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Strictly Come Dancing 2013: Countdown star Rachel Riley named as the third contestant

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Countdown star Rachel Riley has been revealed as the latest celebrity to join this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing. Rachel, who rose to fame after replacing Carol Vorderman on the game show in 2009, is set to join broadcaster Vanessa Feltz and golfer Tony Jacklin on the BBC ballroom show.Rachel, 27, announced that she was joining Strictly using Countdown's famous letterboard, spelling out the phrase "I am on Strictly". 

 
Rachel Riley

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"I can't wait @BBCStrictly!" tweeted Rachel. "Been getting tips from Strictly old boy @MarkFosterSwim this week, says I need more work!"Essex-born Rachel, who studied maths at Oxford, married her university sweeheart Jamie Gilbert on 11 August 2011.Amongst those in attendance at Rachel's Suffolk ceremony was her fellow Countdown presenter Nick Hewer who exclusively told HELLO! "Of course, Rachel is one of the most beautiful women in England.When you've got brains and beauty combined, then you've hit the jackpot – at least Mr Gilbert has." 

Rachel Riley

Radio 2 presenter Vanessa Feltz caused a stir on Thursday when she was the revealed herself to be the first celebrity to join Stricly's 11th series.

Other stars who are rumoured to be joining Vanessa, Tony and Rachel in the battle for Strictly's glitterball trophy include rugby player Ben Cohen, designer Julien Macdonald, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, model Abbey Clancy and Hairy Bikers cook Dave Myers.