BBC Strictly first contestant breaks major show rule hours after confirming spot in line-up: 'Really exciting'
Tom Dean confirmed he would be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing
Getty/BBC
Strictly Come Dancing famously keeps its celebrity line-up tightly under wraps, normally sharing the contestants in the weeks leading up to the BBC launch show.
However, one of this year's contestants may be under fire as he confirmed he'd be taking part when asked.
The first official announcement has come in the form of Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, who has confirmed he will be joining the show this year.
Days after a "leaked" list of celebrity contestants was published, Dean, 24, verified the rumour about himself.
Speaking on Thursday, he commented: "Naturally, you want to take a break after you’ve had a full Olympic cycle and the opportunity arose.
"I thought it would be really exciting to try something a bit different. I’ll be doing that and straight back into training after it. It’s something to look forward to."
Tom Dean confirmed he would be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing
Getty
Dean will be following in the footsteps of fellow Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, who took part in the 2021 series.
"I've not seen (Peaty) yet," he added, continuing: "He did brilliantly on it so I'll be getting a few tips from him, for sure."
He shared the news shortly after reaching the final of the men's 200 metres individual medley, but in doing so he may have broken strict rules surrounding contestants remaining tight-lipped until the BBC announces the line-up.
Typically, the broadcaster staggers the announcement of celebrities in the run-up to the launch show, usually on chat shows or radio broadcasts.
The BBC normally constructs a way to announce each celebrity in the line-up
BBC
The corporation also follow this up with a dedicated social media post after each announcement.
The talented swimmer went on to admit: "I don’t do too well out of water in gravity sports.
"I'm throwing myself into it and I know what a hard day's training is like so I'm looking forward to it. I guess we’ll find out.
"It's something to look forward to and once I finish this, back home, relax a bit with the family and then we crack on end of August time. It's exciting."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Craig Revel Horwood makes huge Amanda Abbington tape admission as he says 'I've watched it'
- Shirley Ballas, 63, claps back at 'personal' attack on appearance ahead of BBC Strictly return: 'So it begins'
- Katie Price's damaged 'Mucky Mansion' goes on sale for huge seven-figure sum amid bankruptcy arrest warrant
Olympic swimmer Tom Dean said he's "excited" to take part in Strictly Come Dancing
Getty
Other rumoured names in the line-up include Hannah Waddingham, Nick Knowles and Paul Merson.
Some backlash has already been sparked with one speculated celebrity name after it was revealed former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri is reportedly taking part in the series.
MailOnline reports Ghouri, 25, is set to be taking to the dance floor after being signed up for the show, but some have argued she has an "unfair advantage".
A source said of the potential "fix" row: "Tasha's signing has certainly raised a few eyebrows. She's a dancer by trade as well as a reality star and model, so it feels like she's too qualified to appear on the show."
Speaking to the publication, they continued to say the Love Island star is "certainly no novice" and would be far ahead of her co-stars in terms of ability when training starts.