Celebrity Nos. 13, 14 & 15: Debbie McGee, Jonnie Peacock & Alexandra Burke

The final three celebrities for Strictly 2017 were announced on The One Show last night.

Former magician's assistant and TV personality Debbie McGee will be joining the show, following in her late husband's footsteps. Paul Daniels appeared in Series 8.

She said: “There are no words to describe how I feel about performing on Strictly Come Dancing. The excitement is overwhelming. I can’t stop smiling. It’s been the hardest secret I have ever had to keep!”

If nothing else, Debbie must have great spacial awareness and body awareness, having spent part of her life squeezing into boxes. And she's not going to be afraid of a skimpy costume and a few sequins!

Paralympic gold medal-winning sprinter Jonnie Peacock MBE is also joining the show.

Jonnie said: “The opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability to take part in Strictly’s main show was too good to turn down. I’ve got no previous dance history outside of the occasional ‘worm’ at a mate’s party and I know this will be a challenge and a new experience. I can’t wait to see what I can achieve and how far I can push myself.”

I think Jonnie could do well. He has lots of personality, and lots of confidence, as you will be able to attest if you have seen him interviewed. And, of course, that's that sportsman work ethic. Sporting celebrities who have even an ounce of rhythm tend to do well.

Winner of The X Factor and West End actress Alexandra Burke, completes the line-up of fifteen celebrities.

Alexandra said: “I am so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly cast! I love this show and have followed it from the beginning, so being able to be a part of it is just a dream come true for me - I still can’t believe it! I am very nervous as I am a singer not a dancer, but I am going to give this my absolute everything and try my best to make everyone proud.”

Alexandra is a strong candidate on paper. She's a singer, she's been in The Bodyguard and Sister Act on stage, working with Craig Revel Horwood on the latter. She should have no trouble on the dancefloor.

So there we have it. Fifteen celebrities, all ready to do battle in the ballroom.

The BBC have not yet announced when the opening show will be transmitted, but as it is being recorded next week, I would expect it to be broadcast on 2nd September.