Strictly Come Dancing is making its return with a host of new celebrities all eyeing the Glitterball trophy.
The popular dance competition will return to our weekend television schedules - much to the delight of millions of viewers.
And among those taking part this year is Eastenders actor James Bye. James, 38, has played Martin Fowler in the popular BBC One soap since 2014.
Before his role in Eastenders James appeared in The Bill and films Cemetery Junction and Hummingbird. He also starred in the BBC One mini-series The Great Train Robbery in 2014.
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Away from acting James lives in London with his wife Victoria and their three children. The EastEnders star, who goes by @jimmybye on Instagram, often shares photos of his children as well as his DIY attempts at home.
Speaking ahead of the show James said he is doing Strictly for his kids.
He said: "I wanted to use this opportunity to show my kids that with a bit of hard work and perseverance you can achieve anything. So I guess that's a sort of a glorified parenting technique, I'm using Strictly to parent my children.
"Since I've mentioned that daddy's going to be a dancer, there's been a lot more interest now watching daddy dance around the kitchen whilst making dinner.
"My other reason is that my in-laws are huge fans, they’ll be wanting tickets and maybe even the spray tan."
James added: "The biggest challenge for me, is going to be the unknown. I don't know if I can dance, I might be amazing but it’s very unlikely that that is the case. It's more likely that, because I'm long, either my hands will be doing the right thing or my feet will be, but I don't know if both will do the same at the same time. I am also worried for any parts of the dance where I am left to my own devices, that’s what I am most scared of!"
Since signing up to the show James has desperately tried to build up his fitness.
He said: "I am trying to increase my fitness. I'm not unfit but I’m certainly not a fit person. Since the announcement, the new years resolution has kicked in! I was already walking on the treadmill now I’ve just turned that into a run and am doing a bit more in the gym to increase my stamina, so that I’ve got something in my arsenal."
James added: "I'm just in it to have as much fun as possible. I’d love to get to Blackpool, then you can say you really gave it a good go. There is also the added pressure that the last three people from EastEnders have been in the final!
The celebrities taking part in Strictly this year are Ellie Simmonds, Ellie Taylor, Fleur East, Hamza Yassin, Helen Skelton, James Bye, Jayde Adams, Kaye Adams, Kym Marsh, Matt Goss, Molly Rainford, Richie Anderson, Tony Adams, Tyler West and Will Mellor.
They will be watched and scored by Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas.
Strictly Come Dancing launches at 7pm on Friday, September 23, on BBC One before the first live show airs Saturday, September 24, at 6.45pm. The show had been due to launch on Saturday 17 September but was put back six days following the death of the Queen.
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