Kym Marsh first found fame in TV talent show Popstars in 2001, where she won a place in the pop group Hear’Say.
She soon branched out into acting, landing a long-running role in Coronation Street as Michelle Connor in 2006 that kept her on the cobbles for 13 years.
Now, the 46-year-old presents BBC One daytime show Morning Live and was recently cast for the comeback of Waterloo Road.
She said: “I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out.
I’m so delighted that this year they have!” Marsh added: “I can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”