Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actor Gemma Atkinson confirmed as celebrity contestant

'I am so excited and I’m really nervous as well'

Gemma Atkinson attends the British Soap Awards 2016 at Hackney Empire (Getty)

The fourth celebrity set to compete for this year's Strictly Come Dancing trophy has been announced by the BBC.

Actor Gemma Atkinson will be donning the sequins joining This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford, The Saturdays singer Mollie King, and EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami.

Atkinson — who previously starred in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale — made the announcement on Twitter, saying: “Finally, I don’t have to lie anymore. I am doing Strictly Come Dancing 2017! I am so excited, I’m really nervous as well. I’ve got my good luck charms, though. So, wish me luck.”

As per previous years, this full lineup will be revealed over the course of the next fortnight. Other rumoured contestants to participate in this year's contest include comedian Brian Conley, singer Matt Goss, and Dame Joan Collins.

Judges Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli are all set to return while new judge Shirley Ballas will replace stalwart Len Goodman as Head Judge following his departure.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One this autumn.