‘Strictly Come Dancing’: Aston Merrygold ‘Signs Up’ For 2017 Series

Does his previous dance training matter?

Aston Merrygold is the latest name being linked to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, as the BBC’s line-up announcements get underway.

The ex-JLS star will reportedly be joining Gemma Atkinson, Ruth LangsfordReverend Richard Coles, Davood Ghadami and Mollie King - who have all been confirmed - on the show.

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Aston Merrygold
Tristan Fewings via Getty Images

A source has revealed the news to the Sun, pointing out that the former boybander does already have some dance experience.

However, another ‘Strictly’ insider is quoted as stating: “The show is all about Latin and ballroom dancing.

As a member of JLS, Aston often performed choreography on stage and he also went on to judge Sky1 show ‘Got To Dance’.

He wouldn’t be the first ‘Strictly’ star to have previously had some form of dance training and last year’s finalist Danny Mac also found himself receiving attention when it was revealed he’d had professional training years before signing up.

The BBC announced the first of this year’s contestants on Monday (7 August) and it’s expected that they’ll resume confirming stars next week (Monday 14 August).

'Strictly Come Dancing' 2017: All The Rumoured Contestants
Brian Conley(01 of15)
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Just hours after Mollie was confirmed, fresh reports suggested that Brian had "signed up" to be this year's comedy contestant. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Paula Radcliffe(02 of15)
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'Strictly' bosses are said to be "desperate" to sign up the record-breaking runner for the new series, with reports suggesting she's now mulling over whether or not to take part.

An insider told The Sun: "Paula is a massive fan of the show, but has not yet made a decision about their offer either way."
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Frank Lampard(03 of15)
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His wife, Christine Bleakley, took part in the sixth series way back in 2008, and almost a decade on, it seems it could be Frank's turn.

According to The Sun, the footballer "ticks all of producers' boxes", and his numerous appearances on sports-based panel shows have convinced bosses that 'Strictly' would be the right move for him.
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Tommy Cannon(04 of15)
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One half of veteran comedy duo Cannon and Ball, Tommy would be the oldest contestant in 'Strictly' history if he were to sign up for the show.

According to The Sun, bosses are hoping they can get Tommy to be this year's "golden oldie", with a source suggesting: "There have been no formal discussions yet, but it’s clear that he would be up for it."
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Alexandra Burke(05 of15)
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Having triumphed in 'The X Factor' almost a decade ago, an insider told The Sun that the 'Broken Heels' singer was keen to use rival show 'Strictly' to "relaunch her TV career". (credit:rune hellestad via Getty Images)
Joe Wicks(06 of15)
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Similarly, the Body Coach confirmed that he'd been approached to appear on 'Strictly Come Dancing', but said his involvement was dependent on scheduling.

He told The Sun: "I’m so busy so I’m trying to clear up the time. We’ll see but I have my fingers crossed that I can make it work.”
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Ellie Simmonds(07 of15)
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The first star to be named as a potential candidate, Ellie was rumoured for this year's series before last year's winner had even been announced.

The Sun suggested the Paralympic swimmer had been given a special invitation to the studio "to get a feel for the show", as Anastacia was in 2014, before eventually being confirmed for the line-up a year later.

Watch this space, we say.
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Steph and Dom Parker(08 of15)
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The potential 'Strictly' double act we're most excited about, though, is Steph and Dom from 'Gogglebox'.

Following the success of Scarlett Moffatt in 'I'm A Celebrity', it's been claimed that producers are eyeing both halves of the telly-loving couple to appear on 'Strictly' this year.

A source told The Sun: "They’re great characters and everyone loves watching them just when they’re sat on their sofa.

“Dom has the potential to provide great routines like Ed [Balls] did and Steph would be fantastic going up against the judges."
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Rita Simons(09 of15)
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Following her shocking 'EastEnders' departure at the end of last year, the former Roxie Mitchell star is reportedly in the running to return to the BBC as a cast member on 'Strictly'... (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Samantha Womack(10 of15)
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...but she won't be on her own.

Yes, her on-screen sister is also thought to be on bosses' wishlist, with The Sun claiming they could both be making an appearance.

A source told the newspaper: It’s fair to say that people are keen to sign at least one of them and if at all possible both of the girls for the new series."
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Matt Goss(11 of15)
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He already had success in the 'Strictly' Christmas special in 2013, but after performing on the show last year, The Sun has claimed that Bros singer Matt has agreed to join the 2017 line-up. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Angela Scanlon(12 of15)
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Thanks to 'The One Show' and 'Robot Wars', Angela's presenting career has gone from strength to strength in recent times, and if rumours are to be believed, she'll be winning herself a legion of new supporters on this year's 'Strictly'. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Tim Peake(13 of15)
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The astronaut was said to be a hot favourite for the show shortly before the 2016 line-up was revealed, though he was swiftly ruled out due to a rehabilitation programme which meant he was re-learning how to walk again.

Could 2017 be his year?
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Olly Murs(14 of15)
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Former 'X Factor' host Olly Murs was a surprise addition to the 'Strictly' rumours list earlier this year, when it was suggested he'd signed up as a way of bouncing back from a break-up.

However, he was quick to insist that this was not the case, speaking out about the rumours on his Twitter page.
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Shaun Ryder(15 of15)
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While we're sure the Happy Mondays singer would provide amazing entertainment value on 'Strictly', he's already told bosses where to go after they approached him to take part.

He said: "You go on and you dance like a twat, right? And then you stand there while some c*** tells you how bad you are and what a wanker you are."
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