Strictly 2019: David James, Chris Ramsey and Emma Barton announced

Footballer David James, comedian Chris Ramsey and EastEnders actress Emma Barton have been unveiled as the first three contestants taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2019.

But the announcement on Wednesday evening’s edition of The One Show was ruined by stand-in host (and last year’s Strictly champion) Stacey Dooley, when she talked over the voiceover during the big reveal.

David was first to be revealed, but Stacey was heard chattering about him in the background while Strictly announcer Alan Dedicoat drummed up the suspense. 

Nonetheless, out David came, revealing that the only person he had told was his mother.

‘I have been asked to do it a few times, but this time around I said yes…’ the 48-year-old said.

The former England goalkeeper – who has also worked as a football analyst for the BBC and BT Sport – said in a statement: ‘I’m really excited to be on Strictly this year. Not just competing against this year’s stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons. I have some big shoes to fill.’

Next was ex I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Now! host Chris, 32, who gushed: ‘As a comedian there are not so many things all the family, including the kids, can watch me on. But this is something everyone can watch.’

Blunder! The announcement on Wednesday evening’s edition of The One Show was ruined by stand-in host (and last year’s Strictly champion) Stacey Dooley, when she talked over the voiceover during the big reveal

He revealed he had ‘told everyone’ he was doing it, including three of his friends while drunk.

‘I told three of my mates on a stag do, but thankfully they forgot!’ he said.

He added: ‘I’m both excited and absolutely terrified to be doing the show. You will not find me on the dance floor at parties, you will find me at the buffet table. All night.

‘At my wedding I danced with my wife; that one song took about six months practice, and I definitely stood on her feet a couple of times. So I’m looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people … there better be a buffet after the live shows.’

Letting it slip: Chris revealed he had ‘told everyone’ he was doing it, including three of his friends while drunk. ‘I told three of my mates on a stag do, but thankfully they forgot!’ he said

Emma, 42, was third to be unveiled. She was heard banging a drum, performing the infamous EastEnders theme tune,  before stepping into the studio to join her new fellow-contestants.

Emma – who plays Honey Mitchell in the stalwart BBC soap – said: ‘As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening.

‘I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business.

‘So, I’m whipping off Honey’s Minute Mart tabard and diving right in to all the glitter and sparkle. From Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor – I just can’t wait!’

Ta-Dah! Emma was heard banging a drum, performing the infamous EastEnders theme tune, before stepping into the studio to join her new fellow-contestants

Celebs: David has worked as a football analyst for the BBC and BT Sport, while Emma has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef

Strictly Come Dancing will air later this year, and more stars are set be announced in the coming weeks.