EastEnders actress Kellie Bright confirms Strictly bid

EastEnders star Kellie Bright will be the third celebrity waltzing on to Strictly Come Dancing.

The 39-year-old actress, best known for playing Linda Carter alongside Danny Dyer on the BBC1 soap, will show off her skills on the dancefloor alongside previously announced contestants Ainsley Harriott and Jeremy Vine.

"There are two main reasons I want to take part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The first is that as I will be turning 40 next year, I think it is the perfect time for a new, exciting challenge," she said.

"The second reason is because if I said 'no' Linda Carter would never forgive me!" she added.

Bright's involvement was announced live on The Chris Evans Show on BBC Radio 2, with further contestants to be revealed in coming days.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will start on BBC1 in September.