GOOD Morning Britain showbiz journalist Ross King has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing.
Teased by Lorraine host Ranvir Singh as a “Hollywood royalty”, the ever-smiling Ross will bring some pizzazz to the ballroom.
Speaking this morning on ITV, Ross teared up as he made a surprise entrance into the studio.
Lorraine sent him a special video message, calling him “twinkle toes”, adding: “I’m so so proud of you. It’s going to be amazing. Team Rossy.”
He said: “Obviously I’m never going to win but if I could be the most improved.
“I’ve done a lot of theatre so I’m really lucky as well.
“The problem is when I was at school they taught us Scottish country dancing.”
He also revealed his mum was a huge fan of the show and always encouraged him to try new things.
Asked why he signed up, he said: “Well a couple of reasons, one was my dear old mum always used to say you never know till you give it a go, that was her expression.”
Even though not one rehearsal has taken place yet, Love Island star Dani Dyer is already the favourite to net Strictly’s Glitter Ball trophy — thanks to her 4.4million online followers.
Bookies have her at 4/1 with YouTuber George Clarke next on 6/1.
Inspirational model with Down syndrome Ellie Goldstein and Gladiator Nitro are both 8/1.
Experts reckon social media fans will back their fave celebs in the BBC show’s public votes.
Jean Morlec, from casino comparison site La Planque Du Joueur, said: “Having so many will prove useful to Dani.
“Much like former Islander Tasha Ghouri , she will see these followers translate to votes.
“This is where other contestants not as active on social media end up not as lucky — though it shouldn’t affect judges’ scores”.
Dani , daughter of actor Danny , has 3.7million followers on Instagram and 697,000 on TikTok . George has 64,000 on Insta and 2.3million on TikTok .
Ellie has 84,600 on Insta and Nitro, real name Harry Aikines- Aryeetey , has 47,000 on Insta and 381,000 on TikTok.
Cal Gildart, of Ladbrokes , said: “Dani is the current pick of this year’s Strictly pack.
“But with contestants still to be announced, we could soon see someone waltz past her to the head of the betting.”
Ex-England rugby captain Chris Robshaw is 20/1 with former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at 25/1.
Other celebs taking part are Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston , drag artist La Voix , and EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal .
Dani, newly wed to West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen , said: “Getting the opportunity is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year.”
Meanwhile pro dancer Nadia Bychkova yesterday reassured fans after being taken to hospital following a fall in training.
Sharing a smiling selfie, she wrote: “I landed on my back. I was really worried and I was so thankful to Strictly medical team.
“I was allowed home after an X-ray. I’ve got some physio today but I will be back on that dance floor soon.”
Strictly 2025 rumoured line-up
The following stars are rumoured to be taking part in Strictly - plus scroll to see who has been confirmed
Angellica Bell: A familiar face on British television, Angellica is a seasoned TV presenter known for her work on shows like CBBC and The One Show. She’s no stranger to reality TV, having recently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul C. Brunson: The charismatic relationship expert and matchmaker from Married At First Sight UK, Paul is known for his insightful advice and warm personality. Swapping the sofa for the samba, he’s tipped to bring a touch of class and intelligence to the competition.
Vicky Pattison: A reality TV stalwart who first found fame on Geordie Shore, Vicky has successfully transitioned into a presenter and author. Having supported her friend Pete Wicks on the show last year, it seems she’s ready to put on her own dancing shoes.
Ashley Cain: Former footballer and reality TV star from Ex on the Beach, Ashley has more recently become known for his incredible charity work and campaigning.
Stacey Solomon: Known for her down-to-earth charm and successful BBC shows like Sort Your Life Out, fans are eager to see if she can translate her infectious energy to the ballroom.
Georgia Toffolo: Best known as “Toff” from Made in Chelsea and for winning I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2017, Georgia is a seasoned reality TV star.
Thomas Skinner: The lively entrepreneur who became a fan favourite on The Apprentice in 2019, Thomas is known for his larger-than-life personality and catchphrase “Bosh!”. Despite admitting to no dancing experience, he’s reportedly “up for giving it his best shot.”
Tom Parker Bowles: The renowned food writer and critic, and son of Queen Camilla, is a surprising but intriguing name on the rumour list. A regular on MasterChef, it remains to be seen if his culinary precision translates to ballroom finesse.
Sir Mo Farah: The legendary Olympic long-distance runner is considered a national treasure.
Balvinder Sopal: The talented actress known for her role as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, Balvinder would follow a long line of successful soap stars on Strictly.
Jake Brown: The winner of The Traitors series three, Jake’s name has emerged as a potential contestant.
Stefan Dennis: The actor, 66, has played six-times married Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985 and now the soap is coming to an end, his schedule is clear.
Confirmed Strictly 2025 stars:
Ellie Goldstein – Vogue cover model Ellie is the first contestant with Down syndrome to take part in a full Strictly series. As well as her modelling work, she is known for CBBC.
George Clarke – Social media star George was the sixth person to be revealed. The influencer isn’t the first YouTube star to appear, and follows Saffron Barker and Joe Suggs,
Balvinder Sopal – The soap star is the latest EastEnders cast member to sign up to the show. The actress is known for playing Walford matriarch Suki Panesar.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: The former Premier League football striker, famous for his time at Leeds and Chelsea, is another sporting name being linked.
Alex Kingston – Actress Alex has joined the line-up and his hoping to emulate the success of her friend Sarah Hadland last year. She is best known for shows like Doctor Who, EastEnders and ER.
Dani Dyer: Rising to fame as the winner of Love Island in 2018, Dani has remained in the public eye with various TV appearances. The daughter of actor Danny Dyer, she’s reportedly agreed to take part.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey: Known as “Nitro” from the BBC’s Gladiators reboot and a former Team GB sprinter, Harry has already shown off some moves on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
