EastEnders star Jake Wood has been added to the celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2014. The actor, who is best known for playing Albert Square's notorious bad boy and womaniser Max Branning, said that he was "relishing" the prospect of hitting the Strictly dancefloor. "I'm doing it for all the dads out there," said Jake, who has two children Amber and Buster with his wife of thirteen years Alison Murray.
Jake Wood is best known for playing Max Branning on EastEnders
"And you never know, there's always a chance of being the first Walford resident to take home the glitter ball... Bring it on!" the 42-year-old added. Jake, who enjoys rock-climbing, running, cycling and boxing, couldn't lead a more different life to that of his on-screen character.
Strictly: meet the professional dancers
© Photo: Getty ImagesJake Wood is devoted dad to Amber and Buster
Playing Max, the soap star has been at the centre of a series of big storylines over the past eight years. His character has had an affair with his son's girlfriend, been through years of emotional turmoil with wife Tanya, coped with an alcoholic daughter and was devastated by the death of his son Bradley. His current storyline sees him involved with the Lucy Beale murder investigation. Jake is the eighth celebrity to be confirmed for this year's sparkling ballroom line-up. He joins Frankie Bridge, Judy Murray, Alison Hammond, Thom Evans, Simon Webbe, Mark Wright and Sunetra Sarker. The announcement comes after Casualty actress Sunetra was also revealed on Sunday as a contestant on the dancing talent show.
