Naga Munchetty is the ninth celebrity contestant to be confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One.

The announcement was made today (Thursday 18 August) live on BBC Breakfast, where Naga was joined by former Strictly contestant Carol Kirkwood in the studio to share the news.

“I was so surprised to be asked to take part - I never thought I'd have the courage to say yes, but it would be simply silly to turn down the chance to learn to dance with a professional. I'm going to give it my very best and enjoy what's bound to be a great adventure. I am equally excited, nervous and scared - I can't wait to start training!” says Naga.

Naga has always had a strong interest in journalism, starting her career at the Evening Standard covering stories for the City. It wasn’t long before her television career started and she began reporting for Reuters Financial Television, then she worked for CNBC Europe as a Senior Producer and as a Business Producer and Reporter for Channel 4 News and as a Senior Presenter for Bloomberg Television.

Naga joined the BBC in 2008 presenting Working Lunch, on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News. Naga has been a regular presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2009.

Outside of her career in journalism, Naga is a keen golfer plus she took part in and won her episode of Celebrity Mastermind in 2013 where her specialist subject was The Ryder Cup.

More celebrity contestants for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing will be announced soon.

Notes to Editors

Naga joins Ed Balls, Will Young, Laura Whitmore, Ore Oduba, Melvin Odoom, Louise Redknapp, Danny Mac and Daisy Lowe who have already been announced as contestants for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Produced by BBC Studios, Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One for its 14th series in September 2016.

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