Lorraine star Ross King has been announced as the latest famous face to be joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The ITV presenter, who reports on Hollywood updates for the show, shared the news during Friday’s instalment.
Coming “live from Hollywood,” he declared the next contestant would be himself.
As ITV’s Los Angeles Correspondent, the 63-year-old also presents on Good Morning Britain.
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He is a four-time News Emmy winner who has hosted more than 30 television series since his first radio broadcast at 15 and television debut at 17.
He commented: “From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom – it’s a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show.
“I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… Try not to step on too many toes! Let’s give this the best that I can! As my mum always said, ‘You’ll never know till you give it a go!'”
The announcement comes amid a difficult period for ITV, with Lorraine having been affected by cuts to the channel.
From January next year, Lorraine will be reduced from its current hour-long format to just 30 minutes, running from 9.30am to 10am.
The programme will also air for only 30 weeks annually rather than year-round. Good Morning Britain will extend by 30 minutes, cutting into Lorraine’s traditional 9am start time.
A show source told The Sun that the team were “gutted” by the changes, adding: “They can’t understand why ITV would want to dismantle such a successful rating-busting programme. It’s a great shame.”
The source revealed that “despite the apparent slight in the ITV daytime shake-up, Lorraine’s loyal fanbase isn’t to be underestimated and they will follow her wherever she goes”.
They added: “She’s survived in this business a long time and she’s a master at rolling with the punches.”
The full line-up of this year’s Strictly stars have now been revealed, with former Lioness Karen Carney and Game Of Thrones star Kristian Nairn announced shortly after Mr King.
On Thursday, the BBC confirmed former The Apprentice star Tom Skinner was part of the line-up in an announcement that sparked some backlash.
The Essex-born 34-year-old has recently attracted attention for his unexpected connection with JD Vance, the United States Vice President.
During Vance’s current UK holiday, Skinner was invited to join him for a barbecue gathering in the English countryside.
Posting on social media platform X, Skinner described the evening as “unreal” and praised Vance as “a proper gent”.
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The relationship has left some Strictly fans disgruntled, while others jumped to Skinner’s defence.
“Oh wow they actually have signed up Tom Skinner. What a way to ruin a f***ing brilliant lineup #Strictly,” one X user shared.
However, plenty of fans also expressed their admiration for Skinner, with one commenting: “The reaction to Tom Skinner being on #Strictly is OTT.”