Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer confirmed as contestant for next series

'I am so excited, terrified and proud to be invited'

Simon Rimmer (Getty)

Another celebrity set to compete for this year's Strictly Come Dancing trophy has been announced by the BBC.

Presenter and TV chef Simon Rimmer will be donning the sequins joining fellow celebrities This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford, The Saturdays singer Mollie King, Hollyoaks' Gemma Atkinson, and EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami. Former chart-topper Reverend Richard Coles and Holby City star Joe McFadden have also been announced for the 2017 line-up.

“I am so excited, terrified and proud to be invited to be part of Strictly 2017,” Rimmer — best known for Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch — told the BBC.

“I've always been a HUUUUGE fan of the show. When I put on my sequins and hit the floor it will genuinely be my very first time dancing ballroom and latin. Nobody will try harder, have more fun or get more out of it than me. I can't wait.”

As per previous years, this full lineup will be revealed over the course of the next fortnight. Other rumoured contestants to participate in this year's contest include comedian Brian Conley, singer Matt Goss, and Dame Joan Collins.

Judges Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli are all set to return while new judge Shirley Ballas will replace stalwart Len Goodman as Head Judge following his departure.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One this autumn.