Sports presenter and former professional footballer Alex Scott has been announced as the 12th contestant taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Her upcoming appearance in the new line-up was confirmed during an appearance on BBC Radio 1 Xtra, with Alex saying she’s “absolutely buzzing” to be taking part.
She said: “It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do and I can’t believe I’m finally going to be part of it.
“I’m super excited, but also terrified at the same time… The football pitch is a bit less glam than the ballroom, but I’m ready to try the sequins and dresses! Bring it on!”
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Alex Scott
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Alex is the former captain of Arsenal and previously appeared in England’s national team, before going on to become a pundit and commentator, most notably during this year’s World Cup.
In 2016, it was announced that she was to receive an MBE for her services to football in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
Alex also has some reality TV experience, having won the Bear Grylls show Mission Survive back in 2016.
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Alex on the pitch in 2015
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Just three spots remain on this year’s line-up, with rower James Cracknell, Radio 1 DJ Devin Griffin, Atomic Kitten singer Natasha Hamilton and presenter Anneka Rice among those rumoured to be taking up the last slots.
Already confirmed are comedian Chris Ramsey, footballer David James, soap stars Catherine Tyldesley and Emma Barton, YouTube vlogger Saffron Barker, celebrity chef Viscountess Emma Weymouth and Paralympian Will Bayley.
Joining them will be RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, Made In Chelsea cast member Jamie Laing, Mike Bushell of BBC Breakfast and CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.
15 Dream 'Strictly Come Dancing' Celebs
Danny Dyer(01 of15)
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Seeing Danny Dyer taking his trotters for a Jack Plance is exactly what TV was made for, and whilst it might seem unlikely he'd ever sign up, don't forget he once said he'd "never" do 'EastEnders'... (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Nigella Lawson(02 of15)
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Nigella loves anything decadent and extra, and with 'Strictly' being the most decadent and extra show on TV, quite why she hasn't signed up yet is a mystery to us. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Courtney Act / Shane Janek(03 of15)
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Bosses may not be keen on casting former reality TV stars, but they should probably make an exception for 'Drag Race' alum and 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner Courtney, who would bring some drag queen glam to the often binary world of ballroom. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Idris Elba(04 of15)
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He may be busy having a huge Hollywood career, but wouldn't it be great to see Idris back on home turf? Plus, just look at how smooth he'd look in ballroom top and tails. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Stacey Solomon(05 of15)
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When it was teased one of the 2018 contestants would be revealed on 'Loose Women', many fans predicted it would be panellist Stacey Solomon getting her dancing shoes on. And as much as we're excited to see Lee, Stacey would have been a brilliant booking. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Richard Madeley(06 of15)
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Just imagine Richard and Craig Revel Horwood clashing. TV gold. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of15)
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The 'TOWIE' star was holding out for a spot on the 2018 line-up by way of compensation from the BBC, following *that* on-stage fall at the Radio 1 Teen Awards. And while bosses probably didn't want to give in to her diva demands, just think of all the meme-able content she would have served up. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain(08 of15)
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Snapping up the most popular winner of what was once the BBC's most popular show is a no brainer, right? (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of15)
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The former 'Corrie' star has been tipped for 'Strictly' every year in recent memory, so we'd like her finally do it, even if it's just so we never have to hear a "Michelle Keegan for 'Strictly'" rumour again. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(10 of15)
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Every series needs a sportsman, and what better man than former England captain and all-round good guy Rio Ferdinand? Given all that footwork on the pitch, we reckon he'd probably have the moves on the dancefloor too. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of15)
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From the look of this picture, the wardrobe department wouldn't even have to make any outfits for Bev - she'd be able to bring in her own frocks. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Greg James(12 of15)
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Having taken over as the host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg has just earned a whole new following. And what better way to capitalise on that than by doing 'Strictly'? (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(13 of15)
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Far be from us to suggest Alan would not be the most talented of dancers, but he'd be guaranteed to bring the laughs. (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Sara Cox(14 of15)
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The Radio 2 DJ was robbed of a full run as a contestant when she took part in the 2013 Christmas special, if you ask us. (credit:Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)
Paddy McGuinness(15 of15)
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Let the dance see the floor! (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)