Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts has said she is “nervous excited” about taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The singer was the ninth celebrity contestant announced to take part in BBC One’s flagship entertainment show.
🎵 When I grow up I wanna be famous, I wanna be a star, I wanna be on #Strictly 🎵 – what Ashley Roberts was (probably) singing before joining our 2018 line-up, right @ImAshleyRoberts? 😉https://t.co/wWTO1H0ytY pic.twitter.com/ZHvS5TVWB7
— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 17, 2018
Her participation was revealed earlier than expected on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 breakfast show when the DJ said he was being asked by listeners to spill the beans.
He told listeners: “People are texting in saying ‘Can’t you tell us who the Strictly contestant is because we’re not going to be here when she comes on?’
“I said it was a she yesterday and it is a she. Well I could, I suppose, and just do it again. I don’t think anybody is going to mind.
“It’s Ashley Roberts. There you go. Just don’t tell anyone I told you, because our loyalty is to our listeners. So there you go.
En route to @achrisevans Heard ya mentioned my name already. Why did I have to get up so early!?! 😜♥️💃🤘🏼 https://t.co/PUk7H3v1Mt
— ASHLEY ROBERTS (@ImAshleyRoberts) August 17, 2018
Roberts joined the show an hour later and told Evans: They reached out kind of last minute to be honest, and when I got the call I was super excited.
“I miss performing and I am excited to learn a new style of dance. The Latin and ballroom world is foreign to me, I have more and more butterflies in the belly.
“I shot my first VT a couple of days ago and group rehearsals start next week.
“I am nervous excited. I’m anxious to learn something new and put on the costumes and become the character.
So… the pussycat’s out the bag!! Ahhh sooo beyond excited for this adventure!!! CANT WAIT!! #strictly 💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃#Repost @bbcstrictly・・・🎵 When I grow up I wanna be famous, I wanna be… https://t.co/tdlmEhhxFG
— ASHLEY ROBERTS (@ImAshleyRoberts) August 17, 2018
“I am just going to throw my heart and soul into this and hopefully it goes well.”
She joins previously announced contestants Stacey Dooley, Dr Ranj Singh, Graeme Swann, Vick Hope, Joe Sugg, Danny John-Jules, Faye Tozer and Katie Piper.
Roberts spent seven years in The Pussycat Dolls before leaving the group in 2010.
She has since had a successful broadcast career, making regular appearances on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and judging on Dancing On Ice.
She has also no stranger to reality television, taking place in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and The Jump.