren Bennet. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova(03 of16)
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Darren became the first male celebrity to triumph in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' final in 2005, beating Colin Jackson and eventual 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball in the process. (credit:Michael Boyd/PA Archive)
Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy(04 of16)
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Cricket player Mark Ramprakash took home the glitter-ball trophy a year later.Here he is performing with his professional partner, Karen Hardy, at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards a year after his victory. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler(05 of16)
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'Strictly' helped breathe new life into Alesha's career, when she and partner Matthew Cutler were crowned winners.Her smash hit solo single 'The Boy Does Nothing' followed soon after, not to mention a spot on the 'Strictly' judging panel... until Simon Cowell decided to snare her for 'BGT', that is. (credit:BBC)
Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup(06 of16)
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'Holby City' actor Tom Chambers' public profile skyrocketed, when he and his professional partner, Camilla Dallerup, were crowned winners of the sixth series.They beat TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and 'Negotiate With Love' singer Rachel Stevens in the live final, back in 2008. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan(07 of16)
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Chris Hollins gave professional dancer Ola Jordan her first, and so far only, win back in 2010. (credit:BBC)
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev(08 of16)
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Kara and Artem had a double victory in 2010.Shortly after taking home the glitter-ball trophy, they announced that they were dating. (credit:Rowan Miles/PA Archive)
Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani(09 of16)
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Can we please just take a moment to appreciate this photo? (credit:David Jones/PA Archive)
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace(10 of16)
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The tenth series was won by Olympian Louis Smith and his professional partner, Flavia Cacace. (credit:Georgie Gillard/Associated Newspapers/REX)
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec(11 of16)
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In the first ever all-female 'Strictly' final, Abbey beat Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede to the glitter-ball trophy.Fourth place was also a female contestant, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor leaving the competition at the semi-final stage. (credit:Rui Vieira/PA Archive)
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev(12 of16)
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Caroline Flack, who took part in the competition less than a year after leaving 'X Factor' spin-off show, 'Xtra Factor'. Apparently sensing her popularity was on the rise, Simon Cowell quickly signed her up to host the main show, alongside Olly Murs. (credit:BBC)
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani(13 of16)
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When the 2015 contestants were first announced, no one would have tipped Jay for victory, particularly after he continuously played down his dancing abilities.

Cut to a couple of months later, though, and that Glitter-ball trophy was his.
(credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton(14 of16)
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TV presenter Ore Oduba beat off stiff competition from 'Hollyoaks' star Danny Mac who was hot favourite to lift the glitterball trophy in 2016. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones(15 of16)
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'Holby City' actor Joe was the dark horse of the competition, rising through the ranks as the weeks went on to triumph over Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the 2017 final. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton(16 of16)
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Stacey and Kevin were the surprise winners of the 2018 series, triumphing over other finalists Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Joe Sugg. The pair later went on to begin a relationship. (credit:Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images)