Excitement as it's hinted THIS EastEnders star has joined Strictly Come Dancing line up

Strictly Come Dancing logo
(Image credit: BBC)

It seems there could be another Walford favourite heading for the dance floor...

It has been reported that former EastEnders favourite Tamzin Outhwaite is about to sign on the dotted line for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

The actress, who is better known as Walford's Mel Owen, left the soap at the end of last year.

Soap fans will remember that her character was dramatically killed off in November.

Sharon Mitchell confronts Mel Owen in the Vic in EastEnders

Tamzin left EastEnders when her character Mel was killed off in November last year (Picture: BBC)

But it seems Tamzin might be ready for her next challenge.

Reports in The Sun have suggested she is about to sign up to become part of 2020 Strictly Come Dancing.

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Along with Tamzin, Jamie Laing is also allegedly set to join the new series after being forced to leave the show last year.

Jamie's back! 

Fans of the show will remember the Made In Chelsea star was forced to bow out of the competition before it even began when he injured his foot during the launch show.

Jamie Laing Strictly Come Dancing

Jamie was forced to leave the competition last year after getting a foot injury (Picture: Getty) (Image credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett)

The reality TV star was then replaced by former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who went on to win the show.

A source told the newspaper: "What with Covid-19, everything is all still very much touch and go, and plans are changing on a weekly basis.

"But nearly all the celebrities are in the final stages of negotiations now, and Jamie is fully on board.

"He can't wait to get training and make up for last year's disaster."

Tamzin is also reportedly excited to get training... "Tamzin is a perfect fit for the show.

"The BBC loves an EastEnder and she has a background of performing and dance, so she is really excited to see how she fares."

Tamzin Outhwaite

Tamzin is reportedly signing up for the new series of Strictly (Picture: Getty) (Image credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The BBC recently confirmed that Strictly Come Dancing would be returning to our screens later this year.

Strictly with a difference 

However, there will be a difference with the format this year as the show returns for a shorter stint that usual.

A BBC spokesperson announced: "The Strictly Come Dancing team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of Strictly magic later this year.

"To ensure we deliver the high standards audiences know and love, and in light of the ongoing considerations around Covid-19, this year's series will have a slightly shorter run than usual."

BBC One will air EastEnders: Secrets from the Square, hosted by Stacey Dooley, at 8pm on Mondays.

Classic episodes of the soap will air at 7.30pm on Tuesdays.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.