Strictly Come Dancing line up’s eighth celebrity contestant confirmed as Emma Weymouth

Viscountess Emma Weymouth is the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2019.

Strictly Come Dancing returns next month for what will be its 17th series on BBC One.

This afternoon (Sunday, August 4), the eighth celebrity contestant was confirmed on Gaby Roslin’s BBC Radio London show.

Emma Thynn, Viscountess Weymouth is a businesswoman, chef, model and philanthropist.

Viscountess Emma Weymouth said today: “I absolutely love watching Strictly every weekend and I can’t believe that I’m getting the chance to be on this series.

“I know it will be such an amazing experience from start to finish. I can’t wait for the dancing and the fabulous outfits!”

Following her marriage in 2013 to Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth, Emma became the chatelaine of the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire. Emma was born in London in 1986 to a British mother and Nigerian father and was raised in South Kensington where she was head girl at Queen’s Gate School. She later attended University College London where she studied History of Art.

In 2015 Emma launched ‘Emma’s Kitchen’ at Longleat, a space for her to share her love of food and cooking using the backdrop of the original kitchens within Longleat House.

In addition, Emma is a contributing editor for British Vogue, makes regular appearances as a guest chef on James Martin’s Saturday Morning TV show and is a model and ambassador for various brands.

Emma joins the confirmed Strictly cast which right now also includes CBBC presenter Karim Zeroua, BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell, soap star Catherine Tyldesley and YouTube vlogger Saffron Barker.

The first trio of celebrities were confirmed last Wednesday night during an appearance on The One Show.

They are England international goalkeeper David James, comedian Chris Ramsey and EastEnders Emma Barton.

Further celebrity contestants joining the new series will be confirmed in the next few days.

Rumoured Strictly Come Dancing 2019 celebrity contestants include TV legend Anneka Rice, Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin.

Also linked to the show are footballer Alex Scott, plus RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, Olympic rower James Cracknell, model Vogue Williams and football manager Sam Allardyce.

Strictly Come Dancing will launch on BBC One in September.