JAIME WINSTONE CREDITS TAYLOR SWIFT COMMENT WITH STRICTLY DECISION

Actor Jaime Winstone stated that a comment from Taylor Swift at a private birthday party convinced her to join the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing. Winstone said Swift approached her whilst she was dancing at the celebration and remarked on her dancing ability. Winstone described the encounter as "a very clear sign" that she should accept the BBC's invitation to participate in the programme. The actor is among 15 celebrities taking part in this year's series, which launches on 19 September.

Winstone told reporters she had received two signals encouraging her to sign up for the dance competition. The first was Madonna's new album track "Danceteria", which features lyrics about dancing, and which Winstone described as a personal sign given her status as a long-time Madonna fan. The second signal came at the birthday party of Poppy Delevingne, held in London in May, where Swift was present alongside her then-fiancé Travis Kelce and other guests including princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Winstone explained that her previous work had consisted largely of dramatic roles in which she played characters older than herself.

Winstone stated she viewed the Strictly opportunity as a chance to step into an unfamiliar territory and explore ballroom dancing. The series will also feature ex-Love Islander Dani Dyer, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and EastEnders actor Lacey Turner among its celebrity participants.