BBC Strictly Come Dancing host Fleur East announces new role away from show

Strictly: It Takes Two presenter Fleur East graced The One Show tonight to chat about her electrifying new gig beyond the dance programme.

On the BBC talk show this evening, sensation Fleur joined academic Professor Hannah Fry on the plush red sofa, where they engaged with hosts JB Gill and Alex Jones about their latest ventures.

Before diving into the exclusive scoop on Fleur's fresh career chapter, JB hinted: "Fleur will be announcing why she's about to take on the role of a lifetime, transforming into a rock and roll icon..."

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Subsequently, Fleur revealed the big news, expressing: "I'm really excited to announce I'll be playing Tina in The Tina Turner Musical on The West End."

JB lauded her casting, saying: "No one's better suited." While Alex chimed in with enthusiasm: "That is amazing news. It's been going for seven years and this is your first time doing a West End show, isn't it? How much did you know about Tina before accepting the role?"

Fleur shared: "So obviously for me, as a performer, Tina Turner has always been in my top five and I've channelled Tina over the years.

"But I didn't know much about her story and the challenges she faced.

"When I first went to see the musical with my husband I was taken aback by her resilience, her strength, and what a woman she was.

"And for me, that's what I connected with the most and I thought, what an honour to play such an incredible woman."

Fleur confessed to feeling a mix of "terrified" and "excited" about belting out the legendary track River Deep, Mountain High, however, she assured the interviewers that she was more than ready for the task, reports .

Questioned whether this felt like coming full circle after having sung a Tina Turner tune 11 years ago on The , followed by a tribute performance on Strictly, Fleur reflected: "I feel like, without knowing, Tina Turner has always been with me."

She continued: "I love it and it's just honestly such an honour to be able to play Tina Turner and, as a performer as well, it brings me back to my first love which is music, and I've always loved to sing. So, I'm very grateful."

Fans can catch Fleur in The Tina Turner Musical from June 24 to September 13 at the Aldwych Theatre in London.

The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.