A brand new celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing has been revealed. Professional barrister and TV star Robert 'Judge' Rinder is the 12th confirmed star taking part in the brand new 2016 series. The news was announced on Monday afternoon when Robert joined Scott Mills on his Radio 1 show.
"The only thing I knew would make my grandmother more proud than watching my TV courtroom was to see me dressed up in white tie doing the Foxtrot," Robert said. "I suspect the latter will be far more difficult.
Robert 'Judge' Rinder is the 12th confirmed Strictly contestant
"I am doing Strictly Come Dancing for her. No doubt the judges will be as fair, kind and thoughtful as me – especially the charming Craig Revel Horwood. I shall await their verdicts."
The 38-year-old – who is a good friend of Benedict Cumberbatch - is best known for his ITV series Judge Rinder, in which he oversees a variety of real-life cases. The show has aired since 2014, and Robert has become gained a huge legion of fans thank to his witty putdowns and his no-nonsense attitude.
The 38-year-old is best known for his hit TV show Judge Rinder
He has also presented programmes including Judge Rinder's True Crime Stories, and in addition to his work in TV and as a barrister, he writes a column for the Sun and has presented a number of BBC radio shows.
Meanwhile, the final three Strictly Come Dancing contestants are set to finally be unveiled on Monday night's episode of The One Show. The as-yet-unknown trio will be announced by presenters Alex Jones and Patrick Kielty on the programme, which begins at 7pm on BBC One.
They will join the other 12 confirmed Strictly celebrities: Judge Rinder, Ed Balls, Will Young, Laura Whitmore, Ore Oduba, Melvin Odoom, Louise Redknapp, Danny Mac, Daisy Lowe, Naga Munchetty, Anatascia and Claudia Fragapane.