FORMER Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has joined the Strictly Come Dancing 2020 line up.

Ms Smith, who grew up in Worcestershire and is a former pupil at Malvern Link Primary School and Dyson Perrins, has been announced to taking part in the BBC flagship show later this year.

The 57-year-old, a former Redditch MP who quit her job in 2009 after a porn expenses scandal, completes the line-up for the new BBC series.

“I was speechless with excitement at being asked to join Strictly – and that’s very rare for me," she said.

“Fifty years ago, I got a bronze medal for Scottish Highland Dancing and it feels about time to return to dancing.

“I couldn’t be in better hands with the Strictly team and I’m going to throw myself into the challenge. Watch out!”


There had been speculation she would be appearing on the entertainment show after she remained tight lipped when asked if she was taking part by Ben Shepherd on Good Morning Britain earlier today.


She will be competing on the show with the other contestants revealed - Caroline Quentin, Jason Bell, Max George, Ranvir Singh, Clara Amfo, Bill Bailey, JJ Chalmers, Jamie Laing, Maisie Smith, HRVY, and Nicola Adams who is set to make history on the show as the first celebrity to compete with a same sex partner.