This Morning star revealed as seventh Strictly contestant - see all the celebrities announced so far

Its been a whole eight months since the last series of Strictly Come Dancing ended (can you believe it?) - and now, finally, the line-up for the 2018 series is slowly being announced!

2017's series saw a host of famous faces take to the ballroom floor to strut their stuff - with everyone from Ruth Langsford to Mollie King taking part.

Eventually, Holby City actor Joe McFadden won himself the coveted Glitterball trophy, after a heated final against Alexandra Burke, Gemma Atkinson, and Debbie McGee.

But now, it looks as though this year's line-up could be set to top even that, as the seventh contestant has been officially revealed! So who is it?

This Morning's Dr. Ranj

On today’s episode of This Morning, Ruth and Eamonn announced that a member of the team would be next to join this year’s Strictly - and it’s none other than the undeniably handsome doctor, Dr. Ranj! He had been rumoured to be taking part in the series for some time.

Dr Ranj has appeared as as resident doctor on the show for some years now, and regularly wins over viewers with his charming persona and expert medical advice.

He is an NHS clinician who has turned to TV in recent years - appearing on the show Save Money: Good Health, and CBeebies recently, as well as This Morning.

Of the move from the doctor’s chair to the dancefloor, he said, "I'm so sore at the moment - I've been going to the gym to try and get fitter.

"My friends would describe me as a cross between go-go dancing and dad dancing. But I do like to dance. It's one of my favourite things.

"So I'm super excited - I just want to have fun with it."

When asked who he wants as a partner, Dr. Ranj confessed that he'd love Janette Manrara or Oti Mabuse.

Ruth then confessed that she can't wait to talk to Dr. Ranj more about his stint on the show - and pass on her tips to him from her own experience.

So who will be taking part this year? Here's the official Strictly Come Dancing 2018 line-up:

Graeme Swann

The famous cricketer Graeme Swann was announced as the sixth contestant for the show. Graeme is perhaps most famous for being part of the team who lead the England team to victory in 2008, claiming the Ashes back from Australia.

Of his stint in Strictly, he said,“It’s true - I’ve signed up for Strictly! I’m hoping to follow in the footsteps of the cricketers who’ve come before me who’ve either won the whole thing or had an absolute ball on the show."

He went on to confess that the hardest part so far had been keeping the news of his involvement from his children - who are huge fans of the show.

Graeme admitted, "Keeping it under wraps from my kids has been nearly impossible; they are huge fans of the show and I can’t wait to see their faces when I tell them. I don’t have any background in dancing but can do the floss so let’s hope this comes in useful!”

Vick Hope

A Capital radio DJ, Vick is the fifth contestant confirmed for the show this year.

The 28-year-old's news was confirmed on her own radio, during the breakfast show with fellow DJ Roman Kemp. Of the news, she confessed,"It's a bit of a turn-up for the books to be honest,

"I'm a fan of the show and I feel very honoured to be a part of it. I'm so excited."

Vick also vowed that she will be "throwing myself into it, wokring hard, and learning from the judges every week.

Joe Sugg

Youtube star Joe Sugg is the fourth and latest contestant to be announced for this year's series. The younger brother of popular online star Zoella, Joe is a huge hit in the world of Youtube - with a whopping 8 million people subscribed to his main channel.

He's the first ever 'internet star' to grace the dancefloor - so will he prove popular to be as popular with the legions of Strictly fans as he is with his online following?

Of the news, Joe said, "I'm honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year! Not going to lie, I'm very nervous about it. It's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge, but that's what life is all about I guess."

Danny John-Jules

Actor Danny John-Jules was the third famous face to be confirmed. He's perhaps most well known for playing the character of Cat in the popular sci-fi series Red Arrow, but has also starred in hit BBC crime drama Death in Paradise and children's spy drama M.I.High.

Speaking about the challenge of Strictly, he said,“Having spent the last few months on two wheels motorcycling around South America in pink leathers, I’m absolutely delighted to be getting back on two feet and into something more comfortable like glittery spandex.”

Faye Tozer

Steps star Faye was one of the celebrities rumoured to be taking part in the programme - and the exciting news was finally confirmed on The One Show on Monday night!

Of the news, she said,“Being on Strictly is literally a dream come true! It’s everything my 9 year old self ever wanted from showbiz and I’m going to relish every moment!”

Since the announcement, Faye has hit back at criticism that she has an unfair advantage after her years of working in a pop group. She told Alex Jones, "I think you'll find a few of us have," discussing her previous dance experience.

"It's what makes it an interesting competition. Even though I have got some experience, I don't have any ballroom experience, so I'm really excited get my teeth into that, dance with a partner and be whisked around the floor."

Katie Piper

On Monday morning, BBC Breakfast hosts Dan Walker and Louise Minchin shared that the first contestant taking part in Strictly this year is non other than television presenter and campaigner Katie Piper!

On the show, she admitted that it's been a secret she's been keeping for a long time now.

She told the hosts, "I've known for quite a while. It's been so difficult. When you're so excited about something you want to share it with everyone.The first person I told was my husband, and he thought I was joking!"

Katie continued, "For me, it's really out of my comfort zone, I was really worried - will I be the first to go home? Will I be rubbish?"

"But I like the side of it being a challenge - I'm quite competitive. I've been training - not for Strictly, but for life in general - but I think I'm going to have to get a bit more co-ordination!"

So while we wait for the rest of the celebrity contestants to be confirmed - who else is rumoured to be joining Katie on the show this year?

The Strictly Come Dancing 2018 rumoured line-up:

Rylan Clark

On Tuesday's episode of This Morning, one of the stars of the show appeared to hint that they may be appearing on this year's series.

