Strictly Come Dancing 2019 has its latest contestant in the form of radio presenter and DJ, Dev Griffin. Griffin was unveiled as one of the celebs taking part on the BBC contest on August 6 and will join the likes of Jamie Laing and David James on the dance floor. Here’s all Strictly fans need to know about the new contestant.
Who is Strictly Come Dancing 2019 star Dev Griffin?
Dev Griffin is a 34-year-old radio presenter and DJ who works on BBC Radio 1.
Strictly’s latest contestant says he “can’t believe” he’s landed the new role and is excited to get going.
Griffin told BBC: “I just can’t believe I’m doing Strictly, it just doesn’t feel real yet!
“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.”
This isn’t the first time Griffin has taken part in celebrity reality television.
Griffin competed on BBC cooking show Celebrity Masterchef, making it all the way to the grand final.
He also took part in Channel 4 special SAS Who Dares Wins for Stand Up To Cancer.
While music may be Griffin’s bread and butter, his career in TV and radio suggest he has very little dance experience.
However, on announcing his role on Strictly this year on BBC Radio 1, Griffin did reveal he had taken part in a dance competition at a holiday camp as a child.
Griffin said: “In 1996, I entered a dance competition at the Pontings holiday park.
“I tried my very best. I think I danced to…I’m going to say it was MC Hammers Can’t Touch This. I came second. I was slighted.
“I swore retribution. As I walked away from those Redcoats, Jordan, I said one day, ONE DAY, I’m going to take part in a dance competition, I’m going to get really good and you will rue the day you slighted me!”
The radio DJ continued: “Fast forward to 2019.
“I’m going to be on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing! I swore retribution Redcoats. I’m coming!”
Griffin’s excitement during the announcement led to shouts of “Yes!” from his co-DJ, but he also described the news as “a relief”.
“(It’s) such a relief to finally be able to…can you believe I’ve been able to keep this secret for so long? I’ve known for ages!”
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 returns to BBC One this autumn.
