Who is Rhys Stephenson? CBBC celeb part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021 line up with Sara Davies and John Whaite

Strictly Come Dancing is due to come back to our television screens later in 2021, and excitement for the dancing competition is already growing as the lineup for this year's cast of dancers gets revealed.

Rhys Stephenson has been announced as the fifth celebrity to hit the dance floor - this is what you need to know.

Who is Rhys Stephenson?

Stephenson is best known as the face for the children’s TV channel CBBC, which he hosts from the BBC’s Salford headquarters.

Stephenson has also presented a number of shows on CBBC, including Blue Peter and Saturday Mash-Up!. He has also appeared on the likes of The Dengineers, a kid’s home makeover show, and Newsround.

He is also an ambassador for the children’s mental health charity Place2Be.

Stephenson started acting from an early age, first with the National Youth Theatre, and then going on to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and in a variety of shows with the Sydenham Arts Festival.

Responding to the announcement, Stephenson said: “I am buzzing to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021.

“I have dreamt of being on this show, and I know for a fact it is going to exceed every expectation.

“I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig’s glare! I am ready!”

Who else has been announced in the lineup?

The other stars that have been confirmed for the 2021 season of Strictly Come Dancing are:

A total of 15 celebrities are taking part in the competition, so more names are still to be announced.

When does Strictly Come Dancing 2021 start?

Although an official start date for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing has not yet been announced, we can expect the 19th season to kick off at some point in September.

While last year offered up a limited season of the competition, it has been announced that Strictly Come Dancing 2021 will return to its full capacity - however there will be some noticeable changes.

The iconic trip to Blackpool will be missing this year due to health and safety restrictions put in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Four new Strictly professionals will also be joining the new season: Kai Widdrington, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard and Jowita Przystal.

The judging panel will also look a bit different, with Anton Du Beke once again taking over from Bruno Tonioli who is unable to take part in this season due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. He will join up with regular judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas.