ZOE Lucker has been confirmed as a contestant on the new series of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

She will be joined on the show by fellow Footballer's Wives actress Laila Rouass, tennis star Martina Hingis, retired jockey Richard Dunwoody, former boxer Joe Calzaghe, Olympic long jumper Jade Johnson and ex-cricketer Phil Tufnell.

A host of soap stars will also join the Huddersfield born actress in the popular reality TV show.

The new series has already been plunged into an age row following the axing of choreographer Arlene Phillips, 66, as a judge, after six series.

Former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet Darcey Bussell, 40, and 30-year-old singer Alesha Dixon, who won the competition in 2007, are coming on board, while Phillips will be The One Show’s Strictly expert.

Len Goodman, 65, and Bruno Tonioli, 53, will return as judges this autumn, alongside Revel Horwood in the refreshed show.

Full story in tomorrow's Examiner and at www.examiner.co.uk