Molly Rainford has been announced as the 10th star joining the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 line-up.
Molly was a singer on the sixth series of Britain's Got Talent and she wowed the judges with her stunning rendition of 'One Night Only' by Jennifer Hudson, at just 11-years-old. Ashleigh and Pudsey took the crown for that season, leaving Molly in sixth place.
She has also since had her own CBBC show, Nova Jones, where she plays an 18-year-old pop star who performs in space. Confirming her place on this year’s BBC ballroom dancing competition, Strictly’s official Twitter posted: "Say hello to Molly Rainford, she’s an intergalactic pop superstar from @CBBC and she’s here to star on #Strictly!"
Upon the news being announced, Molly said: "I’m so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve watched it for years and can’t wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can’t wait to learn the moves and get dancing!"
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke are returning to the panel, while four new professionals are joining the line-up. They are European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas.
Ahead of Molly's announcement, Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor was the latest to sign up to the show, with the announcement being made during ITV's Lorraine yesterday. Ranvir Singh - who's been on the show herself - was on hand to quiz Ellie about her stint.
"I want someone who's patient. I need a tall, patient person," she said of her ideal Strictly partner, "The dancing bit is what is completely out of my comfort zone. I've watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan. At the moment I'm focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!"
This week it was also announced that 80s legend Matt Goss would be the eighth celebrity to join this years Strictly line-up. He added in a statement: "I’m extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down."
Alongside Matt, Kiss FM presenter Tyler West was the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of the BBC ballroom dancing show. When asked how he felt to join the series, he buzzed: "I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family!"
Last week it was confirmed that the likes of Loose Women star Kaye Adams, Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' comedian Will Mellor have all signed up for the 2022 series.
Strictly bosses revealed that the launch show will be recorded on Wednesday, September 7. It’s likely that the show will return on Saturday, September 10 with presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly welcoming this year’s line-up.
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