Zara McDermott has been confirmed as the seventh celebrity taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Love Island star, 26, was announced during Vick Hope and Jordan North's Radio 1 afternoon show on Monday.

Following the announcement Zara said: 'I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan'. 

'We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life. I even remember the first ever series, and being mesmerised by all the beautiful dresses!'  

Before adding: 'I can't wait to throw myself into this experience and start training. It's going to be incredible'.

Chatting on Radio 1 she told Vick and stand-in host Jamie Laing: 'Hello I'm Zara and I'm going to be on Strictly this year! I am nervous, excited and every single emotion.'

Asked what dances she thinks she will prefer she added: 'I think ballroom the more emotional stuff I will be good at! I need to ask you guys for tips and advice!'

Zara added of her nerves: 'It is so far from my day job making documentaries. But this is live and so far out of my comfort zone. 

'I have zero experience. I don't even dance in a club I am that petrified of how my body moves! But I am excited for the theatrics of it and to play a character.'

Jamie and Vick who have both already competed on the show then offered her some advice and information on what to expect. 

Asked if it was hard to keep a secret she said: 'I didn't even tell my own family until this weekend! It's been so hard to keep it a secret but my grandparents were so so happy! They are listening now!'

She joins already announced stars Angela Rippon, Amanda Abbington, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murphy Eddie Kadi and Angela Scanlon. 

In July MailOnline exclusively revealed that documentary maker Zara would become the first ever Love Island contestant to appear on the BBC show.  

Bosses believed having her on the programme will attract more younger people to watch the show and give her the opportunity to further her career with the broadcaster.

However, it is unlikely that she will fall victim to the infamous Strictly curse because she is dating Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, 30, with whom she has starred alongside on the E4 show.

The influencer has a large social media following after rising to fame on Love Island in 2018 and competing on The X Factor: Celebrity the following year, performing for Simon Cowell on the ITV series.

 Zara's audience has since grown, with the star amassing over 1.7million followers, as she continues to team up with boyfriend and TV presenter Sam on TikTok and Instagram videos, which often feature the pair showcasing their dance moves.

Up until now, the BBC has not recruited anyone who has found fame on Love Island to compete for the Glitterball trophy, but they believe due to her focus on documentary making that Zara fits the bill.

Zara has fronted several documentaries for BBC Three including about her experience of revenge porn and the rise of eating disorders among teens, which are topics that resonate with her young fanbase. 

Loose Women star Sophie Morgan has also reportedly signed up, becoming the show's first ever wheelchair-using contestant.

While Angela Rippon, 79,  is set to be the oldest ever contestant following Johnny Ball's 2012 appearance aged 74.   

Last year's competition saw wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin win the show alongside professional dancer Jowita Przystal.