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Daniel O'Donnell confirmed as Strictly Come Dancing contestant

Co Donegal singing sensation Daniel O'Donnell has been confirmed as a participant in Strictly Come Dancing.  Picture by Declan Doherty/PA Wire
Co Donegal singing sensation Daniel O'Donnell has been confirmed as a participant in Strictly Come Dancing. Picture by Declan Doherty/PA Wire Co Donegal singing sensation Daniel O'Donnell has been confirmed as a participant in Strictly Come Dancing. Picture by Declan Doherty/PA Wire

IRISH interest in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing competition has been raised with confirmation that Co Donegal singer Daniel O’Donnell is to take part.

Excited fans took to social media yesterday to welcome the news that the 53-year-old will be donning his dancing shoes for the show, which begins in September.

With a different album in the British charts for each of the last 25 years and over 15 million sales, the popular crooner is the eighth contestant announced so far.

However, the Kincasslagh man is nervous about the challenge.

He told the BBC: "I can put a few steps together, but can I dance to the level I need to dance? Well, that's a whole other ball game."

Mr O’Donnell added: "I told myself that I would only consider doing something if it was both different and exciting. Well, what could be more exciting than Strictly Come Dancing? I love to dance and boy am I looking forward to getting started and being the best that I can be."

Among the contestants already confirmed for this autumn's show include presenter Jeremy Vine, chef Ainsley Harriott and singer Peter Andre.

Previous Irish participants have included singer Nicky Bryne and presenter Christine Bleakley.