EastEnders’ Kellie Bright is third celebrity confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2015

Kellie Bright is the third celebrity confirmed to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The actress’s participation was announced this morning (12 August) live on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.

“There are two main reasons I want to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The first is that as I will be turning 40 next year, I think it is the perfect time for a new, exciting challenge. The second reason is because if I said ‘no’ Linda Carter would never forgive me!” – Kellie Bright

Kellie is probably best known for playing EastEnders‘ Linda Carter, whom Executive Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins installed in the Queen Vic alongside husband Mick (Danny Dyer) as part of his plans to revitalise the show. Her first appearance as Linda was in December 2013.

Acting since the age of 9, Kellie has appeared in numerous film, television, radio and stage productions. Her first role was appearing on stage in Les Misérables. She went on to train at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, before landing roles in children’s television series T-Bag and the popular comedy series, The Upper Hand. Other roles include Kate in radio serial The Archers, Julie in Ali G’s Indahouse, Cassie in Bad Girls, and Joan Trotter in Rock & Chips. Earlier this year, she won ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Dramatic Performance’ at The British Soap Awards for her performance in EastEnders.

The actress joins TV chef Ainsley Harriott and presenter and journalist Jeremy Vine in the confirmed line-up for this year’s series which starts on BBC One next month.