Irish social media host John Nellis set for

[Dominique Farrell]

Northern Ireland social media star John Nellis has been announced as the latest contestant to join the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Originally from Newcastle in County Down, he is one of Ireland and the UK's biggest football content creators, with a combined audience of more than 15 million followers on YouTube.

His videos have featured some of the biggest names in world sport, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo and, more recently, Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland – which amassed more than 13 million views on YouTube.

He said:

 

"I’m still in disbelief that I’ve been selected for Strictly and, if I’m honest, I’m a little nervous as I’ve never danced before.

"It’s such an incredible opportunity and I’m going to throw myself into every moment.

"I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it."

 

A post shared on the Strictly Come Dancing Instagram account revealed the news on Tuesday and said:

 

"Social media star John Nellis has kept his eye on the ball, now all eyes are on his fancy footwork. Welcome to Strictly, John!"

 

He left his job as an air traffic controller to pursue content creation full-time and since then has become one of the leading creators in sport, winning the sport creator of the year gong at the 2024 TikTok Awards for the UK and Ireland.

 

John Nellis joins actress Lacey Turner, TV personality Dani Dyer, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, hairstylist Chris Appleton, Love Island star Cach Mercer, TV presenter Will Best, Paralympic athlete Sarah Storey, actress Jaime Winstone, House Of The Dragon star Bethany Antonia, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, TV dog trainer Graeme Hall, Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb and Olympian Tabby Stoecker.

 

Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens on BBC One in September.

 

RTÉ Television.