Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh ‘signs up for Strictly Come Dancing’

Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh is believed to have signed up for the upcoming 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing.

BBC sources have reportedly said they are thrilled to have persuaded the actress, 46, to join the dance contest, which will return to screens in September.

The news comes after reports last month that Kym was in advanced talks with the broadcaster about joining the show alongside footballer Tony ‘Donkey’ Adams. 

Star: Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh (pictured in February 2020) is believed to have signed up for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing

A source told The Sun: ‘We have been keen to sign Kym for a while and approached her many times in the past but it has never worked out.

‘When we approached her this year she was interested, which was very exciting for us.’

‘It is a massive coup for us and Kym will be a stellar addition to the cast,’ they added.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Kym’s representatives for comment. 

New face: BBC sources reportedly said they are thrilled to have persuaded Kym - who starred as Michelle Connor (pictured) on Coronation Street for 13 years - to join the dance contest

New face: BBC sources reportedly said they are thrilled to have persuaded Kym – who starred as Michelle Connor (pictured) on Coronation Street for 13 years – to join the dance contest

It is set to be a busy year for Kym as she is reportedly set to film for Waterloo Road at the end of the year, joining the school drama as mother-of-two Nicky Walters.

Kym – who is married to army major Scott Ratcliff – rose to fame as a singer in Hear’Say after she won a place in the pop group on reality TV show Popstars in 2001.

She went on to star as Michelle Connor on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, but left the show in 2019 after 13 years.

It comes after it was announced that this year’s series of Strictly will return to screens on September 7, though the celebrity line-up is yet to be confirmed by producers.

Career: It is set to be a busy year for Kym (pictured in 2019) as she is reportedly set to film for Waterloo Road at the end of the year, as she will join the school drama as mother Nicky Walters

Career: It is set to be a busy year for Kym (pictured in 2019) as she is reportedly set to film for Waterloo Road at the end of the year, as she will join the school drama as mother Nicky Walters

The series will film a pre-recorded launch show on this date, meaning viewers will likely see the celebrity contestants paired up with their dance partners the weekend of September 10. 

Strictly bosses released a statement confirming the date while inviting fans to apply for tickets. 

They wrote: ‘Dust off your dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing is back!

‘The stunning 20th series returns, bringing glamour and show-stopping dancing back to Saturday nights on BBC One – and we’re extremely excited to be able to welcome an audience back to the studio for this year’s shows.

‘Hosted by the very talented and glamorous Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show will once again come live from Elstree Film and Television Studios.

Return: It comes after it was announced that this year's series of Strictly will return to screens on September 7 (pictured: Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly)

Return: It comes after it was announced that this year’s series of Strictly will return to screens on September 7 (pictured: Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly)

‘Registration is now open to be part of the exciting Launch Show, which is recording in advance of this year’s live shows on Wednesday, September 7.’ 

To mark the BBC’s 100th anniversary, the professional dancers will be putting on a special group routine like they have never done before.

In another statement, Strictly bosses said fans can enter a draw to watch a recording of the special performance,, which will take place on August 24. 

They said: ‘Strictly Come Dancing is celebrating 100 years of the BBC! The professional dancers will be throwing a party like only they know how, with a group number full of all the usual sparkle and glamour. 

Show: The series will film a pre-recorded launch show on this date, meaning viewers will likely see the celebrity contestants paired up with their partners the weekend of September 10 (L-R Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse

Show: The series will film a pre-recorded launch show on this date, meaning viewers will likely see the celebrity contestants paired up with their partners the weekend of September 10 (L-R Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse

‘There may well be a surprise or two as well, with special guests and fun tributes to some of your favourite BBC shows.’

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke have all been confirmed to return as judges.

Meanwhile, four new pro dancers have joined the line-up, which means that 20 professionals in total are ready to bring their skills to the BBC show’s dancefloor later this year – the show’s biggest dancer line-up in history.

The four new world class dancers completing this year’s professional troupe are European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance star Michelle Tsiakkas.

Spectacular: To mark the BBC's 100th anniversary, the professional dancers will be putting on a special group routine like they have never done before

Spectacular: To mark the BBC’s 100th anniversary, the professional dancers will be putting on a special group routine like they have never done before

They join the professional dancers already revealed for the upcoming series: Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.

Show favourites Alijaz Skorjanec and Oti Mabuse both quit Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year.

Not every pro dancer will be paired with a celebrity, with four traditionally performing only in the pro routines.

New faces: Strictly will have its biggest professional dancer line-up in history with four new pros - Vito Coppola, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Carlos Gu - joining the show

New faces: Strictly will have its biggest professional dancer line-up in history with four new pros – Vito Coppola, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Carlos Gu – joining the show

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