Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Reverend Richard Coles and Holby City actor Joe McFadden confirmed

They join the likes of Mollie King, Ruth Langsford and former soap star Gemma Atkinson

Two more celebrities have been confirmed to appear on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

Former chart-topper Reverend Richard Coles - co-host of BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live and member of band The Communards - and Holby City star Joe McFadden will be donning the sequins and competing for this year's trophy.

The two join the likes of The Saturdays singer Mollie King, daytime TV presenter Ruth Langsford and EastEnders star Davood Ghadami as contestants. Rounding out the currently announced lineup is former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actor Gemma Atkinson.

On joining the dancing competition, clergyman Coles - the only vicar to have had a number one single in the UK - said: “Cometh the hour, cometh the overweight Vicar with arthritis in his knees.”

Former Heartbeat star McFadden is best known for his role as Raffaello “Raf” di Lucca in BBC One drama Holby City.

McFadden said: “Strictly is one of the biggest, most entertaining shows on TV and being asked to be part of it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I’m thrilled and terrified about in equal measures!”

As per previous years, this full lineup will be revealed over the course of the next fortnight.

Judges Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli are all set to return while new judge Shirley Ballas will replace stalwart Len Goodman as Head Judge following his departure at the end of the 2016 series which was won by sports broadcaster Ore Oduba.

Other rumoured contestants to participate in this year's contest include comedian Brian Conley, singer Matt Goss, and Dame Joan Collins.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One this autumn.