STRICTLY Come Dancing has revealed Rhys Stevenson as the latest celebrity to join its growing line up for this year's competition.
The children's TV broadcaster becomes the fifth contestant to take to the dancefloor after Bake Off winner John Whaite, McFly legend Tom Fletcher, actor Robert Webb and presenter AJ Odudu were all unveiled this week.
And on Friday morning, CBBC host Stevenson said: "I am buzzing to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
"I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation. I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig’s glare! I am ready!"
2012 Bake Off winner John Whaite was revealed to be the show's first ever all-male partnership, following in the footsteps of boxer Nicola Adams who was the first same-sex partnership last year.
The Sun understands the BBC will continue to reveal the line-up for the 2021 series in the coming days and weeks with further names expected imminently.
Read our Strictly Come Dancing live blog for the latest updates...
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SHIRLEY SPILLS
The news comes after Strictly judge Shirley Ballas teased details about this year’s line-up for the popular BBC One series.
Ballroom expert and choreographer Shirley, 60, returns to the judging panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Strictly professional dancer-turned-judge Anton Du Beke.
She told ITV’s Loose Women that “of all panels, you have never seen such celebrities as you are going to see on this particular show”.
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WHO IS JOHN WHAITE AND IS THE STRICTLY STAR MARRIED?
John Whaite is an English baker, who rose to fame after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2012.
He works as a chef, television presenter and author. He was born in Lancashire and grew up on a farm.
He got into Oxford but decided to study law at Manchester to be closer to home, he got a first-class degree after sitting his exams while filming Bake Off.
He decided not to pursue a career in law, and to follow his passion of cookery, taking classes at Le Cordon Bleu.
Whaite has written four cookery books, John Whaite Bakes, John Whaite Bakes At Home, Perfect Plates In 5 Ingredients, and Comfort: Food To Soothe The Soul.
He has also written columns for The Daily Telegraph and Heat magazine.
Whaite has suffered from depression and battled bulimia in the past.
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WHO IS IN THE RUMOURED LINE-UP FOR STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021?
Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure has been rumoured to be joining the Strictly line up for 2020.
She wouldn’t be out of place, as the actress has revealed that she used to love ballet as a child.
Ladbrokes has put the odds of Kate appearing on the dance contest at 5/1.
Jessica O’Reilly of Ladbrokes said: “McClure would be a stellar signing by BBC bosses and fans would love to see DI Fleming hit the Strictly dancefloor.”
Former footballer, turned pundit, Micah Richards, has been touted as a potential contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
Coral have put the odds of Richard appearing on and winning the show as 16-1.
“The former Manchester City footballer is clearly comfortably on the dance floor so it would be no surprise if he was part of the Strictly line-up in 2021,” said Coral’s John Hill.
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NEW STRICTLY CONTESTANT JOHN WHAITE BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS AFTER ANNOUNCING HE’LL DANCE IN SHOW’S FIRST MALE PARTNERSHIP
It comes after the BBC show’s first female pairing Katya Jones and Nicola Adams went down a storm with viewers last year.
His casting was announced on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show this morning, with John, 33, later taking to social media to confirm the news in a sweet video.
The emotional chef told fans he’d received hundreds of positive messages about his signing.
He shared: “I’m actually crying real tears because of how nice you’re all being.
“I’m so excited to be on Strictly. It’s a dream come true and it’s even more of a dream to be doing the first all male partnership.
“There will be kids watching thinking it’s OK to be who you are. So thanks for all the messages, I’m going back to bed now.”
- [email protected]
INSIDE NEW STRICTLY CONTESTANT AJ ODUDU’S CLASSY HOME
The 33-year-old TV presenter was confirmed alongside McFly’s Tom Fletcher, and Peep Show’s Robert Webb – with Bake Off’s John Whaite added to the line-up this morning.
And while all of the stars no doubt have a gruelling couple of months ahead, AJ at least has an incredibly stylish abode to relax in during her down time.
The star lives in a chic three-bedroom Victorian maisonette, which she proudly shows off on social media – and we can definitely understand why.
The pad has been kept simple with bright and airy white walls, but bright colours add a quirky touch.
AJ has added an attention-grabbing orange carpet to her hallway and staircase, and has a stand-out deep blue sofa in her living room – complete with bold cushions.
- [email protected]
WHO IS AJ ODUDU?
AJ Odudu is a TV presenter who has seen her star soar in the world of telly.
She is the host of ITV2’s Apocalypse Wow.
Speaking about joining Strictly, she told The One Show: “I am beyond chuffed that I am going to be on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and I’m so glad I can finally tell my mum.
“Her face will be a picture, she’s going to be over the moon!
“I absolutely love the show and am fully committed to making the most of every second of the Strictly experience. Bring it on!”
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TOM FLETCHER
McFly’s Tom Fletcher will be hoping to follow in bandmate Harry Judd’s success and scoop the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Speaking on The One Show, he said he was hugely relieved that the secret is out after keeping quiet about his appearance since Christmas.
Tom’s wife Giovanna is the current reigning queen on I’m A Celeb.
