'Strictly Come Dancing' signs Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin for 2019 line-up

Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly signed Dev Griffin to appear as a celebrity contestant in its eagerly-anticipated 2019 series.

“It’s a bit of an eyebrow raiser,” a source recently told The Sun as they discussed Griffin’s future involvement. “But BBC bosses like going for a youthful radio audience, like they did with Vick Hope.

“No one had really heard of her before Strictly last year and they seemed to warm to her. They’re hoping Dev’s personality will make him a household name.”

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Griffin’s presenting career began in 2002, when he landed a job opposite Reggie Yates and Fearne Cotton on the children’s TV show Smile. That same year, he joined BBC Radio 1Extra, hosting alongside Yates.

In 2003, the 34-year-old left to pursue acting roles, appearing in Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, The Bill and EastEnders. He returned to the show when it was relaunched in 2009 and in the years since, he has also presented numerous breakfast shows for Radio 1 and has acted as a stand-in for both Nick Grimshaw and Scott Mills.

Yesterday (4 July), Strictly dancer AJ Pritchard told Lorraine Kelly that the professionals are set to start training later this month.

When discussing his ideal celebrity partner, the 24-year-old said: “I just want someone who goes in there and gives it their everything. It’s that personality - you can see it TV when somebody is giving their everything and just enjoying it.”

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He doesn’t even mind it when his other half on the show doesn’t have any dance training because he “loves a challenge.”

Pritchard continued: “I love that we start from scratch and people at home can see that journey. It’s the most rewarding thing as a teacher.”

Strictly Come Dancing is set to return sometime in September.