Five-time Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds OBE, who has family in Aberdyfi and has regularly visited the village, will take part in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Ellie said: “Oh my gosh! I’m literally bursting with excitement! It’s been so hard keeping this secret as I’ve wanted to tell everyone.

“I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I’m absolutely petrified!

“To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.

“I’m counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It’s going to be a blast.

“I’ve been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it’s a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it’s a privilege to be part of it.”