Loose Women's Jamelia joins Strictly Come Dancing line-up

Jamelia has been revealed at the 12<sup>th contestant on Strictly Come Dancing's line-up this year. The singer-turned-presenter will be joining Jeremy Vine, Georgia May Foote, Ainsley Harriott and many more to compete in the 2015 series.

The news was confirmed by BBC's director Of Television, Danny Cohen, who said the Loose Women panellist was encouraged to take part in the reality show by her two dance-enthusiast daughters, Teja and Tiani.

Speaking about starring on the show, Jamelia exclaimed: "My girls are huge fans of Strictly, but when I told them I was doing it they laughed as they know that dancing is not my forté! The girls are amazing dancers though so I definitely want to learn a new skill so that I'll be able to give them a run for their money, and end them teasing me once and for all!"

While she might not be well practised in dance, this won't be the first time Jamelia has tried out reality television. She previously took on a coaching role in The Voice Of Ireland in 2013 and also took part in the Bear Grylls endurance programme, Mission Survive, this year.

When the series begins, the 34-year-old will be competing against already confirmed famous faces – broadcaster Vine, television chef Harriott and Coronation Street star Foote as well as EastEnders actress Kellie Bright and presenter Katie Derham. Other names announced include journalist Anita Rani, The Wanted's Jay McGuiness, singer Daniel O'Donnell, boxer Anthony Ogogo and TV personality Peter Andre. The last few seasons of the show have typically started off with around 15 contestants, so there may be a couple of other names revealed in the next coming weeks.

Celebrities that have been rumoured to be entering the competition include the Sex Pistols' John Lydon, former X Factor presenter Dermot O' Leary, fashion expert Gok Wan, Bollywood actress Amy Jackson, Robbie Williams' wife Ayda Field, presenter Ben Shephard, Miranda star Tom Ellis, Call The Midwife actress Helen George and husband and wife presenters Richard and Judy.

The 13<sup>th series is set to start on BBC One sometime in September and will continue until Christmas. The contestants have reportedly met their professional dance partners for the first time and started rehearsals.