YouTube star Saffron Barker confirmed as the fourth contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2019

YouTube star Saffron Barker is the fourth contestant joining Strictly Come Dancing 2019.

The news was announced by the BBC on Thursday morning. Speaking after the reveal, the 19-year-old said she was looking forward to "to just experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity." She said:

“I am really excited to go on the Strictly journey and am feeling very grateful for the opportunity! "I’m looking forward to learning all of the dances, finding out who my partner is, getting to wear the costumes and to just experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Saffron has over four million followers across her combined social channels and averaging 15 million views a month on her YouTube channels. In 2017 Saffron’s book, Saffron Barker Vs Real Life, reached number one on the Sunday Times bestsellers list and her popularity has also gained her three successful homeware ranges with Primark. It comes as the official Strictly Come Dancing Twitter account unveiled this season's first three celebs on Wednesday evening. Comedian Chris Ramsey, England football legend David James and EastEnders' Emma Barton will all be among those competing for the glitter ball trophy this year.

“You will not find me on the dance floor at parties, you will find me at the buffet table. All night. "At my wedding I danced with my wife; that one song took about six months practice, and I definitely stood on her feet a couple of times. So I’m looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people… there better be a buffet after the live shows.”

Meanwhile, James said he had "some big shoes to fill" as he was announced to be joining the series. He continued:

“I’m really excited to be on Strictly this year. Not just competing against this year's stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons."

And EastEnders' Emma Barton said she couldn't wait to go from Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor. She said:

“As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening. I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I've been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business. "So, I’m whipping off Honey's ‘Minute Mart’ tabard and diving right in to all the glitter and sparkle."