Pop star Louise Redknapp steps up as a dance judge

The wife of footballer Jamie Redknapp joins Nigel Lythgoe and Arlene Phillips on the BBC1 dancing competition.

The programme pits budding dance stars against each other as they battle it out for the chance to appear on the United States version of the show in Hollywood and pocket a 100,000 prize.

Each week, contestants will be challenged to perform a different dance style taught by a different choreographer and mentor.

Dancers will have to impress not only the judges but also the public, who will vote for their favourite dancers at the end of each show.

Redknapp has already judged auditions and "Choreography Camp", helping to select the 14 finalists.

She said: "I'm so excited about this opportunity. I went through similar dance training as a lot of the kids competing, so I know where they're coming from.

"The opportunity this show offers them is phenomenal, and I can't wait to be part of the live shows."

After starting her career with the 1990s chart-topping group Eternal, Redknapp embarked on a solo career before moving into television presenting.

Head judge Lythgoe said: "Louise joined us as a guest judge during the Manchester leg of the auditions, and we loved her – she brought something different to the panel and she had a great affinity with the kids up there dancing for their lives.

"When it came to thinking about the live shows, we kept coming back to Louise. She is perfect for the job."

Seven males and seven females made it through the auditions to be selected for the live shows.

The programme is launched today on BBC1 at 6pm. It follows the massive success of Strictly Come Dancing, whose format has been sold globally.