YouTube star Joe Sugg is the fourth celebrity set to join this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup.
The 26-year-old – who is also the brother of internet superstar Zoella – was announced as the latest star to join the BBC prime-time favourite on Tuesday’s Radio 1 breakfast show.
Announcing the news, Strictly’s Twitter account put out a post which read: ‘He’s swapping the Sugg life for the #Strictly life, and YouTube for dancing shoes… Welcome Joe Sugg to our 2018 line-up!’
New face: YouTube star Joe Sugg is the fourth celebrity set to join this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup
Since setting up a Youtube channel in 2011, Joe has accumulated a fan base of more than eight million subscribers, posting videos of various challenges and pranks, as well as ‘vlogging’ his daily exploits.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Joe said: ‘I’m honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year!
‘Not going to lie, I’m very nervous about it, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about I guess.
‘Funnily enough I’m writing this statement whilst on the way to surprise my grandparents with the news. They are going to be so happy which will definitely make up for any embarrassment or cringe caused by my questionable rhythm.’
Exciting: The news was confirmed on Tuesday’s BBC Radio 1 breakfast show, with Joe saying: ‘It’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge’
Beloved: Joe is the brother of Youtube beauty guru Zoella, and his channel has accumulated more than eight million subscribers
Thrilled: Joe himself also took to Twitter to confirm the news of his appointment for the BBC primetime favourite
Elated: Joe’s proud sister Zoella – real name Zoe Sugg – also took to her Instagram stories to gush with excitement about her sibling taking part in the show
Joe himself also took to Twitter to confirm the news, writing: ‘So this is actually happening!.. Thank you so much!! The support has been unreal! I can’t dance but hopefully I’ll do you all proud and you can make some great memes out of me!’
This comes after Steps’ Faye Tozer and Danny John-Jules were revealed as the second and third contestants to join the star-studded line-up on Monday’s edition of The One Show.
The pair – who have previous experience in dance – join TV personality Katie Piper, who was unveiled as the first celebrity to star in the beloved series just hours earlier.
Tragedy hitmaker Faye, 42, appeared relieved to finally lift the lid on the news as she admitted she was forced to lie to friends and family, while the Red Dwarf actor, 57, confessed he was ‘nervous’ about the upcoming stint.
Exciting: Faye Tozer (left) and Danny John-Jules (right) were revealed as the second and third contestants to join the star-studded line-up on Monday’s edition of The One Show
Talking to presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones, the blonde revealed: ‘I lied to so many people, it was so hard!’
When questioned on what she’s most excited about, Faye shared: ‘I’m most excited about the costume and elaborate make-up!’
She added: ‘Being on Strictly is literally a dream come true! It’s everything my 9 year old self ever wanted from showbiz and I’m going to relish every moment!’
Set to take to the dancefloor: Tragedy hitmaker Faye, 42, appeared relieved to finally lift the lid on the news as she admitted she was forced to lie to friends and family
BBC host Matt, 40, went on to ask about Faye’s previous dancing experience, with the pop star admitting: ‘I would like to say I’m pretty good, I think you’ll find a few of us, it’s what makes the show interesting!’
Poking fun at the singer’s past performances with her chart-topping group, presenter Alex, 41, presented a flashback clip of Faye and Matt dancing on Blue Peter.
Confessing he was a ball of nerves, Danny, who was unveiled as the third contestant, said: ‘It’s quite nerve-racking, when I saw Faye, I was like “Oh my God!”.’
Candid: Confessing he was a ball of nerves, the Death In Paradise star, 57, said: ‘It’s quite nerve-racking, when I saw Faye, I was like “Oh my God!”.’
However, Danny went on to share his excitement with the new role: ‘Having spent the last few months on two wheels motorcycling around South America in pink leathers, I’m absolutely delighted to be getting back on two feet and into something more comfortable like glittery spandex.’
The presenters appeared pleased with BBC’s decision to feature Faye and Danny on the hotly-anticipated series, with Tumble star Alex stating: ‘The standard is already high!’
Confirming that fellow contestants will have a challenge on their hands, Danny admitted: ‘I ended up choreographing in the past, I’ve put a few steps together!’
All is revealed: Talking to presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones, the blonde shared: ‘I lied to so many people, it was so hard!’
Thrilled: When questioned on what she’s most excited about, Faye shared: ‘I’m most excited about the costume and elaborate make-up!’ (pictured with Larry and George Lamb)
Back in time: Faye (centre) was catapulted into the spotlight in 1997 as a member of pop sensations Steps, alongside Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee and Ian Watkins
Faye was catapulted into the spotlight in 1997 as a member of pop sensation Steps, alongside Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee and Ian Watkins.
The group – who split in 2001, reunited in 2011, before taking a five-year hiatus the following year.
Steps delivered a chart-topping comeback album in 2017 as Tears on the Dancefloor charted at number 2 in the UK.
Next up: Danny went on to share his excitement with the new role: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to be getting back on two feet and into something more comfortable like glittery spandex’
Dance background: Confirming that fellow contestants will have a challenge on their hands, Danny admitted: ‘I ended up choreographing in the past, I’ve put a few steps together!’
Tense: The presenters gave viewers three clues to guess the identity of the contestants before they revealed themselves
Meanwhile, Danny appeared on the small screen for his role as Cat on sci-fi comedy series Red Dwarf, which first went on air in 1988
Proving that there is no rest for the wicked, the band kicked off their Summer tour in May this year, before wrapping up their performances two months later.
Meanwhile, Danny appeared on the small screen for his role as Cat on sci-fi comedy series Red Dwarf, which first went on air in 1988.
The multi-talented star went on to appear in crime series Death in Paradise, and CBBC’s M.I. High.
Boasting an impressive dance background, Danny made an appearance in Wham!’s The Edge of Heaven video in 1986 and featured in numerous West End plays.
