The Great British Bake Off star Mel Giedroyc will swap scones for sequins when she hosts the 2016 Strictly Come Dancing live tour. The comedienne describes herself as a Strictly superfan and says she is "thrilled" with her new gig.
She said: "The celebrity dancers and their professional partners will make for a sequin-tacular time on stage. (Note to self – must rent a pair of sparkling white dentures for January/February...). Who knows I might even shake a leg myself – as long as Strictly provide me with a surgical corset!"
Mel Giedroyc describes herself as a 'Strictly' superfan
Mel went on to joke: "As the host, I sort of envisage myself as a Big Top master. In fact, I’m thinking tails, top hat and very, very dominatrix shoes. I will be a stern but loving mistress."
Mel will be joined by the Strictly Come Dancing judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, who will reunite for the 2016 tour, starting on 22 January in Birmingham. Craig will also direct the live event for the sixth successive year.
The 30-show tour will feature the celebrities recreating their most popular routines with the judges providing their expert advice and comments. The audience will also be able to weigh in with their opinions, voting on the best dances by mobile phone.
The comedienne joked she would take to the dancefloor herself if given a surgical corset
This year's series has already got off to a sizzling start with Peter Andre receiving a standing ovation for his slick Cha Cha with with his partner Janette Manrara.
Meanwhile, heart-throb Gleb Savchenko has told how he is enjoying having two women in his life.
In his first interview along with his wife Elena Samodanova, the 31-year-old Russian dancer who is partnered with TV presenter Anita Rani, told HELLO! magazine: "It's great having two women in my life but one is work, the other is family.
"When I wake up in the morning, I go to work and dedicate all my time to Anita. And when I go home, I give all my love and time to my wife and daughter."