Kimberley Walsh to compete in Strictly Come Dancing 2012

The 2012 series of the BBC's celebrity dance contest Strictly Come Dancing premieres in just under three weeks and details are gradually emerging about the stars who will compete in the show. Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, who recently appeared in the West End musical Shrek, has been named as one of the celebrity contestants by the Daily Mirror.

A source told the tabloid that the BBC have high hopes for Kimberley, who is well liked by the public and has dance experience as a girlband member. Pop band members have often done well on Strictly Come Dancing before, with past winners including McFly's Harry Judd and Alesha Dixon, formerly of Mis-Teeq. However, if the rumours are true, Walsh will face competition from another popular singer, Nicky Byrne from Irish boyband Westlife.

As well as the two pop singers, other stars expected to compete in Strictly Come Dancing 2012 include Olympic athletes Steve Redgrave and Victoria Pendleton, kitchen connoisseur Paul Hollywood from The Great British Bake Off and TV host Fern Britton. The series will premiere on Sept. 15, introducing the contestants and the new judging panel, which includes ballerina Darcey Bussell replacing Alesha Dixon. The first live show will take place three weeks later on Oct. 5.

Image courtesy of Will Alexander/WENN.com.

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