David James: Former England footballer joins Strictly Come Dancing line-up

The BBC has been hard at work signing up stars to take part in new series

The first celebrity announced as a contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing is.... David James.

The former footballer and goalkeeper said he’d been asked a few times to be on the show and eventually said yes.

With the BBC One series just months away from returning, producers have been hard at work signing up the latest stars to battle for the glitterball trophy.

Earlier this month it was announced that new judge Motsi Mabuse would replace ballerina Darcey Bussell, who stepped down from the judging panel after seven years.

Mabuse will be joined by returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning as hosts.

Last year’s series saw broadcaster Stacey Dooley win with professional partner Kevin Clifton.

The 2019 edition will be without professional dancer Pasha Kovalev who recently announced he had quit the show after “eight incredible years” to “find a new challenge”.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September