Ross King Revealed as Strictly Come Dancing Contestant

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ITV presenter Ross King has been confirmed as one of the 14 celebrities set to appear on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Known for his role as a showbiz correspondent on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, King has built a reputation for delivering entertainment news via video link from Los Angeles, where he resides.

The Scottish broadcaster has interviewed a range of high-profile Hollywood stars throughout his career, including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Renée Zellweger, often reporting from red carpet events. His career achievements extend beyond reporting, as he was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year Honours for services to broadcasting, the arts, and charity.

While King is widely recognised by his professional name, it has emerged that he was born Derek Ross King. He explained in 2018 that he prefers his middle name, Ross, because “Derek is the name my parents used when I was in trouble.” This revelation came during an interview outside Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, following the announcement of his MBE.

Reflecting on the honour at the time, King described the experience as “really surreal,” noting that it brought a mix of emotions. “It’s just so many different emotions… I choke up easily,” he told Lorraine while reporting live from Scotland.

His participation in Strictly Come Dancing marks a new chapter in King’s television career, offering audiences a chance to see a different side of the presenter. “From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom – it’s a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show,” King commented following the announcement of his involvement.

The 63-year-old expressed excitement at joining the series, highlighting both the competitive and collaborative aspects of the programme. “I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!” he said. King added a personal note, quoting his mother’s advice: “You’ll never know till you give it a go!”

Over the years, King has become a familiar face on British television despite his long-term residence in the United States. He frequently provides updates and commentary on celebrity news for UK audiences, maintaining a connection with viewers through his reporting and interviews.

Strictly Come Dancing continues to be one of the BBC’s flagship entertainment programs, combining live dance performances with public voting and professional choreography. Each series attracts millions of viewers and features a mix of returning celebrities and new participants, offering both entertainment and a showcase of talent across various disciplines.

King’s announcement has been welcomed by fans who have followed his career both in the UK and abroad. As he prepares to take on the challenges of the competition, viewers can expect a blend of showbiz expertise, charisma, and enthusiasm from the Scottish presenter.

The upcoming series promises to feature a diverse lineup of celebrities from different backgrounds, with King’s inclusion adding a transatlantic element given his long-standing presence in Hollywood media. As rehearsals begin and the series unfolds, audiences will have the opportunity to witness King adapt his skills to the world of competitive dance.

In addition to his television work, King has been involved in charitable initiatives, reflecting his longstanding commitment to supporting arts and community causes. His recognition with an MBE underscores his contributions both professionally and in philanthropy, highlighting a career that spans decades of entertainment reporting and public engagement.

As Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens later this year, Ross King’s participation reinforces the programme’s reputation for blending celebrity appeal with high-quality performance, offering viewers a combination of glamour, talent, and entertainment.