Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Greg Wise joins star-studded line-up as he competes in tribute of ‘disco queen’ late sister

Greg Wise has become the latest star to be named on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

The Sense and Sensibility actor, who is married to Dame Emma Thompson, was confirmed to be taking part on today’s This Morning, with Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes on hand to celebrate the news.

The 55-year-old told the hosts: ‘I’m ready to go, I’m fit at least. I want to get a bit stronger as I want to do a Swayze lift.

‘I haven’t learned any dance moves and I absolutely can’t dance. So that’s a good start.’

‘She is stupidly excited,’ Greg said when asked what Dame Emma thinks of his decision to show off his skills on the dancefloor.

Speaking of why he is taking part, he explained that his late sister, Clare, was the reason behind his decision – after she died from cancer in 2016.

Greg spoke of why he decided to join the cast (Picture: ITV)

‘My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly five years ago in a glitter ball coffin,’ he added. ‘This is for her. My gorgeous diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this.

‘I will channel her, as her bro can’t dance – but I’m thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh.’

Greg’s announcement comes after Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Matilda was revealed to be taking part earlier in the episode.

‘I’ve tried dancing before when I was much younger,’ Tilly said of her dancefloor skills. ‘Mum put us all in ballet. We weren’t very good so we were moved into football camp.

‘It’s definitely not my strength.’

Will Emma Thompson be in the audience during the live shows? (Picture: WireImage)

They have joined a star-studded line-up for this year’s competition, including Tom Fletcher, Dan Walker and Katie McGlynn.

The McFly star has already been tipped to take home the glitterball, despite no one stepping foot on the dance floor yet.

Anton Du Beke will be replacing Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel for this year, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas keeping their seats.

However, while the series hasn’t quite kicked off yet, things have reportedly already been thrown into chaos behind the scenes.

Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova is thought to have tested positive for coronavirus, meaning many of the cast and crew have to self-isolate for 10 days. 

More: UK

‘This isn’t exactly the dream start. Obviously BBC bosses are panicking,’ an insider told the Sun. 

‘They are taking every caution to be Covid secure, and keep everyone safe, but can’t control everything. Nadiya tested positive during one of the first meet-ups, during the studio rig.

‘Thankfully none of the celebs have started training yet, but it still means anyone who came into contact with her has been told they must isolate.’ 

The insider claimed that Strictly bosses are fearing dancers and celebrities will ‘continue to test positive as the rehearsals and training starts for real’, but are putting safety first.

Strictly Come Dancing will be kicking off later this year on BBC One.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Love Island 2021: Hugo Hammond blasts claim Casa Amor kiss with Amy Day ‘took five times’

MORE : Line Of Duty’s Jed Mercurio dashes hopes of series 7 as he reveals ‘no plan’ for more episodes