Miranda has stated on Twitter that she is not doing Strictly. She is a massive fan of the show but can't see her ever doing it. Maybe the Christmas special or a jokey version for CIN or comic relief but not the real thing. Shame as I would love to see her on it.

Not heard of her but aside from Georgia it is interesting that they are all over 40. I wonder if the agenda this year is to have a 'mature' winner which would be great even if it's pre-determined in this sampled way. I was sceptical about them having a BBC casting focus but think it will work well.

No idea who she is. And not terribly impressed, but will see.

I wonder why Evans said no more names till Monday? Probably a Mirror-based error.

I recognised the name but couldn't think who she was. But after googling her I knew immediately who she was. Don't mind her

I'm surprised she said yes, but glad. At least there will be one woman with brains and class on the show, although I am quite sure she will be branded 'too posh' for some viewers, who will inevitably then accuse her of being 'smug'. The old class war rubbish.

I will, however, welcome the change from the usual giggly, gushing, gormless soap 'stars' and enjoy having at least one intelligent female to break up the monotony of desperate C listers and has beens.

Katie finished 4th out of the 8 contestants. She can play the violin to a high standard.

I've never seen her being herself on TV - similarly Jeremy Vine. I'm hoping the BBC has been suffocating the real people for years and they will be allowed out on Strictly, but with Louise Rainbow coming across as a bit of a control freak, I'm not expecting it.

Internet has Katie Derham as 45 yrs old and 5''6" & half ,

Another unexpected name 😀💃💃💃

A nice, classy signing who might surprise us all.

Yes, it was indeed Sue.

Sorry about that

Confirmed on Strictly Twitter:
https://mobile.twitter.com/bbcstrict...62527171956736

Confirmed Contestants
1. Jeremy Vine (Journalist and presenter, 50)
2. Ainsley Harriott (Television chef, 58)
3. Kellie Bright (EastEnders actress, 39)
4. Georgia May Foote (Former Coronation Street actress, 24)
5. Katie Derham (Newsreader and presenter, 45)
6. ?
7. ?
8. ?
9. ?
10. ?
11. ?
12. ?
13. ?
14. ?
15. ?
16. ?

I wonder if the Mirror will leak all the names now.

Loving this signing, proper TV Celeb, not some reality "star". Yes, well known newsreader and presenter. How can people not have heard of her ? Did a performance of Footloose, available on youtube - the man's singing is rubbish but she's got some moves. Possible winner, would be the oldest yet, like to see an oldie win it.

Oldie? She's only 45.

She's very, very young

Signed

AK (a few years over 45 )

Nice, if unexpected, signing, not someone I'd have ever had down to do it.

Really makes you feel old when someone describes a 45 year old as an oldie.

That's what I'm liking about the celebs so far - I just hope the back to basics approach follows through into the main show

they had better not.

Interesting that only one of the confirmed names so far was on the rumoured list.

Love a bit of posh totty. They can be proper dirty girls.
I bet she'll attract plenty of haters who can't cope with class.

Katie Derham is 5'7" if that helps anyone for partnership possibilities.....

I can see her with Pasha.

Five out of five that I've actually heard of.

So we have
Radio 2/ quiz host/ election broadcaster
Eastenders actress
BBC2 chef
Younger actress (Grange Hill/ Coronation st)
Radio 3 / Proms broadcaster

Anyone would think there was going to be a BBC charter renewal anytime soon ??

Anyone want to take bets on someone from Asian network or with a disability?

Francesca Martinez has a book out, and has no stand up dates booked after July
Adam Hills seems to have no tour dates planned
Alex Brooker hosts "The Jump" with Davina McCall - so would not need to train or prepare before broadcast

And she did say she was signed up ages ago, so more time for it to leak out.