Goodness Gracious Me star breaks the news on Lorraine

Goodness Gracious Me star Nina Wadia has become the 11th contestant confirmed for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 

The actor, whose credits also includes till Open All Hours, Citizen Khan and EastEnders, said: ‘I’ve always danced like nobody's watching, so if we blindfold the judges I could actually win Strictly 2021.’

She joins a line-up that also includes Peep Show’s Robert Webb, BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker and Sara Davies from Dragon’s Den.

Wadia, who received an OBE in the 2021 New Year's Honours List for her services to charity and entertainment, revealed that she was taking part on ITV’s Lorraine this morning.

She told  Christine Lampard  said she was scared about taking part, but joked: 'I like dancing like no one’s watching. So we just need to blindfold the judges and I’ll win!'

Asked why she wanted to take part,  the 52-year-old added: 'I think I should do this before I am too old and I can't walk any more. I think this is the last year I am ever wearing heels.

'A lot has happened in the last couple of years and I just want to  grab life by the balls and enjoy it'

More celebrity contestants are to be announced in the coming days.

Published: 12 Aug 2021