Strictly Come Dancing fans were left scratching their heads when the BBC ballroom show made an announcement which saw a BBC social media account share a supposed new contestant for the 2022 series.
However, Strictly fans couldn't quite understand the new addition to the line-up, as the show’s Twitter account announced that character Nessa from Gavin & Stacey would be appearing on the dance show.
BBC Three posted: "Oh! What's occurring? Nessa is bringing Barry Island to the ballroom as the 20th celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly 2022."
The post included a picture of the no-nonsense character, who is played by Ruth Jones in Gavin & Stacey, against the Strictly backdrop. A number of Strictly fans quickly replied to the post, guessing it was a joke, but others were duped by the announcement and shared their excitement.
One follower wrote: "OMG, can't wait," while another enthused: "I mean that’s BLOODY AMAZING."
The BBC Three account later admitted the announcement had been a prank, not least because Nessa is a fictional character. Eager Strictly fans clicking on the link alongside the post to find out more about the 'signing' were taken to the iPlayer page for Gavin & Stacey, which was first broadcast by BBC Three.
The announcement also came after the full 15 celebrities competing in this year’s instalment of the ballroom dancing show had all already been announced. The channel later replied to its original tweet, tagging the official Strictly Come Dancing account as they wrote: "Sorry @bbcpress and @bbcstrictly our hand slipped."
One fan jokingly dubbed the stunt “cruel”, as Ruth Jones, who co-created and wrote Gavin & Stacey with James Corden, tweeted emojis of a laughing face, dancing woman and a disco ball.
The legitimate Strictly Come Dancing line up, which you can see in full here, includes soap stars James Bye, Kym Marsh and Will Mellor, plus singer Matt Goss and football legend Tony Adams. There will be some changes to this year's Strictly, with pro dancers Oti Mabuse and Aljaz Skorjanec quitting the show earlier this year. Aljaz's wife Janette Manrara will continue to host It Takes Two.
Following on from the two fan favourites' exits, the BBC show announced that four new professionals would be joining the show. European cup winner Vito Coppola , Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu , former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas will all be taking to the stage.
Meanwhile, Bruno Tonioli announced in May that he was leaving the show after 18 years as a judge on the panel. It came amid much speculation he wouldn't be back after being replaced by Anton Du Beke due Covid travelling constraints.
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