Scottish comedian Susan Calman has said her mother “will die happy” if she sees her daughter in a dress and sequins when she competes on Strictly Come Dancing.
Calman, 42, was revealed as the ninth celebrity to join the line-up of the popular BBC One series.
She shared her excitement at being able to let people know as the news was announced on Jeremy Vine’s BBC Radio 2 show.
Stand up for @SusanCalman! The comedian, actress and writer is our latest signing for #Strictly 2017! 🎭💃✨ https://t.co/DO9v66Pnl0 pic.twitter.com/E9sAPnhsHX
— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 15, 2017
Calman said: “It was three weeks of terror to this particular moment, and thank goodness it’s finally here.
“I was not allowed to tell anybody what’s happening, so it’s been confidential. But I am so excited, I’ve been a Strictly superfan for years and this is going to be the best ride possible.”
She said she has not danced since she was at school and that she is “the last person on the dancefloor”.
“I don’t particularly enjoy dancing in a lot of ways, I haven’t worn heels or a dress since I was 17 and I haven’t danced with a man in over a decade.”
Calman said she is 4ft 10in tall, but that having a low centre of gravity should help her on the dancefloor.
I haven't worn heels or a dress since I was 17. Haven't danced with a man in over a decade. Strictly, I'm ready. #WhoLeads?#CalmanCanCanCan https://t.co/pw93BQ3ciX
— Susan Calman (@SusanCalman) August 15, 2017
She also said: “My mother will die happy to see me in a dress. To finally see me in glitter and a dress.”
Calman described herself as an “enthusiastic home dancer” in an official statement released after her name was announced.
She added: “And now on Saturday nights I’ll be dancing in other people’s homes in a (hopefully) entertaining way. I am terrified but excited to start my Strictly journey.”
In 2006 Calman decided to give up her career as a corporate lawyer to work as a comedian.
Those #Strictly moves never leave you. Jeremy teaches our latest celebrity Susan Calman the 'swivel'. 🤣@theJeremyVine @SusanCalman pic.twitter.com/iMrwlcNYwT
— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 15, 2017
She was recently seen on screen hosting BBC One’s daytime quiz show, The Boss, and also fronted BBC Four’s Prejudice And Pride: The People’s History Of LGBTQ Britain alongside Stephen K Amos.
Calman has appeared on comedy panel shows including QI and Mock The Week.
She penned a book called Cheer Up Love in which she wrote openly about dealing with depression.
Last year Calman married Lee Cormack – her partner of over a decade – who is a lawyer.
In July she shared her “regret” over cancelling her Autumn tour dates, The Calman Before The Storm, due to a “television commitment”.
I've had to cancel my autumn tour dates. Please note 1. I'm sorry 2. I feel awful about it 3. I'll get back to the affected venues soon. pic.twitter.com/PFD3qdU7C6
— Susan Calman (@SusanCalman) July 18, 2017
Among the Strictly fans sharing their joy at Calman’s involvement was Jennifer Saunders.
The TV star wrote on Twitter: “This is going to be brilliant! Go Susan!”
This is going to be brilliant! Go Susan! https://t.co/T5a3hbafWx
— jennifer saunders (@ferrifrump) August 15, 2017
She joins the other eight celebrity contestants already announced, which include The Saturdays’ Mollie King, former JLS singer Aston Merrygold and This Morning’s Ruth Langsford.
Also hoping to samba to success are Sunday Brunch presenter Simon Rimmer, former Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson, Reverend Richard Coles, Holby City’s Joe McFadden and EastEnders star Davood Ghadami.