Beaming: Faye oozed elegance as she donned a white short-sleeved blouse with a coral orange midi skirt, adorned in white polka dots
All in the details: Keeping accessories to a minimum, the Northampton native sported a white watch
Radiant: Faye accentuated her youthful-looking features in heavy strokes of foundation, lashings of mascara and faint pink lipstick
This comes after reality star Katie, 34, was confirmed as the first celebrity to join this year’s competition series.
The TV personality made the announcement during Monday’s BBC Breakfast and even revealed hopes of taking to the dance floor with Giovanni Pernice.
Katie admitted she was overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to participate in something ‘more light-hearted’, having fronted a number of hard-hitting documentaries over the years.
While some celebrities remain coy about the professional they’re hoping to partner up with, without hesitation, Katie confessed: ‘I would like to be partnered with Giovanni. Giovanni, if you’re watching, I’m coming for you!’
Animated: Danny put on a bold display following his revelation on the BBC show
Dapper: The actor was decked out in a midnight blue three-piece suit, a crisp white shirt and a satin pink tie
All eyes on him: Danny borrowed from the 19th century with his sharp top hat, and added a pop of colour to his look with a pair of bright pink brogues
Impressive: Boasting an impressive dance background, Danny made an appearance in Wham!’s The Edge of Heaven video in 1986 and featured in numerous West End plays
She then joked she was grateful the news was out, having been elusive when receiving friends’ October wedding invitations, and gushed that she was looking forward to taking part in her ‘favourite’ TV show.
Asked if she was fearful of the straight-talking judges, she enthused: ‘I don’t want to cry. The judges can be quite scary. I’ve developed a thick skin over the years so hopefully I’ll be fine.’
She added: ‘For me it’s really out of my comfort zone and it’s not something I’ve ever done before.
‘The only person I’d told was my husband, over text, and he thought I was joking and I was like, “No I’m being serious!”‘
And it seems nobody is more proud than Katie’s daughter Belle, four, as the philanthropist joked: ‘My eldest is four-and-a-half and she sort of understands she loves dancing, she loves glitter. She said, “Oh, great! Can I be on it too?” and my youngest [Penelope, eight months] is a bit too young for sparkles.’
Admitting that rhythm isn’t something she’s gifted with, she joked: ‘Dance wise, I went to a musical on Thursday and my friend noted that I wasn’t even clapping in time, so in terms of rhythm I don’t know how that’s going to go.
‘I feel so privileged!’: Katie Piper was unveiled as the first celebrity to star in the beloved series just hours earlier
‘The only fear is that I don’t have that natural rhythm but I like it being a challenge because I’m quite a competitive person.
‘Since I’ve known I was going to be in it, I’ve been watching lots of old footage to try and get some tips but sometimes that just makes you more nervous.’
Katie, who was the victim of a cruel acid attack in 2008, rose to prominence when she wavered her anonymity to increase awareness about burn victims.
The secret’s out! The TV personality, 34, made the announcement during her appearance on BBC Breakfast on Monday morning
She fronted the Channel 4 documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face as part of the Cutting Edge series, which lead to a follow-up series and a best-selling autobiography.
But Katie admitted she was elated to take part in a show where her past and appearance were ‘irrelevant’.
‘I feel so privileged and excited to be part of my favourite show on TV. I already know how much of an amazing experience it will be for me and I can’t wait to show my girls some of my new dance moves,’ the mother-of-two gushed.
‘I can’t wait!’: The 34-year-old star admitted she was overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to participate in something ‘more light-hearted’
Stylish: Katie looked stunning for her appearance on the show, wowing in a chic striped shirt dress and white mule heels
‘I’m nervous to put on my dancing shoes but can’t wait to learn a new skill and have the Strictly tan and makeover.’
Katie is the first star to be confirmed for the series, though cricketer Graeme Swann, Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts and choreographer Neil Jones have all been rumoured.
Katie’s appearance on BBC Breakfast also saw her admit that all of this year’s stars have been using cheese code names to conceal their identities, laughing: ‘I was brie!’
Good track record! Giovanni and partner Debbie McGee made it to the finals during last year’s show
Sign of things to come! Katie gave fans a taste of her moves as she made an animated exit from the BBC studios earlier this morning
Katie Piper
AGE: 34
WHO IS SHE? Katie rose to prominence after she was the victim of a horrific acid attack in 2008. She went onto front the documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face as well as several other series.
SHE SAYS: ‘For me it’s really out of my comfort zone and it’s not something I’ve ever done before. I would like to be partnered with Giovanni. Giovanni, if you’re watching, I’m coming for you!’
Faye Tozer
AGE: 42
WHO IS SHE? Faye was one of the stars of legendary 90s band Steps from 1997 to 2001. The group reunited in 2017 for an anniversary tour, with their comeback album Tears on the Dancefloor charting at Number 2.
SHE SAYS: ‘I’m most excited about the costume and elaborate make-up! I would like to say I’m pretty good, I think you’ll find a few of us, it’s what makes the show interesting!’
Danny John-Jules
AGE: 57
WHO IS HE? Danny has played Cat in the sci-fi cult series Red Dwarf since 1988. He also played hero Lenny Bicknall in the CBBC spy series M.I. High.
HE SAYS: ‘Having spent the last few months on two wheels motorcycling around South America in pink leathers, I’m absolutely delighted to be getting back on two feet and into something more comfortable like glittery spandex.’
Joe Sugg
AGE: 26
WHO IS HE? Joe is one of Britain’s most popular YouTube stars, with over eight million subscribers to his channel and 5.5 million Twitter followers. He is also the brother of web beauty guru Zoella.
HE SAYS: ‘I’m honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year! Not going to lie, I’m very nervous about it, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about I guess.