ANNEKA Rice has been confirmed as the 15th and final Strictly Come Dancing contestant.
The Challenge Anneka star, 60, was announced on Steve Wright In The Afternoon on BBC Radio 2, after we revealedthe show's bookers spent years trying to convince her to sign up.
Speaking about being the last to be announced, she said: "Oh the stress of being the last person. Even though it's been in the papers for weeks, because I haven't told anyone, not even my family."
In her official statement for the show, she admitted : “I haven’t danced since I was 7 and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated.
“My family and friends haven’t seen me dance since, not at a wedding or round a handbag so it’s going to be a challenge for my partner. In fact I’ve asked for two, one on each side. I can’t see myself in a long frilly dress either.”
She added: “But I’m feeling recklessly excited. Strictly has always been my Autumn’s entertainment and now I’m part of it! My children will probably leave the country.”
Anneka made her name as a jump-suited “skyrunner” on Channel 4’s Treasure Hunt in the ’80s and was twice chosen “Rear of the Year”.
She launched Challenge Anneka in 1989. It ran for five years before returning on ITV for four specials in 2006 and 2007.
Anneka, in a relationship with writer Simon Bell for 14 years, has three children from two previous relationships.
Earlier today rower James Cracknell was confirmed for the show – a year after his then wife Beverley Turner banned him from the show because of the Strictly curse.
Asked about the reports of his ex-wife and the Strictly "curse" on Good Morning Britain, James said it was "part that and partly she (Turner) felt very sorry for the dancer with broken feet!"
He said: "There's only so much time with someone and you've only got so much time in your day. You do become slightly obsessed with it. Apparently I've got quite an addictive personality!"
This year's Strictly line-up also includes DJ Dev Griffin, former football star Alex Scott, Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing, RuPaul's Drag Race star Michelle Visage and Paralympic champion Will Bayley.
Other stars also confirmed include chef and philanthropist Emma, Viscountess Weymouth, footballer David James, comedian Chris Ramsey, EastEnders star Emma Barton, YouTuber Saffron Barker, actress Catherine Tyldesley, BBC Breakfast's Mike Bushell and CBBC star Karim Zeroual.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli also make their return, alongside new addition Motsi Mabuse, the sister of Strictly professional Oti.
She replaces Dame Darcey Bussell on the panel.
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