Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin officially joins Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line-up

Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin is the thirteenth celebrity confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line-up.

As the new series of the ballroom extravaganza approaches, bosses have been announcing this year’s contestants over the past week.

Tonight the latest addition was revealed on BBC Radio 1 to be of its own presenters.

Dev is swapping his decks for the Strictly dancefloor, and he’s determined to improve on his last talent contest experience.

“In 1996, I entered a dance competition at Pontins holiday park,” he told Jordan North, who was filling in on Nick Grimshaw’s drivetime show.

“I tried my very best, and I came second. I swore retribution, saying: ‘One day, I’m going to get really, really good, and you will rue the day you slighted me!’

“Fast forward to 2019, I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing!”

Meanwhile, in the Beeb’s official release, the 34-year-old warned his fellow competitors that he’s out to win.

“I just can’t believe I’m doing Strictly, it just doesn’t feel real yet,” he exclaimed.

“It’s going to be so much fun, but just to be clear, I’m not doing this to take part, I’m totally in it to win it!

“I can’t wait to meet my partner and start practicing.”

Dev joined the corporation in 2002 on Radio 1Xtra, and moved over to Radio 1 in 2009. He currently co-hosts a weekend afternoon slot with Alice Levine.

Away from the airwaves, he has been a finalist on Celebrity MasterChef and appeared on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.

England footballer Alex Scott MBE was also confirmed as one of Strictly’s participants earlier today.

The latest signings join Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, Paralympian Will Bayley MBE, RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and Viscountess Emma Weymouth.

They’re up against CBBC presenter Karim Zeroua, BBC sports reporter Mike Bushell, Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley and YouTuber Saffron Barker.

Ex-England goalkeeper David James, comedian Chris Ramsey and EastEnders actress Emma Barton are also on the official line-up.

Two more names are still to be revealed, with rumours suggesting they are James Cracknell and Anneka Rice.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its seventeenth series on BBC One next month.