The 17th series of the NTA and Bafta award-winning entertainment show produced by BBC Studios will return in the autumn on BBC One putting the sparkle back into Saturday and Sunday nights.

Emma says: “As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening. I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I've been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business. So, I’m whipping off Honey's Minute Mart tabard and diving right in to all the glitter and sparkle. From Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor - I just can’t wait!”

Emma has been part of many memorable storylines including Honey’s weddings and failed marriage to Billy Mitchell. Honey is currently in a relationship with Adam but with her suspicions growing about his relationship with Habiba, will Honey learn the truth and tell Adam to Waltz off?

As well as many on screen roles, Emma is also an accomplished stage actress with theatre credits including: Roxie Hart in Chicago, Dolly in the National Theatre’s production of One Man, Two Guvnors; Vera in Doctor In The House; Lily in Annie; Marty in Grease; and Eileen in Over The Moon.

Emma is a proud patron of Down’s Syndrome Association and Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, and recently ran the London Marathon as one of Dame Barbara Windsor’s Revolutionaries, in aid of Dementia Revolution.

The news was revealed tonight on The One Show on BBC One.

The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series will be announced in due course.