British actress Jaime Winstone has been confirmed as a contestant on this year’s season of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Winstone, known for her portrayal of the late Barbara Windsor in the drama Babs and for playing a young version of Windsor’s EastEnders character Peggy Mitchell in flashbacks, joins the popular dance competition as it prepares to return to screens.

The daughter of actor Ray Winstone, Jaime expressed enthusiasm about taking on the new challenge, noting her familiarity with dancing but acknowledging that ballroom dancing presents a different experience. “I’m so excited to announce I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year,” she said. “I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me. I love a challenge so can’t wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly.”

Strictly Come Dancing has remained one of the BBC’s flagship entertainment programs, combining celebrity contestants with professional dance partners to compete in various ballroom and Latin dance styles. Contestants are judged by a panel of experts, with viewers voting to decide who progresses through each round.

Winstone’s participation continues the show’s tradition of featuring actors alongside contestants from various fields. With the series slated to air later this year, audiences can anticipate seeing Winstone step out of her usual roles and onto the dance floor.