Rylan Clark and Lisa Snowdon were filling in for Ruth and Eamonn on the show, when Lisa questioned Rylan on whether he'd ever sign up for the show.

And fans were left excited when he appeared to refuse to give her a direct answer - hinting that he could be about to don his dancing shoes!

Instead, Rylan coyly turned away from Lisa and began telling viewers what was coming up next in the programme. But she didn't let him get away with it that easily, probing him further for an answer by saying, "So?" - to which he protested, "I'd need some lessons first!"

Then - when the programme returned from a break, eagle-eyed viewers picked up on a conversation between Rylan and Lisa, where the former X Factor singer appeared to be trying to throw fans off the scent.

As the camera focused back in on the duo, Rylan was heard saying, "See, thats why I'd never do it." The truth, or a clever way to steer attention away from the rumours? We guess we'll have to wait and see!

We'd love to see the hilarious star appear on the programme!

So which other celebrities might be joining Rylan for Strictly's next series?

Scarlett Moffatt

I'm A Celebrity star Scarlett Moffatt has sparked a frenzy of rumours that she could be the latest celebrity to sign up for the 2018 series.

She was recently answering questions from fans on her Instagram, and responded to one which asked what TV work she would be taking on in the coming months.

Scarlett replied very cryptically to the message, simply sharing that the end of the year would be 'exciting'. She wrote,"I can't announce anything yet but let's just say the end of the year is going to be great fun,"

The Googlebox star's answer caused a wave of excitement, with many suggesting that she could be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Of course, the series begins towards the end of the year (September) and finishes in December, so it would certainly tie in with Scarlett's comments! Plus, it's not the first time the 26-year-old has expressed an interest in doing the programme.

When she was younger, she actually did some ballroom dancing, and while Strictly was on last year, she wrote on her social media, 'Strictly Come Dancing line up has got me reminiscing #strictly #love #dancing,'.

Alex Scott

The 33-year-old former Arsenal player is tipped to join the line-up following her popular BBC commentary on the recent World Cup.

Strictly Come Dancing 2018

According to the Mirror, “The word is she has agreed to sign up which would be a fantastic deal for everyone – she ticks all the boxes.

“It’s just a case of narrowing people down to see if they are really up for it and there aren’t any commitments preventing them from going ahead.”

And if she does join the show, it wouldn't be her first go at professional dancing. She actually competed in the Sport Relief version of Strictly this year, dancing with Pasha Kovalev - and won huge commendation from the judges.

Anneka Rice

Reports have flown for months now that Welsh actress and presenter Anneka Rice has already had a meeting with Strictly producers, after the show's bosses got in touch with her.

Strictly Come Dancing 2018

The Sun claimed that the BBC believes that Anneka, 59, would be a "huge signing" for the show, and that she would appeal to older audiences the way Debbie McGee did in last year's series.

Anneka rose to fame in the 80s on Channel 4 game show Treasure Hunt. She's since hosted her own show on BBC One in the early 90s and co-hosted ITV's Sunday Feast in 2006. She currently hosts an arts show on BBC Radio 2.

Piers Morgan

Strictly Come Dancing 2018

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Rex)

GMB host Piers Morgan sent Strictly fans into a frenzy recently, as he teased that he could be next to take to the dancefloor. The TV host enjoyed a swirl around the Good Morning Britain studios when Anton Du Beke visited. Helater tweeted "BREAKING: My Strictly training has begun", alongside a picture of himself and former contestant Ed Balls.

However, while some fans were excited by the prospect, other didn't quite believe that Piers was telling the truth. So will he really be taking part? We'll have to wait and see!

Cheryl

Strictly Come Dancing 2018

Strictly's new Head Judge Shirley Ballas has revealed that she thinks the former Girls Aloud star would be perfect for the show this year. She told Radio Times, "I think Cheryl Cole would be amazing".

The singer, of course, has years of experience dancing, and has performed extensive routines in videos and stage shows in the past. We reckon she could be a great fit...

Michelle Keegan

Strictly Come Dancing 2018

The former Coronation Streetactress has been tipped as one of the favourites for the Strictly 2018 line-up. A source reportedly told the Daily Star on Sunday, "Everyone knows that having Michelle Keegan out on the Strictly dance floor would be ratings gold. Everyone behind the scenes thinks she would set the dance floor alight. It’s now a matter of convincing her to sign up.”

MORE: ‘It was weird’: Strictly stars discuss Brendan Cole’s exit from the show – as he takes on a brand new challenge

Michelle herself hasn't yet commented on the rumours, but her husband, Mark Wright, competed on the show himself in 2014. The former reality star came fourth in the series, after being partnered with Karen Hauer. So could he convince his wife to sign up too? Only time will tell...

Nadiya Hussain

Strictly Come Dancing 2018

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Rex)

The Great British Bake Off's 2015 winner has been hotly tipped for the 2018 series ever since the last series aired. The mum-of-three has already proven that she's a big fan of the programme, attending the live shows during the 2017 series. And reportedly, it was Nadiya's visit to the Elstree studios that may have clinched it for studio bosses.

At the time, The Sun reported, “Producers have openly said how much they would like to get Nadiya on the show. Nadiya is a big fan and loved getting the star treatment at the weekend. They pulled out all the stops and made her feel at home."

Josh Cuthbert

Strictly Come Dancing 2018

He rose to fame in X Factor boyband Union J, and now it seems Josh could be primed to try his hand at dancing too.

According to The Sun, the 25-year-old singer is a key favourite with Strictly producers. A source said, “Josh has caught the eyes of producers and they’re seeing if he could take part. He could easily be a fan favourite. He’s young, in good shape and can dance. He’d be a strong signing.”

Which famous faces would you like to see in this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing?

Amy Hunt

Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.