Charlotte Hawkins announced as the 11th contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2017

published 21 August 2017

Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins has been announced as the 11th contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2017.

After the reveal happened live on air, TV star Charlotte couldn't contain her excitement at joining the show, admitting: 'I'm really sorry to my friends and family, I kept it a secret from everybody.'

Of her experience strutting her stuff on the dancefloor, she added: 'I did a bit of dancing as a child, I did ballet. And I do a bit of dancing with my two-year-old in the kitchen, I don't know if that counts!'

In an official statement released by the BBC, the 42-year-old said: 'I am so thrilled to be one of the contestants on Strictly this year!'

'I've always been a big fan of the show. It is a dream come true to be taking part and I'll be following in the footsteps of my Good Morning Britain colleagues. I'm looking forward to stepping out from behind the news desk to cha-cha-cha my way across the dancefloor!'

Charlotte joins the 10 previous contestants that have already been confirmed for this year's series: stage star Brian Conley, comedienne Susan Calman, JLS band member Aston Merrygold, TV chef Simon Rimmer, Holby City's Joe McFadden, writer and broadcaster Reverend Richard Coles, former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson, This Morning and Loose Women host Ruth Langsford, EastEnders' Davood Ghadami, and The Saturdays singer Mollie King.

Fans were thrilled to see the mum-of-one, who welcomed daughter Ella Rose back in February 2015, added to the line-up, with one exclaiming: 'Whooooohoooo!!!! How fabulous. Good luck Charlotte. Enjoy. #KeepDancing 💃 #Strictly2017 ✨✨', followed by another who joked: 'Oh dear, @EamonnHolmes will be torn who to vote for between @ruthlangsford and @CharlotteHawkns! 💃💃'

'Best of luck Charlotte, you are one person I am delighted is going in,' another wrote. 'I think you will look beautiful & dance 💃 really well. Can't wait!'

Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for parents. At GoodtoKnow, our mission is 'simple': we're trying to make sense of parenthood. On the site, you'll find everything you need for a happy, healthy family life. Our huge archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles and 1,500 how-to videos. These include expert-backed advice features on parenting, dealing with relationship changes after having a baby, self-care for mums and managing your family finances. We also feature tried-and-tested product reviews and buying recommendations for every stage of family life - from prams and Moses baskets to birthday gifts and top toys.