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WHO IS ROBERT WEBB?
Robert Webb is an English comedian, actor and writer – and he’s one half of the comedy double act Mitchell and Webb.
Speaking about joining Strictly he told The One Show: “It’s exciting but with a slight undertone of quivering terror.
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HOW MIGHT YOU KNOW JOHN WHAITE
Whaite became a household name after winning the third series of Bake Off.
After his success he has gone on to become a TV regular, taking up the role of resident chef on ITV’s Lorraine, hosted by Lorraine Kelly.
He has also appeared on This Morning, What’s Cooking?, The Alan Titchmarsh Show and Sunday Brunch.
In 2016, Whaite started co-presenting Chopping Block, a daytime cookery competitive show on ITV, with Rosemary Shrager.
And now he will be showing his moves on Strictly Come Dancing.
He told BBC Radio 2 that he “was born to be on that dance floor”.
Whaite will make history as one half of the first male partnership on Strictly.
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WHO IS RUMOURED TO BE JOINING?
Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure has been rumoured to be joining the Strictly line up for 2020.
Former footballer, turned pundit, Micah Richards, has been touted as a potential contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
Former Googlebox star Tom Malone quit the show in March 2021 to focus on new opportunities, one of which could be appearing on Strictly.
Ralf Little has revealed he has been asked to do Strictly before, and apparently now he would consider it.
TV presenter Maya Jama was rumoured to be taking part in Strictly 2020, and is now tipped for the 2021 line-up.
Lucy Fallon is another name that is rumoured to join the dance show in 2021.
Tina Barret is also hoping to follow her former S Club 7 bandmate Rachel Stevens on to the Strictly dancefloor.
Meanwhile Ben Shephard’s GMB co-stars Susanna Reid, Kate Garraway and Charlotte Hawkins have all done Strictly.
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WHO IS STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021 CONTESTANT AJ ODUDU?
AJ Odudu was born Onatejiro Odudu on February 12, 1988, making her 33-years-old.
She was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, to Nigerian parents and is one of eight children.
After graduating from Keele University with a degree in English and Politics she started her career as a reporter for BBC Blast at Radio Lancashire.
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WHO IS STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021 CONTESTANT TOM FLETCHER?
Tom Fletcher was born on July 17, 1985, and grew up in Harrow, North West London.
The 35-year-old attended the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School, in Marble Arch.
Tom's younger sister, singer Carrie Hope Fletcher, starred as Eponine in Les Miserables – and is now producing vlogs for YouTube.
Tom's first big break came when he was 10 – and starred in Oliver! at the London Palladium.
In the past, the dad-of-three has struggled with eating disorders – and has been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder.
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WHEN DOES STRICTLY START?
The BBC has not yet confirmed when Strictly Come Dancing 2021 will start.
The 2020 series started in mid-October, a month later than usual due to the Covid pandemic – but it remains to be seen whether the new series will go back to the regular September start.
The 2020 series ran for nine weeks instead of the usual 13.
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SHIRLEY SPILLS
The news comes after Strictly judge Shirley Ballas teased details about this year’s line-up for the popular BBC One series.
Ballroom expert and choreographer Shirley, 60, returns to the judging panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Strictly professional dancer-turned-judge Anton Du Beke.
She told ITV’s Loose Women that “of all panels, you have never seen such celebrities as you are going to see on this particular show”.
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WHO IS IN THE RUMOURED LINE-UP FOR STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021? (Continued…)
Former Googlebox star Tom Malone quit the show in March 2021 to focus on new opportunities, one of which could be appearing on Strictly.
The 27-year-old has been a professional break dancer since he was 14 and danced in an opening number on Strictly as one of the B-Boys.
On whether he’d like to return to Strictly, he told The Express: “I would love to! If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I’ve never done Ballroom in my life, so it’d be interesting to see how as someone who breaks, I’m used to dancing upside down, how those two worlds could come together.
“And, how I could use skills from breaking in Ballroom or if there is even anything you can use from breaking in Ballroom."
Maya Jama could also be in the cards as she rose to fame in 2015 on 4Music.
The TV presenter was rumoured to be taking part in Strictly 2020, and is now tipped for the 2021 line-up.
Speaking to Hello about the possibility of joining Strictly in the future, Maya said: "I always say, 'I don't know'.
"I'd never say never to all of these things but I've got a lot going on at the moment."
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WHO IS IN THE RUMOURED LINE-UP FOR STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021?
Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure has been rumoured to be joining the Strictly line up for 2020.
She wouldn't be out of place, as the actress has revealed that she used to love ballet as a child.
Ladbrokes has put the odds of Kate appearing on the dance contest at 5/1.
Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes said: "McClure would be a stellar signing by BBC bosses and fans would love to see DI Fleming hit the Strictly dancefloor."
Former footballer, turned pundit, Micah Richards, has been touted as a potential contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
Coral have put the odds of Richard appearing on and winning the show as 16-1.
“The former Manchester City footballer is clearly comfortably on the dance floor so it would be no surprise if he was part of the Strictly line-up in 2021,” said Coral’s John Hill.
