James Bye is the fourteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its 20th series this autumn, once again bringing glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to homes across the nation.

James Bye is a stage and screen actor.

James Bye said: “I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes - in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot. There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud.”

James Bye is best known for portraying the iconic role of Martin Fowler in the BBC’s multi-award winning soap EastEnders, which he took over in 2014. He has been nominated for several British Soap awards, winning one for Best Storyline in 2016.

He has previously had roles in the BBC One mini-series The Great Train Robbery and films including Hummingbird, The Hooligan Factory and Cemetery Junction. On stage he has starred in several well-reviewed theatre productions.

The news was revealed this morning (Friday 12th August) on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

For interview requests, please contact clemmie.kirby@bbc.co.uk

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