Entertainment
Comedian Ellie Taylor confirmed as ninth contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2022: ‘I’ve wanted to do it forever’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
The full line-up is coming together!
Ellie will be strutting her stuff on the dance floor (Picture:BBC/REX)
Comedian and actress Ellie Taylor has been confirmed as the ninth celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing 2022
The Ted Lasso star, 38, joins Will Mellor, Kym Marsh, Kaye Adam, Richie Anderson, Jayde Adams, Ellie Simmonds, Tyler West and Matt Goss in the line-up so far unveiled for the milestone series.
Appearing on Tuesday’s installment of Lorraine, she told host Ranvir Singh: ‘I’ve known for such a long time. I can’t wait to tell all my friends, I’m going to get so many voice notes of squealing women.’
Ever since she found the news, Ellie has had to stop herself from ‘whistling’ the theme tune.
‘I’ve wanted to do it forever. I’m so chuffed I can’t wait. I would love to find the joy in dance that people have’ she added.
When asked about her dream partner, she joked: ‘I want someone who’s patient. I need a tall patient person, so anyone really.’
Upon the news being announced, Ellie enthused: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins!
‘I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022! I’ve watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan!’
She added: ‘At the moment I’m focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!’
Ellie began her career as a stand-up comedian after appearing on ITV’s Show Me The Funny and has gone on to write and perform five stand-up comedy shows.
Ellie branded the opportunity as a ‘dream come true’ (Picture: Getty)
The TV personality is also known as a regular on the BBC’s Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo, most recently, as a co-host on Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down.
She also stars in Apple TV’s multi-award-winning comedy series Ted Lasso, which features American actor Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple.
Strictly bosses revealed that the launch show will be recorded on Wednesday, September 7.
It’s likely that the show will return on Saturday, September 10 with presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly welcoming this year’s line-up.
‘Dust off your dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing is back!’ they said in a statement.
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‘The stunning 20th series returns, bringing glamour and show-stopping dancing back to Saturday nights on BBC One – and we’re extremely excited to be able to welcome an audience back to the studio for this year’s shows.’
Head judge Shirley Ballas will be joined once again by fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
What we know about Strictly Come Dancing 2022 so far
Who are the judges?
Head judge Shirley Ballas will be joined once again by fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Anton Du Beke will also be returning to judge, after it was confirmed that he would be officially replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Who are the new professional dancers?
There are four new pros joining the line-up: Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Which professional dancers have left?
After the 2021 season, it was announced that fan-favourite pros Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec would not be returning for the 2022 series.
Will there be a studio audience?
Yes – following past restrictions put in place due to the pandemic, the full studio audience is set to return this year, while the see-through dividers between the judges will also be removed.
When is the show returning?
The BBC has revealed that the launch show for the 2022 series is due to be recorded on Wednesday September 7.
Therefore, it’s likely that it will air a few days later on Saturday September 10, although the exact date of the first episode is yet to be disclosed.
Find out more about Strictly 2022 here.
Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year on BBC One.
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