- [email protected]
NEW STRICTLY CONTESTANT JOHN WHAITE BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS AFTER ANNOUNCING HE’LL DANCE IN SHOW’S FIRST MALE PARTNERSHIP
It comes after the BBC show's first female pairing Katya Jones and Nicola Adams went down a storm with viewers last year.
His casting was announced on BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show this morning, with John, 33, later taking to social media to confirm the news in a sweet video.
The emotional chef told fans he'd received hundreds of positive messages about his signing.
He shared: "I’m actually crying real tears because of how nice you're all being.
"I'm so excited to be on Strictly. It's a dream come true and it's even more of a dream to be doing the first all male partnership.
"There will be kids watching thinking it’s OK to be who you are. So thanks for all the messages, I'm going back to bed now."
- [email protected]
WATCH: STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021 LINE-UP
The first three Strictly Come Dancing contestants are exclusively revealed on The One Show
- [email protected]
WHO IS JOHN WHAITE AND IS THE STRICTLY STAR MARRIED?
John Whaite is an English baker, who rose to fame after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2012.
He works as a chef, television presenter and author. He was born in Lancashire and grew up on a farm.
He got into Oxford but decided to study law at Manchester to be closer to home, he got a first-class degree after sitting his exams while filming Bake Off.
He decided not to pursue a career in law, and to follow his passion of cookery, taking classes at Le Cordon Bleu.
Whaite has written four cookery books, John Whaite Bakes, John Whaite Bakes At Home, Perfect Plates In 5 Ingredients, and Comfort: Food To Soothe The Soul.
He has also written columns for The Daily Telegraph and Heat magazine.
Whaite has suffered from depression and battled bulimia in the past.
- [email protected]
WHO IS IN THE RUMOURED LINE-UP FOR STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021?
Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure has been rumoured to be joining the Strictly line up for 2020.
She wouldn’t be out of place, as the actress has revealed that she used to love ballet as a child.
Ladbrokes has put the odds of Kate appearing on the dance contest at 5/1.
Jessica O’Reilly of Ladbrokes said: “McClure would be a stellar signing by BBC bosses and fans would love to see DI Fleming hit the Strictly dancefloor.”
Former footballer, turned pundit, Micah Richards, has been touted as a potential contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
Coral have put the odds of Richard appearing on and winning the show as 16-1.
“The former Manchester City footballer is clearly comfortably on the dance floor so it would be no surprise if he was part of the Strictly line-up in 2021,” said Coral’s John Hill.
- [email protected]
NEW STRICTLY CONTESTANT JOHN WHAITE BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS AFTER ANNOUNCING HE’LL DANCE IN SHOW’S FIRST MALE PARTNERSHIP
It comes after the BBC show’s first female pairing Katya Jones and Nicola Adams went down a storm with viewers last year.
His casting was announced on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show this morning, with John, 33, later taking to social media to confirm the news in a sweet video.
The emotional chef told fans he’d received hundreds of positive messages about his signing.
He shared: “I’m actually crying real tears because of how nice you’re all being.
“I’m so excited to be on Strictly. It’s a dream come true and it’s even more of a dream to be doing the first all male partnership.
“There will be kids watching thinking it’s OK to be who you are. So thanks for all the messages, I’m going back to bed now.”
- [email protected]
INSIDE NEW STRICTLY CONTESTANT AJ ODUDU’S CLASSY HOME
The 33-year-old TV presenter was confirmed alongside McFly’s Tom Fletcher, and Peep Show’s Robert Webb – with Bake Off’s John Whaite added to the line-up this morning.
And while all of the stars no doubt have a gruelling couple of months ahead, AJ at least has an incredibly stylish abode to relax in during her down time.
The star lives in a chic three-bedroom Victorian maisonette, which she proudly shows off on social media – and we can definitely understand why.
The pad has been kept simple with bright and airy white walls, but bright colours add a quirky touch.
AJ has added an attention-grabbing orange carpet to her hallway and staircase, and has a stand-out deep blue sofa in her living room – complete with bold cushions.
- [email protected]
WHO IS AJ ODUDU?
AJ Odudu is a TV presenter who has seen her star soar in the world of telly.
She is the host of ITV2’s Apocalypse Wow.
Speaking about joining Strictly, she told The One Show: “I am beyond chuffed that I am going to be on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and I’m so glad I can finally tell my mum.
“Her face will be a picture, she’s going to be over the moon!
“I absolutely love the show and am fully committed to making the most of every second of the Strictly experience. Bring it on!”
- [email protected]
TOM FLETCHER
McFly’s Tom Fletcher will be hoping to follow in bandmate Harry Judd’s success and scoop the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Speaking on The One Show, he said he was hugely relieved that the secret is out after keeping quiet about his appearance since Christmas.
Tom’s wife Giovanna is the current reigning queen on I’m A Celeb.
- [email protected]
WHO IS ROBERT WEBB?
Robert Webb is an English comedian, actor and writer – and he’s one half of the comedy double act Mitchell and Webb.
Speaking about joining Strictly he told The One Show: “It’s exciting but with a slight undertone of quivering terror.
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