BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2022: All you need to know about X Factor’s Fleur East including her dance partner

Former X Factor contestant Fleur East was confirmed as the twelfth contestant to join cult BBC show Strictly Come Dancing in August.

The singer, who in recent years had a stint on I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here hails from Walthamstow, adding to the already strong London contingent to feature on the show.

Joining a star-studded cast, featuring former footballer Tony Adams, former Bros frontman Matt Goss and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds, among other famous faces.

On the eve of the first live show, the celebs were partnered up and songs and dance styles for the couple’s first dances have also been revealed.

Who is Strictly contestant Fleur East?

Radio presenter, singer-songwriter and rapper, Fleur East, is best known for having two stints on the hit ITV show X Factor, first in 2005 and returning in 2014.

Her first appearance was part of all-girl group, Addictiv Ladies, and after an unsuccessful attempt to launch a solo career in 2012, she returned to the show, finishing second.

While the runners-up spot didn’t do wonders for her music career, it did earn her national attention, and she made numerous TV appearances.

In 2018 she appeared on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, where she finished fourth and in June 2019, it was announced she would take over hosting the breakfast show on national radio station, Hits Radio alongside co-hosts James Barr and Greg Burns.

Who is Fleur East’s Strictly Come Dancing partner?

Fleur has been partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola, who said: “Behind the smile I am very tough but I am sure that she’s going to be alright because she’s a hard worker too!"

In a mashup of the pair’s names, the ballroom novice has named themselves ‘Fleurito’.

Vito, who won the Italian version of Strictly in 2021, is a newcomer to the UK show. Speaking about his arrival, he said: “I am really excited to become part of this family. I cannot wait to start this new adventure and to challenge myself.

“Strictly sto arrivando!” - Translated as “Strictly I am coming!”

How to watch Fleur East on Strictly Come Dancing

The start date of Strictly Come Dancing, was initially set for Saturday, September 17, but was postponed due to the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II taking place the following Monday.

The first Strictly live show is now scheduled for Saturday, September 24 at 6.45pm to 9pm.

Strictly Come Dancing is broadcast live on BBC One every weekend and is also available on catch-up via BBC iPlayer.

Full Strictly Come Dancing 2022 line-up

The full contestant line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 is:

• Will Mellor
• Kym Marsh
• Richie Anderson
• Kaye Adams
• Jayde Adams
• Ellie Simmonds
• Tyler West
• Matt Goss
• Ellie Taylor
• Molly Rainford
• Tony Adams MBE
• Fleur East
• Hamza Yassin
• James Bye
• Helen Skelton