The first three contestants of Strictly Come Dancing 2019 were announced tonight (Wednesday, July 31) on BBC’s The One Show. At first, Sam Allardyce, Jamie Laing and Anneka Rice were rumoured to be the first contestants but it turns out, Emma Barton, David James and Chris Ramsey were taking part in the show. Here’s everything you need to know about Emma Barton.
Who is Strictly Come Dancing 2019 star Emma Barton?
Emma Barton is a 42-year-old English actress, best known for playing Honey Mitchell in EastEnders.
Barton played the role of Honey Mitchell from November 2005 until September 2008 and temporarily reprised the role in 2014.
She then returned to EastEnders full-time in 2015.
Barton was announced as the third Strictly contestant on The One Show tonight alongside David James and Chris Ramsey.
Speaking to hosts Stacey Dooley and Matt Baker Emma said: “I actually feel like Alan Partridge, I have the driest mouth.”
She added: “It is sort of weird I am now thinking have I don’t the right thing in saying yes because now I won’t be able to sit home and watch it”
Speaking about accepting her place on Strictly Come Dancing 2019, Barton said: “I was over the moon.”
HOW MUCH ARE STRICTLY COME DANCING PROFESSIONAL PAID?
EastEnders fans will know Emma Barton for playing Honey Mitchell, the ex-wife of Billy Mitchell (played by Perry Fenwick).
Honey has had some memorable storylines throughout the years including numerous weddings and her current relationship with Adam (Stephen Rahman-Hughes)
As well as her role in EastEnders, Barton is also well known for her stage career.
Her theatre credits include Roxie Hart in Chicago, Dolly in the National Theatre’s production of One Man Two Guvnors; Vera in Doctor in the House; Lily in Annie; Marty in Grease; Eileen in Over the Moon.
Barton is also a patron of Down’s Syndrome Association and Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association and recently ran the London Marathon as one of Dame Barbara Windsor’s ‘Revolutionaries’, in aid of Dementia Revolution.
In an official statement released by the BBC, Barton said: “As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening.
“I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business. So, I’m whipping off Honey’s “Minute Mart” tabard & diving right in to all the glitter & sparkle. From Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor – I just can’t wait!”
WHO ARE THIS YEAR’S STRICTLY PRO DANCERS?
Does Emma Barton have previous dancing experience?
Yes, Emma Barton does have previous dance experience from her West End career.
Barton has appeared in numerous musicals including Grease, so she definitely knows how to dance.
The One Show host, Stacey Dooley, who won Strictly last year, compared her to 2018 contestant Faye Tozer.
Tozer was a former member of noughties band Steps, who also had previous dance experience.
Like Tozer, Barton does not have professional ballroom dancing experience, so she may find taking to the dance floor quite the challenge.
Barton’s professional dance partner on the show has not yet been revealed.
The dancing couples will not be unveiled until the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 launch show at the end of August.
HOW TO GET STRICTLY COME DANCING 2019 TICKETS?
Who are the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 contestants?
Only three contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2019 have been announced so far. They are:
- Actress Emma Barton
- Footballer David James
- Comedian Chris Ramsey
Express.co.uk will update this article when more information is available.
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 returns in September on BBC One