DERBYSHIRE actor Tom Chambers says competing in the new

series of Strictly Come Dancing is a dream come true – and has

even swapped his wedding date to take part.

The Holby City star will appear alongside celebrities such

as singer Rachel Stevens and rugby star Austin Healey on the

BBC1 show which airs on Saturday, September 20.

Mr Chambers said he would be putting all his effort into

winning the show for Derbyshire and has even had to change the

date he is to tie the knot with fiancee Claire so he is

available if he is still in the running.

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The 30-year-old, of Parwich, near Ashbourne, said: "Our

wedding was set for Saturday, October 18, but we've had to move

it to the next day because of the show.

"The clincher was her grandparents, I think.

"They are massive fans of the show and I'm getting a lot of

brownie points for going on.

"Claire wasn't thrilled at first but she is the most

understanding woman ever.

"All I have ever wanted to be is like Fred Astaire and Gene

Kelly so this opportunity is a dream come true for me.

"It is an absolutely massive show and I will be doing my

best to win it for everyone back home in Derbyshire."

The popular series, hosted by Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly,

is in its sixth year and Mr Chambers said he was keen to get on

the dance floor and show off his moves.

Last year singer Alesha Dixon won the Strictly crown.

This year's contestants include model Jodie Kidd, former

model Lisa Snowdon and former Eastenders actress, Gillian

Taylforth.

Among the men competing are former EastEnders actor Phil

Daniels, swimming champion Mark Foster and chef Gary

Rhodes.

Mr Chambers has been paired with Danish ballroom dancer

Camilla Dallerup, who reached the semi-final with the crowd

favourite, former Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones, in last

year's show.

Mr Chambers said: "She is fantastic and unbelievably

professional.

"The dancing is so technical but it is going well. It is

intense and at the moment I feel like I have been dropped into

an Army boot camp but I am going to give it my all.

"Rachel Stevens is looking sharp at the moment, but you

would expect that after her career with S Club 7. Lisa Snowdon

also looks as if she might have a few tricks up her sleeve.

"I am looking forward to the whole experience.

" At the very least I will learn some new dance skills for

the wedding."

Mr Chambers is a regular visitor to Derbyshire and presented

a trophy at the Evening Telegraph's Community Champions award

ceremony at Pride Park in April.

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