Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Mike Bushell on Strictly Come Dancing: BBC presenter joins 2019 line-up as sixth contestant

The sports presenter joins the five other stars already announced to compete on this year’s show

Ellie Harrison
Friday 02 August 2019 13:59 BST
Comments
(Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

BBC Breakfast presenter Mike Bushell has been announced as the sixth celebrity to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line-up.

Bushell joins five other celebrities confirmed to compete so far: former footballer David James, comedian Chris Ramsey, EastEnders star Emma Barton, YouTuber Saffron Barker and Coronation Street actor Catherine Tyldesley.

The news was announced on BBC Breakfast, with Bushell asking his co-stars Ben Thompson and Steph McGovern: “Is this a dream? It feels like a weird dream?”

He added: “I thought they’d got the wrong person, genuinely!”

Bushell added in a statement: “I’ve heard so many wonderful things from colleagues over the years so thrilled I’m now getting the chance. I know I will completely throw myself into the whole experience and I’m sure will love it from start to finish.

“I may have tried and profiled over 500 sports over the years in my Saturday morning BBC Breakfast slot but think the Strictly challenge could be the greatest. Bring on the glitter!”

With the BBC One series just weeks 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.

Strictly returns to the BBC next month.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in