Bill Bailey is the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The comedian and actor will be joining TV presenter Clara Amfo, Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh, former Wanted singer Max George, Jonathan Creek actress Caroline Quentin and former NFL player Jason Bell when he 18th series of BBC dance show will return in the autumn.
Meanwhile, Nicola Adams is set to become part of Strictly Come Dancing’s first ever same-sex pairing after the Olympic boxer was confirmed for the new series on Wednesday.
Speaking about his forthcoming turn on the Strictly dance floor, Bill said: “In these strange times we’re living through, it feels right to do something different and take on a new challenge. So I am delighted to be a part of this year’s unique Strictly Come Dancing. My late mum Madrin would have loved it - I hope she’ll be watching.”
The show will be shorter this year because of precautions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Bruno Tonioli will be missing from the judging panel for Saturday night shows when the series returns later this year because he is in Los Angeles, where he is on the panel for the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, and will not be able to travel back and forth.
However, he will be involved remotely in the Sunday night results show each week and will return to the show full-time towards the end of the series.
Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood are all expected to return to their judging roles.
The show would usually return at the end of September, with the final just before Christmas, but its 2020 launch is expected to be slightly delayed.