By Jessica Sansome

Copyright manchestereveningnews

One of the new Strictly Come Dancing stars had admitted they had ‘no idea’ how big the show really was as they revealed a ‘really weird’ rule for the show’s contestants. Ross King is among the 15 celebrities who are set to take part in the hit BBC One dance contest this year, with the coveted Glitterball trophy up for grabs once again. The new Strictly stars will be seen making their debuts in the famous ballroom this weekend, the launch show set to air on Saturday (September 20) from 6.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The pre-recorded launch show will see the famous faces – including Ross, Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, reality TV star Vicky Pattison, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis and Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen – meet their professional partner for the first time. There will also be a number of other Strictly treats and surprises, including a sizzling group routine from the show’s talented pros, before the first live show of the series airs the following week (September 27), with the new couples taking to the floor for their first dance and officially kickstarting the competition. Now, Ross has revealed that he didn’t actually realise how big Strictly really was before returning to the UK. The ITV star, best known for working on both ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles Correspondent, told the BBC: “I’m loving it. It’s just the silliest, most wonderful thing that I could ever get involved in.” He went on: “I had no idea until I flew in from LA just what a juggernaut of a show it is. It’s massive and you just don’t realise it until you become part of it.” Ross also admitted to feeling a bit daunted by the experience but says he was delighted to have been asked to take part. “I was incredibly excited but incredibly terrified,” he says. “I’ve never done a reality show but I’ve always said that if I did one this would be the one I’d want to do – because I’m getting older, the chance to learn a new skill and to learn with the best.” Meanwhile, Ross has also appeared on the podcast How To Be 60 with Kaye Adams and revealed what he’s found ‘really weird’ in his Strictly contract. “I mean, it’s really weird when they give you the contract and then it says minimum of four hours’ training, maximum of eight,” the 63-year-old revealed. Ross also discussed his training and said it is helping him in his attempts to boost his fitness. He shared: “I’ve started training, you know, trying to get fitter. Doing lots of walks, getting in the gym a little bit, swimming a little bit.”