Krishnan Guru-Murthy, a Channel 4 News journalist, has been confirmed as the fourth contender on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Angela Rippon, the host of Rip-Off Britain, is also on the lineup this year.

The 78-year-old Rippon is expected to be the show’s oldest contestant, following Johnny Ball, who competed in 2012 at the age of 74.

The next series will also include Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington and Bad Education star Layton Williams.

Last year’s winner was Hamza Yassin, a presenter on Animal Park and Let’s Go For A Walk.

“I’m surprised, delighted, and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘you only live once!'” stated Guru-Murthy, the head anchor for Channel 4 News.

“I can’t wait to start learning to dance,” he added, “but I’m a little concerned about my general decrepitude.”

“I’ve been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me,” Rippon added.

“A frightening one, given that I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and possibly learning to dance the Argentinian Tango!”

“I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly,” said Abbington, who has also been in the ITV series Mr Selfridge and in West End productions. I’m actually quite shy and self-conscious, so this will be an excellent opportunity for me to conquer those characteristics!

“I also get to learn to dance, which I am very excited about.” I’m looking forward to the training as well; as my family and friends will attest, I’m fairly competitive. I can’t wait to get started!”

She told The One Show that she told everyone, even her local drugstore, when she found out she was on this year’s lineup.

She stated that her major motivation for participating was to disgrace her children. She also mentioned that she is perimenopausal and that she wants to grab the bull by the horns.

“Why didn’t they ask me 10 years ago?” Rippon questioned to the program.
“I love to dance,” she continued.

“Even if you are older, you can dance and feel strong.”

She turned to Abbington on the sofa and stated that they had both done ballet till the age of 17.

Rippon’s love of dance has not diminished. Her mantra, she says, is “do what we can, as well as we can, for as long as we can.”

“Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK!” added Williams, who has also appeared in London’s West End in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie. It’s time to get to the ballroom.

“I’m really looking forward to learning new skills from the best.” Bring on the sequins… ALL OF THESE SEQUINS!”

He recently gave the voice over for BBC Three’s gay dating show I Kissed A Boy.

On The One Show, he stated that he is excited to go on a “rollercoaster journey with the cast” and “slay the ballroom floor.”

The actor from Bad Education stated that he would be content as long as he is matched with a male professional dancer who can boost him up throughout the performances.

In recent years, Strictly has broken new ground by televising same-sex dancing partnerships.

In 2021, an estimated 11 million people tuned in to see EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show’s first deaf candidate, win.

Last year’s final was seen by 10.69 million people on average.