Entertainment

Emmerdale star becomes fourth celebrity to join the Strictly Come Dancing line-up

She is the fourth celebrity to be confirmed in the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
She is the fourth celebrity to be confirmed in the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. She is the fourth celebrity to be confirmed in the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson has said she is “excited and incredibly nervous” as she became the fourth celebrity to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing.

Atkinson, 32 joins the line-up of stars already announced which includes Ruth Langsford, EastEnders star Davood Ghadami and The Saturdays singer Mollie King.

National Television Awards 2017 – Press Room – London
National Television Awards 2017 – Press Room – London
Gemma Atkinson in the press room at the National Television Awards 2017  (Ian West/PA)

The announcement was made on BBC Breakfast and Atkinson, who rose to fame as Lisa Hunter in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, said: ” I felt so snide lying to all my family. I can finally say ‘I’m doing it’, I’m sorry for lying.”

In an official statement she added: “I am honoured to be asked and so thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2017!

“I’m beyond excited and incredibly nervous but I am looking forward to learning a new skill in ballroom and Latin dancing and taking on this new challenge.”

She has also appeared in The Bill, Waterloo Road and hosts a breakfast radio show on Manchester’s Key 103.