Comic one of the first of this year's contestants to be announced

Robert Webb is to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The Peep Show star was announced tonight during The One Show

He said: ‘I am ludicrously excited to be taking part in Strictly this year. It’s a big, generous, joyful show and I can’t wait to get packed into a spandex onesie and fired from a glitter cannon directly at Claudia Winkleman. 

‘At least I think that’s what happens. My goal is to try and survive from week to week without causing serious injury to myself or innocent bystanders.

‘ I know it’s going to be a challenge. To do  well in this competition is a test of character, although mainly it’s a test of dancing.’

Webb, 48,  is also an acclaimed author, with his memoir, How Not To Be A Boy, and his debut novel, Come Again.

He previously won Let’s Dance for Comic Relief with his Flashdance: What A Feeling routine in 2009, where he wore a leotard.

Other contestants announced tonight were TV presenter.  AJ  Odudu and McFly guitarist and songwriter Tom Fletcher.

Strictly Come Dancing, which was last year won by Bill Bailey, returns to BBC One later this autumn.

Published: 4 Aug 2021