Ainsley Harriott announced as second Strictly Come Dancing contestant

The nights are starting to draw in, the football season has started, and now another reminder that autumn is almost upon has arrived with the news of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s first contestant.

He said: “When I turned 50 I thought, “I’ve got to do stuff, like I listen to music i don’t like now”.

“And I love watching it with my young daughters when so few programmes have family overlap these days”.

TV Chef and Presenter Ainsley Harriott is the second celebrity contestant to be confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One.

He said: “I must admit that I do love to dance, but doing it in front of the nation is a whole different matter!”

He also presents BBC One’s Points Of View on Sundays, as well as Eggheads on BBC Two, a teatime staple which is now one of the longest-running quiz shows in British TV history.

He added: “I had to do a medical for it. I went to this doctor’s surgery”.

The other contestants taking part will be announced over the next few weeks.

Of joining the show, Harriott said, “I do like the idea especially when I’m gliding around the kitchen…”

The 13th series of Strictly will begin filming later this month, and air in September with presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman once again at the helm.

Jeremy Vine has been confirmed for “Strictly Come Dancing“.

Last year’s competition was won by new Xtra Factor presenter Caroline Flack, who beat celebrities including Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge and EastEnders actor Jake Wood to win the glitterball trophy.