Singer Ryan ‘nervous’ but not blue about Strictly Come Dancing stint
Boy band Blue singer Lee Ryan has spoken of his nerves at competing in Strictly Come Dancing as he was announced as the 12th contestant for the hit BBC TV show.
The 35-year-old singer turned soap star was unveiled on ITV’S Loose Women yesterday.
He told the show’s panel: “I was nervous – even to say yes.”
Ryan, who has been on the small screen playing Eastenders bad boy Woody Woodward, said he had been hitting the gym before his stint on the dance floor.
He said: “I’ve been boxing
loads just trying to get my weight down.”
Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts is also taking part this year and Ryan said he thought “she has got a real- ly good chance, she’s a great dancer”.
The singer laughed off the socalled “Strictly curse”, saying: “What is the Strictly curse? I’m single, I’m sweet.”
The Strictly curse has been named due to a number of celebrity contestants splitting from their partners while competing on or following their appearance on the show.
Blue, consisting of Ryan, Simon Webbe, Duncan James and Antony Costa, formed in 2000.
Paralympian Lauren Steadman last night joined other celebrities announced to appear on this year’s show, including former cricketer Graeme Swann.