TV presenter and dog trainer Graeme Hall is the latest contestant to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing and said: “I can’t wait to get started.”<\/p>\n
The 59-year-old has become the 11th contestant to join the line-up.<\/p>\n
Nicknamed ‘The Dog Father’, Hall is famed for hosting the hit Channel 5 programme Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly and regularly showcases his expert knowledge on ITV’s This Morning and BBC Radio.<\/p>\n
He is also an author who has penned several popular books focusing on dog training, canine behaviour, and understanding pets.<\/p>\n
Hall said: “I can’t believe I am joining the cast of Strictly for 2026.<\/p>\n
“I have always loved dancing, so to have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business is a dream come true.<\/p>\n
“I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!<\/p>\n
“I can’t wait to get started. Bring it on!”<\/p>\n
The TV star also revealed his latest venture in a video on the Strictly Come Dancing Instagram page.<\/p>\n
Describing himself as “that dog fella off the telly”, Hall said: “Come September, you’re going to see quite a bit of me on the dance floor.<\/p>\n
“Because you guessed it \u2013 I’m doing Strictly!<\/p>\n
“How exciting is that? Well, very to me. And how nervous am I? Also, very. In fact, all of the emotions are ‘very’ at the moment.”<\/p>\n
Hall will join previously announced contestants Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, and Cach Mercer.<\/p>\n
Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Sarah Storey, Bethany Antonia, and Shaun Wright-Phillips are also among the stars competing for the coveted Glitterball trophy.<\/p>\n
Strictly recently revealed five new professional dancers are joining the show this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.<\/p>\n
The upcoming series of the BBC show will also be hosted by three new faces \u2013 broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe.<\/p>\n
They will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced they were leaving the show late last year.<\/p>\n
Further celebrities joining the line-up will be announced ahead of the new series airing on BBC One this September.<\/p>\n
Source: Press Association<\/p>\n