EastEnders star Maisie Smith and Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing join Strictly Come Dancing line-up

Abigail Gillibrand

Published September 3, 2020 11:25am Updated June 1, 2021 11:45am

Sorry, this video isn't available any more.

EastEnders star Maisie Smith and Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing have been confirmed as the next celebrities to join the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

The news was announced on This Morning by both Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, after rumours started to swirl that the pair would be making an appearance on this year’s show.

And we couldn’t be more excited, especially after Jamie was replaced by Kelvin Fletcher in 2019 following a foot injury.

But will he go as far as the former Emmerdale star, who ended up taking the glitterball with his dancing partner, Oti Mabuse?

Talking about the coronavirus restrictions put in place this season, the 31-year-old said: ‘I don’t know that much, I’ve just been told I was doing Strictly I got so excited I didn’t listen to anything else.

Get personalised updates on Strictly

Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.

‘So, I know there will be some rules in place I don’t know what’s going to happen I know it will be bigger and better than ever.

‘I know it’s what everyone wants especially with everything that’s happened, everyone can sit back and relax and watch us dance.’

Jamie Laing dancing — Jamie was replaced by Kelvin last year after injuring his foot(Picture: Rex)

Maisie will be representing the soaps this year after playing Tiffany Butcher in EastEnders for more than a decade.

Lorraine Kelly accidentally let the news slip earlier on this morning during her breakfast show, sparking excitement among the ballroom fanatics.

The 19-year-old recently made headlines when her TikTok account reportedly came under investigation for breaching her contract over promotional deals.

But, it looks as though she will be dancing her troubles away in no time at all.

And she could potentially go far in the competition after winning the 2019 Children In Need version when performing the Cha-Cha with Kevin Clifton.

Moet British Independent Film Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals — Bill Bailey was announced earlier on today (Picture: WireImage)

‘That was a fluke,’ she insisted. ‘I’ve got dancing experience I have done a bit of hip hop and street dance throughout my time. I feel I was very lucky in that week.

‘Who knows? I could be the dark horse.’

It comes after both comedian Bill Bailey and former Marine JJ Chalmers were also announced just hours before Jamie and Maisie.

‘I can finally tell someone that isn’t just my mum and dad,’ Chalmers beamed on Lorraine. ‘I’m always looking to push myself and if I wanted to find a challenge like climbing Everest it would be in my comfort zone, this is off the chart.’

So far, 10 celebrities have been announced for this year’s Strictly, including BBC Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo and actress Caroline Quentin.

Boxer Nicola Adams will also make history on the show as she’s set to compete in its first-ever same-sex couple.

Strictly Come Dancing will air later this year on BBC One.

Got a story?

Deals of the Day

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: 6ix9ine claims he was in ‘wrong place at wrong time’ as he addresses child sex performance charge

MORE: Netflix’s Selling Sunset meets Mean Girls in parody that’s actual perfection