Chris Evans has revealed that Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts is the ninth celebrity to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing.

The BBC Radio 2 DJ shared the news on his breakfast show earlier than planned after demand from fans.

He told listeners: “People are texting in saying ‘Can’t you tell us who the Strictly contestant is because we’re not going to be here when she comes on?’

“I said it was a she yesterday and it is a she. Well I could, I suppose, and just do it again. I don’t think anybody is going to mind.

“It’s Ashley Roberts. There you go. Just don’t tell anyone I told you, because our loyalty is to our listeners. So there you go.

“Don’t tell anyone, because the big reveal is coming up after 8am. You can’t get too much publicity, can you?”

The singer is due to appear on his radio show later in the morning to make the announcement that she is joining BBC One’s flagship entertainment show.

She joins previously announced contestants Dr Ranj Singh, Graeme Swann, Vick Hope, Joe Sugg, Danny John-Jules, Faye Tozer and Katie Piper.